School of Global Affairs

For equitable, ethical and sustainable futures

Group side silhouette men and women of different culture

Welcome

The Lancaster School of Global Affairs takes a bold and distinctive place-based approach to addressing the complex and multi-dimensional problems facing humanity. Our strength comes from our multidisciplinarity approach, knowing that creative solutions to these problems will draw upon on our core disciplines: History, International Relations, Languages and Cultures, Philosophy, Politics and Religious Studies. Bringing these areas together helps our students, staff and partners envision a transformative, inclusive and equitable future.

About us

52 in the World

Arts and Humanities

Times Higher Education 2025

66 in the World (joint)

Modern Languages

QS World Rankings by subject 2025

UK Top 10

French, German, Italian

Complete University Guide 2025

2nd

in the UK for Research Power

Politics

REF 2021

Ocean justice: Championing fair and inclusive blue economy

Lancaster researchers attending the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) champion a fair and inclusive blue economy that promotes justice for all.

Researchers to champion ‘ocean justice’ at UN Conference

Mui Ne fishing village in sunset sky with hundreds of boats anchored

Disciplines

A place of distinction

The Lancaster School of Global Affairs has developed a ‘place-based’ approach to research and education. We see aspects of the world in our place, not as a Laboratory but as a place of co-creation and innovation. What does this mean?

This approach places an emphasis on understanding and addressing the unique social, economic, cultural, and environmental characteristics and challenges of England’s North West. We have fine castles, the world-famous Lake District and other beautiful preserved landscapes.

We also have rising seas, changing climate, nuclear and post-nuclear landscapes, coastal communities and poverty, historical and contemporary prosperity, post-industrial environments, conflict over land – between farming and conservation – governance, and big tech and innovation.

Local focus:  Research and interventions are tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of the North West to address distinct issues and opportunities.
Community involvement: Engaging local communities and stakeholders is central. This involvement ensures that research and solutions are informed by the lived experiences, knowledge, and priorities of the people in the area. Working with real people enhances our learning and research – seeing the role of complexity, history and compromise in finding future-oriented solutions.
Long-term commitment: We have a sustained commitment to the North West, not only through formal agreements but through spirit and ethos which has led to deeper understanding and stronger relationships.
Policy and practice integration: The findings from place-based research readily inform local and national policies, as well as practical interventions, ensuring that strategies are relevant and effective in the local context.
Equity and inclusion: Our approach aims to address inequalities by focusing on areas that may be underserved or marginalised. We work for fair and inclusive outcomes.

Wastwater in the lake district, view of still lake surrounded by mountains

Work with us

Together with our partners, we work to address global challenges in healthcare, environment, technology, social justice and human rights.

Get involved

diverse coloured ropes connected together

Latest News

The Ancient India, Living Traditions Exhibition at The British Museum

Ancient India, Living Traditions: an earnest effort to show how the art of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism is sacred and personal

In an article for The Conversation, Professor Ram Prasad explores The British Museum’s Ancient India, Living Traditions exhibition, bringing together exhibits on the sacred art of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Gazian mother holding her malnourished son at a school in Gaza City where they were sheltering in July.

Gaza is starving – how Israel’s allies can go beyond words and take meaningful action

In an article for The Conversation, Professor Simon Mabon discusses the growing number of Gazans affected by hunger and malnutrition, as the Israeli military operations continue.

Image shows a large red and white ship against an white icy backdrop and blue seas

Lancaster Professor informs Government on climate change effects on maritime security

A report and toolkit, raising awareness and understanding of the cumulative effects of climate change on maritime (in)security, were recently presented across the whole-of-government at a seminar in London and a workshop at Lancaster University.

Muyiwa Oki with the Chancellor the Rt Hon Alan Milburn

Honorary degree for the President of the Royal Institute of British Architects

Muyiwa Oki has been awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Science at the July graduation ceremonies.

The flags of the BRICS nations with a pair of scissors and a US dollar

Is the Brics group irrelevant?

The Brics group of nations has just concluded its 17th annual summit in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro and Amalendu Misra, Professor of International Politics at Lancaster University, describes the summit as ‘a lack lustre affair.’

Missing from the summit was China's Xi Jinping, Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, attended virtually and despite member states adopting a long list of commitments, the summit was fractured by conflict and contradiction.

The Union Flag of the United Kingdom with a banner saying Immigration, a rucksack and a pair of blue training shoes

Will Keir Starmer's proposals to reduce net migration to the UK pay off?

If Labour's policy on immigration is successful it will come at a high cost for the country says Dr Erica Consterdine Senior Lecturer in Public Policy at Lancaster University.

In an article in The Conversation she argues that Keir Starmer's restrictive proposals will have consequences for the higher education and social care sectors and may lead to higher levels of irregular migration.