Philosophy, Politics and Economics (Placement Year) Lancaster University

People, ideas and finances shape our lives and societies. We’ll help you understand how that happens, unpicking the complexities and multiple perspectives behind today’s political and policy challenges. Whether you are passionate about a public-facing political career, or making your mark in professional civil service, international or charity roles, you’ll graduate as a versatile thinker and effective communicator ready to launch your career.

Why Lancaster?

• Study a prestigious degree that combines expertise in Politics and Philosophy, as well as the Department of Economics in our quadruple accredited Management School

• Gain a nuanced political understanding, engaging with economic models and debating key philosophical questions from around the world

• Learn from expert advisers who consult with local, national and international governments and parliament

• Develop the multidisciplinary mindset that is necessary to find solutions to pressing and complex real-world problems and exert leadership in the twenty-first century

• Tailor your degree according to your interests and ambitions through defined recommended pathways

• Take part in assessed simulations such as mock select committees, mock citizens assemblies and mock Prime Minister's Questions, to gain valuable real-world experience

• Stand out when you graduate via an internship with the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies in an NGO, think tank or charity

Multiple perspectives. Multiple solutions

Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Lancaster provides an in-depth, intensive grounding in each of its three disciplines for ambitious students. From day one, you will be trained to look at problems from multiple angles, to develop solutions, and to draw on insights and methods from all three fields.

You will engage with the pressing issues of today: How are societies and political institutions influenced by economic forces? What difference do ideas and ideologies make to public policy? How do international treaties and conflicts shape people’s lives? You will learn to ask difficult questions and shape possible solutions.

Inspired by experts

You will be taught by academics who are experts in their field. In Politics, our staff regularly collaborate with government bodies such as UK parliament on important issues such as racial injustice, voter rights, and migration.

Our Economics team have expertise in Environmental Economics, Behavioural Economics, Macroeconomics, Public Policy and Game Theory. And our Philosophy academics specialise in media ethics and regulation, educational policy, and reproductive rights and policy. You can be sure that your degree In Philosophy, Philosophy and Economics is informed by our subject expertise.

Putting this knowledge and skill set into practice, you will be supported in presenting your work across a range of mediums. You will learn through interactive and collaborative sessions such as policy labs, applied philosophical problem solving, economic games and simulations including mock select committees, and mock Prime Minister's Questions.

Building connections

We recognise how important connections are for your future career. Recent interactions include sessions directly taught by the Institute for Government (a think tank based in Westminster), a visit from the Speaker of the House of Commons and Several MPs, a visit to the Parliamentary estate and the chance to interact to with clerks of the House of Commons.

Your Placement Year

Sometimes known as a year in industry, your placement year will take place between your second and final year of study and this will extend your degree to four years. You'll spend your third year in a paid, graduate-level position, where you’ll work for between nine and twelve months in the type of role that you might be considering for after you graduate.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

AAB

Access to HE Diploma

36 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 9 Level 3 credits at Merit

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDD

BTEC in combination with A levels

A level at grade B plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade AB plus BTEC at D

International Baccalaureate

35 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Distinction overall

GCSE requirements

Mathematics grade 6/B, English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.