Politics and International Relations

BA Hons

  • UCAS code L250
  • Entry year 2024 or 2025
  • A level requirements ABB
  • Duration Full time 3 years

This course has Clearing vacancies for 2024

Apply now to make the most of your grades at a Top 10 UK university, with guaranteed accommodation in your first year.

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Overview

Top reasons to study with us

  • Study abroad and placement opportunities

  • Connect with experts in global politics

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

Why Lancaster?

  • Gain a sophisticated, interdisciplinary understanding of global issues by joining a department that combines politics, philosophy and religion – the only one of its kind in the UK
  • Choose a course designed to explore how global events shape national policies, and how the world responds to one nation’s actions
  • Hone your debating skills and your ability to make a compelling case
  • Hear from our experts on the latest world events and the findings from their research into British, Russian and Middle Eastern politics
  • Gain practical experience and boost your job prospects with an internship with our in-house Richardson Institute for Peace Studies

Explore the fascinating relationship between politics and world affairs. Our expert researchers will show you the ways global policymaking ripples around the globe and impacts on people and nations.

How policies are made

From day one, we’ll help you build the knowledge you need for the rest of your degree. This will include exploring everything from the key concepts and debates of modern politics, and the inner workings of national and international institutions.

As part of our Politics, Philosophy and Religion department, you’ll have a teaching team unlike any other in the UK. You’ll be the first to hear about the latest research carried out by our experts, and how it is used to inform policy setting both nationally and internationally. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to join fascinating events and get involved with modern political debates.

Applying your knowledge

You’ll have the option to research and write a dissertation in your final year. This will be a major piece of work based around your own interests. Tutors will help you at every step of the way, from choosing your topic to sending in your final paper. Previous topics have included ‘Diplomatic relations between Russia and Belarus’ and ‘Examining EU-Ukrainian-Russian relations (2004-2014)’.

Want to add experience to your CV? Apply for one of the internships offered every year by the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies, based in our department. These are research projects in external organisations such as NGOs, think tanks, charities and faith-based organisations.

A lively department

Several staff are involved in national and international advisory groups and our students benefit from these connections. We have extra-curricular 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 wide range of exciting roles including in British politics, in departments such as the Foreign Office. Further study is the next step for others with a number of our graduates going on to do a Master’s or PhD.

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
  • The Civil Service
  • 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

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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Fees and funding

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

Our Undergraduate Tuition Fees for 2024/25 are:

Home International
£9,250 £23,750

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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.

Undergraduate open days 2024

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