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 is a place of purpose, filled with people determined to make a change in the world. We take a bold and distinctive place-based approach to addressing the complex and multi-dimensional problems facing humanity. Global Affairs are global concerns and problems - ones that need bold, interconnected approaches to realise global change.

Such creative solutions draw upon our core disciplines: History, International Relations, Languages and Cultures, Philosophy, Politics and Religious Studies. Our strength comes from our extensive external partnerships, from the local and regional to the national and international; these support our innovative research and in building our students’ career-readiness. Bringing these areas together helps our students, staff and partners envision a transformative, inclusive and equitable future.

About us

52 in the World for Arts and Humanities

Times Higher Education 2025

66 in the World (joint) for Modern Languages

QS World Rankings by subject 2025

UK Top 10

UK top 10 for French, German, Italian

Complete University Guide 2025

2nd

in the UK for Research Power for Politics

Research Excellence Framework (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 purposeful, ‘place-based’ approach to research and education. 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 nuclear power plants, renewable energy, military and security infrastructure - all within our corner of England.

North West England is a place of co-creation and innovation, one where we see aspects of the world in our place, and our place within the wider world. Our work emphasises this complex interconnectedness of space and of humanity; one that values a rich array of purpose and possibility.

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

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Latest News

Multicoloured fish from a Mahabharata Painting

Lancaster hosts British Association for South Asian Studies conference

More than 161 delegates from the UK and from across the subcontinent, Europe, Canada and the US are set to attend the British Association for South Asian Studies (BASAS) annual conference at Lancaster University next week.

A young person is pictured on a park bench sitting with their arms spread out across the seat back and taking in the seascape across the Bay in the wintery sunshine and blue sky

University project keeps young people’s ‘SeaSights’ firmly in focus

From coastal snow in Barrow to stunning sunsets in Morecambe, photographs taken by local young people capture the very essence of what is important about Bay life to a younger generation.

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.