Politics (Placement Year) Lancaster University

Politics affects all our lives. In this course we explore the many ways this happens. From social injustice, culture wars and climate change, to migration, crime, and declining trust in democracy. Our expert lecturers put problem-solving at the heart of your learning as you analyse the dynamics of power in modern societies. This is your call to get informed and prepare to make your mark as a future political innovator.

Why Lancaster?

• Benefit from expert-led teaching by academics who regularly collaborate with government bodies such as UK Parliament, on important issues such as racial injustice, voter rights, and migration

• Explore key themes from power and the state to domestic and comparative politics and policy making

• Network with external partners, policymakers, and guest speakers who can provide valuable insights into the key political issues of the moment

• Engage with local issues and politicians, find out what strategies and campaigns really work

• Join one of only 20 universities to offer a parliamentary studies module, run in conjunction with UK Parliament

• Take advantage of our annual internship opportunities, where you can work on live research projects with NGOs, think tanks and charities

• Be a part of the only university to offer a dedicated Politics Policy School with the HM Government Open Innovation team

Tackling real-world challenges

Does artificial intelligence and disinformation threaten democracy? Why do border controls fail? How do we combat social inequalities? And why do nation-states struggle to tackle climate change?

On this course you’ll engage in these debates and learn how you could make a positive difference in the world of politics and policymaking.

Politics shapes the societies we live in, influencing all aspects of life. It often refers to power struggles or competing interests, but its scope goes way beyond this. Our programme offers innovative perspectives on the most urgent challenges facing Britain and the world today. Increasingly politics centres on identity, culture, and values. Issues such as the environment, gender rights, immigration, and security defy traditional ideological boundaries, and there is a place for empowered individuals and communities to address these challenges.

Throughout the programme, you will dive into primary political themes, studying topics such as the politics of public policy, social change and inequalities, powers and the state, domestic and comparative politics. You will also explore the world of working in politics and how this might influence your future career.

This course goes beyond traditional politics. By exploring these critical problems in depth, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of contemporary political debates and developments from top experts in the field.

Assessing problems. Finding solutions

Studying politics at Lancaster will equip you with the essential practical, professional, and analytical skills for a successful career in both the private and the public sector. We put problem solving at the centre of our teaching, and our academics will support you in analysing the issues our societies are facing and help you develop innovative solutions to these problems.

You will learn through real-life case studies, exploring complex interconnected global problems and contemporary public policy challenges. Our specialised career-boosting modules will teach you vital data analysis skills, consideration of differing players and perspectives, and impact evaluation of potential solutions.

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

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.