International Relations (Study Abroad)

BA Hons

  • UCAS code 6T92
  • Entry year 2025
  • A level requirements ABB
  • Duration Full time 4 years

We welcome applications from the United States of America

We've put together information and resources to guide your application journey as a student from the United States of America.

Overview

Top reasons to study with us

  • 2nd in the UK for Research Power in the Research Excellence Framework (2021) for Politics

  • Study abroad and placement opportunities

  • Connect with experts in global politics

Why Lancaster?

  • Untangle the complex issues facing the world, from the food crisis to rising energy costs
  • Develop a sophisticated understanding of the world, by joining a department unlike any other in the UK, which combines politics, philosophy and religion
  • Learn from our British, Russian, and Middle Eastern politics experts – their research reflects what’s happening in the world right now
  • Hone your debating skills and your ability to make a compelling case
  • Boost your job prospects, extend your knowledge and make professional contacts with an internship

How do religious beliefs influence politics? What is the best way to approach international crises? Is it possible to create a more peaceful world? Explore these questions and more as you develop the skills that will make you stand out.

How the world works

Human rights. Violence. Security. Make sense of the modern challenges nations face and the powers and limits of the decision makers at the fore of international politics. Studying with us, you’ll examine the concepts and debates at the heart of international politics and look closely at the inner workings of national and international institutions.

This course is run by our Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion, which combines three key disciplines and is the only one of its kind in the UK. You’ll take part in discussions about the latest world events while learning from experts in British, Russian, and Middle Eastern politics.

We regularly invite guest speakers to debate topical issues of major importance. For example, two recent events where students and staff discussed the challenges and ramifications of the war in Ukraine with external speakers.

Discover your interests

Throughout the course, you’ll get the chance to shape your study with optional modules. Perhaps you’ll look at security and sustainability. Or maybe you’ll focus on the politics of a particular country like Russia or China. Whatever you pick, you’ll be taught by experts in that area and explore key political areas.

You’ll have the option to write a dissertation in your final year. This piece of work will be supervised by an academic staff member. You can turn to them for support throughout the whole process, from choosing your topic to carrying out your research and writing it up.

A lively department

Several staff are involved in national and international advisory groups and our students benefit from these connections. We have events such as conferences, talks and seminars taking place throughout the year.

Our students take part in the many clubs and societies that are supported by Lancaster University Student’s Union. There are many international societies representing different countries, as well as the Politics Society (which is independent of any particular political leaning), societies for all main UK political parties, debating society, InterVol and many more. There are regular events, debates, trips and high profile visiting speakers, which provide numerous ways to get involved and meet other students who share your interests.

Careers

You’ll find our students working in a very wide range of rewarding careers including in British politics, in departments such as the Foreign Office. Further study is the next step for others and many of our graduates go on to do a Master’s or PhD.

The Richardson Institute for Peace Studies is a highly-regarded research centre that works with a host of interesting partner organisations doing exciting work on peace and conflict around the world. Our students can apply for an internship with the Institute and can gain valuable experience and contacts.

After graduating from our course, you’ll be a great match for roles in:

  • Corporate planning
  • Politics and government
  • Civil and diplomatic services
  • International charities and non-government organisations
  • Charities
  • Business
  • Teaching
  • Journalism
  • Business management and consultancy

Find out more about the support the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion offers to improve your employability, and learn about the careers of some of our alumni.

Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, but that you also graduate with relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.

Entry requirements

Grade Requirements

A Level ABB

IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. For other English language qualifications we accept, please see our English language requirements webpages.

Other Qualifications

International Baccalaureate 32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects.

BTEC Distinction, Distinction, Merit

We welcome applications from students with a range of alternative UK and international qualifications, including combinations of qualification. Further guidance on admission to the University, including other qualifications that we accept, frequently asked questions and information on applying, can be found on our general admissions webpages.

Contact Admissions Team + 44 (0) 1524 592028 or via ugadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

International foundation programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored foundation pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Contextual admissions

Contextual admissions could help you gain a place at university if you have faced additional challenges during your education which might have impacted your results. Visit our contextual admissions page to find out about how this works and whether you could be eligible.

Course structure

Lancaster University offers a range of programmes, some of which follow a structured study programme, and some which offer the chance for you to devise a more flexible programme to complement your main specialism.

Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, and the University will make every reasonable effort to offer modules as advertised. In some cases changes may be necessary and may result in some combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.

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Optional

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Fees and funding

Our annual tuition fee is set for a 12-month session, starting in the October of your year of study.

We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2025/26 home undergraduate entry fees have not yet been set.

Home International
TBC £24,700

Fees and funding information

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Scholarships and bursaries

You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status:

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.

Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.

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