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Politics, Philosophy and Religion

Our department brings together political science, international relations, philosophy, and religious studies. Alongside strengths in each discipline, many staff combine two or more areas in their teaching and scholarship.

Undergraduate Study

Our degree programmes develop your understanding of politics, international relations, philosophical ideas, and religion traditions. You can study most of these subjects on their own, reflecting the department's disciplinary expertise. We also offer a range of joint degrees, including "Philosophy, Politics & Economics" and "Politics, Religion & Values," reflecting the department's unique interdisciplinary strengths.

Politics and International Relations

War and peace, poverty and justice, democracy and authoritarianism – our lives are shaped by politics, and relations between states shape our globe. Our degrees enable you to understand and analyse these forces. We also offer several joint degrees, combining politics and international relations with other disciplines.

Philosophy

Philosophy addresses questions that human beings have always asked, though they may not have final answers. It asks about the limits of human knowledge, the nature of existence, values and morality. Philosophy also combines well with other academic disciplines, and we offer a wide range of joint degrees.

Politics, Religion and Values

Politics and religion are both about values. Peace is an essential value. Yet disputes about values can be major sources of conflict. The new BA (Hons) Politics, Religion and Values programme reflects the special interdisciplinary strengths of our department.

Philosophy, Politics and Economics

PPE explores the events and ideas that make up our world today. It combines key areas of economics, analysis of political structures, and philosophical argument. The degree is challenging, flexible and rewarding.

Postgraduate Study

We offer a range of postgraduate taught programmes, including MA degrees in our core subject areas of Politics, International Relations, Philosophy and Religious Studies. In addition, we offer several Distance Learning programmes, especially in Diplomacy and International Relations, as well as Postgraduate Certificates in Religious Studies and Quaker Studies. Postgraduates play a full part in our vibrant intellectual community, with opportunities to engage with both undergraduates and academic staff.

Masters Study

PhD Study

Postgraduate Distance Learning

Research

The department is home to internationally recognised research in politics, philosophy and religious studies. The Department was ranked third in its field in the 2014 UK Research Excellence Framework, while we await results of the 2020 REF. Areas of strength include religion, values and society; political theory and contemporary ethical debates; religion and conflict; and international relations and security. The department is also home to several research centres, including the Richardson Institute on peace and conflict.

Research

Research Centres

Research Excellence Framework

News

Percy Lee and Josh Leung outside the City Museum holding Chinese calligraphy artwork

Lancaster graduates ensure Chinese New Year roars into City

Lancaster’s Chinese New Year Festival, organised by two Lancaster University graduates, is set to be a roaring success as the city celebrates the Year of the Tiger on February 5 and 6.
Human genetics concept. Shiny DNA helix in a hand over dark blue background, collage

The Future of Human Reproduction: Where will tomorrow’s babies come from?

A Lancaster University interdisciplinary research team has been awarded £1 million to investigate conceptual challenges raised by the future of human reproduction.
Fishermen leaving port for a long day out at sea fishing - represents this issue of climate change => poverty => overfishing,

Lancaster University academic helps shape future of EU maritime security strategy

The links between climate change and maritime security have been flagged up by a Lancaster University expert at a meeting of the EU Council’s working group on maritime security.
The Rev Anderson Jeremiah (right) with the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Julian Henderson.

Church honour for Lancaster University lecturer

A Lancaster University Senior Lecturer has been installed as an Honorary Canon and Canon Theologian at Blackburn Cathedral.

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Forthcoming Events

On
Now

A webinar Series - Power in the Church of England

Thursday 11 November 2021, 2:00pm to Thursday 10 March 2022, 9:00pm
24th Feb

Motherhood & voluntary childlessness in contemporary Christianity

Thursday 24 February 2022, 6:30pm to 8:00pm

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