International Relations (Placement Year) Lancaster University

International Relations at Lancaster equips students with a unique understanding of global dynamics and the analytical tools necessary to navigate complex international issues. You will explore global challenges, foreign policy, security threats, and international cooperation and rivalry, while developing critical thinking skills, practical expertise, and the ability to evaluate different perspectives on contemporary global events.

Guided by academics who shape national and international policy, you’ll emerge inspired and confident to tackle the challenges of our times.

Why Lancaster?

• Be inspired by influential academics who shape policy at local and global levels, helping you gain a comprehensive understanding of international relations from an expert perspective

• Apply for one of our annual internships, giving you the chance to work with external organisations on live projects

• Develop a critical insight into an ever-changing global landscape and the complexities of diplomacy

• Learn how to ask difficult questions with confidence, whilst building on transferable skills such as debating, presentation skills, and writing policy briefs

Tackling the big questions

How do AI and cyber technologies change our understanding of politics, security and war? How are emerging powers altering the global order? Can international institutions address global poverty and environmental crises? How is the continued rise of China reshaping the global balance of power? Is the Global South an invention of the North?

Taught by influential, inspiring academics who shape policy at global and local levels, International Relations at Lancaster will give you the skills necessary to address these questions and tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our times. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of contemporary international relations from top experts in the field, and acquire the necessary skills for a career in local and international politics.

A global perspective

Renowned for our critical thinking in the arts, humanities and social sciences, International Relations at Lancaster offers a unique blend of intellectual depth across a range of disciplines, and real-world application. This course will explore the interconnectedness of global and local issues, enabling you to understand the broader context of political events.

You will cover key themes such as:

• Global governance and international institutions: Evaluating the effectiveness of organisations in addressing global challenges, such as the regulation of AI

• Environmental challenges and sustainability: Tackling the urgent issue of climate change, resource scarcity, and sustainable development

• War, (in)security, and conflict: Analysing the dynamics of contemporary conflicts, the evolving nature of warfare, and challenges to international security

• Cyber threats and disinformation: Analysing the challenges posed by cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns, and the erosion of trust in digital information

• A changing global order: Exploring the rise of new powers, the decline of the old guard, and the implications for global governance

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.

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

ABB

Access to HE Diploma

30 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 15 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

DDM

BTEC in combination with A levels

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

International Baccalaureate

32 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

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.