Politics (Study Abroad)

BA Hons

  • UCAS Code L203
  • Entry Year 2023 or 2024
  • A Level Requirements ABB
  • Duration Full time 4 Years

Overview

Top reasons to study with us

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

  • Study abroad and placement opportunities

  • Study with experts in British, Russian, and Middle Eastern politics

From the politics of energy to climate change, the politics of migration to global pandemics, and democratic accountability to the politics of self-identity - questions of power, representation, and protest loom large. Traditional party politics creaks under the weight of social transformation, while long-standing left / right allegiances are challenged by the rise of populism, nationalist sentiment and multiculturalism.

The study of Politics here at Lancaster examines the contemporary political processes, arguments and compromises through which these challenges are met, denied or avoided. Your studies at Lancaster will include analysis and exploration of UK domestic party-politics and policy, as well as the politics of nations such as the USA, China and Russia and regional contexts such as Latin America and the EU.

You’ll learn about the theories, concepts and approaches through which politics is academically engaged and understood, as well as gaining applied knowledge of how politics takes place on the ground.

The degree covers a very wide range of topics and, as you advance through the degree, you increasingly have the opportunity to tailor the degree to your own interests by choosing from a wide range of modules. You will find that the core topics we offer are typical of most Politics degrees in the UK. An important difference however is that we also offer modules in many areas of specific and topical staff expertise concerning government and politics in Britain, Europe and the world, as well a range of other relevant optional modules due to the interdisciplinary (Politics, Philosophy and Religion) nature of our department.

The cornerstone of your first year is the core module Politics in the Modern World which introduces key themes, concepts and events that are important in the study of modern politics at university level. This includes a balance of political practice and theories, in Britain and across the world.

In the 21st century there is an increasing interdependence between national and global, which means that domestic politics and international relations can no longer be properly understood in isolation from one another. We therefore recommend that in the first year you choose the optional module International Relations: Theory and Practice to complement to the core Politics module. However, you also have the option to take an introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality. You will be able to choose a third module from a range of subjects that complement your studies.

The study abroad option is an exciting and informative experience for anyone who is thinking of working abroad during their career or who simply wants the experience of living and studying overseas as part of their degree. You will study in your third year at one of our international partner universities. This will help you to develop your global outlook, expand your professional network, and gain cultural and personal skills. During your year abroad, you will choose specialist modules relating to your degree as well as other modules from across the host university.

In your final year, you have the opportunity to undertake a sustained investigation on a specific political subject that interests you and can choose from a wide range of modules, such as Africa and Global Politics, Islamic Politics, and Contemporary Issues in Human Rights. The options available in any given year will vary depending on our latest research, student feedback and topical concerns. You will find further information about modules in the Course Structure section.

Lancaster University will make reasonable endeavours to place students at an approved overseas partner university that offers appropriate modules. Occasionally places overseas may not be available for all students who want to study abroad or the place at the partner university may be withdrawn if core modules are unavailable. If you are not offered a place to study overseas, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent standard 3-year degree scheme and would complete your studies at Lancaster.

Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of the year abroad.

Careers

A Politics degree provides you with the opportunity to develop knowledge and transferable skills relevant to a range of different future careers. As a graduate of Politics you may be interested in careers such as Teaching, Journalism, Corporate Planning, Civil Service, in International charities and in International business. We will help you determine your direction and aim to support you in getting there. We do this by offering subject-specific support from academic tutors and careers advisers.

We are home to the Richardson Institute, which undertakes peace and conflict research. In recent years, the Institute has offered around 60 internships per year for students to undertake research projects for external organisations. You can also apply for internships as part of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Internship Scheme. Past employers have included Carnegie Publishing, The Dukes Theatre, and the Ethical Consumer Research Association, with roles ranging from marketing and PR to specific research projects with heritage or humanitarian organisations.

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.

Core

Optional

Optional

Core

Optional

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 2023/24 are:

UK International
£9,250 £21,980

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.

A tour of the Campus

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Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2024/2025 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.