Politics and International Relations Lancaster University

Today’s world is complex and fast-paced. Studying Politics and International Relations at Lancaster will give you the tools to understand the forces shaping the twenty-first century, and the political interactions that occur within and among nations. Our cutting-edge programme introduces you to the concepts, methods, and theories of politics and international relations, revealing how power is exercised, how policies are formed, and how decisions are made. As you become an expert in politics and international relations, how will you use your knowledge? What part might you play in responding to global challenges?

Why Lancaster?

• Join a degree like no other that combines domestic politics, global affairs, and international relations, giving you a well-rounded understanding of global issues

• Learn from a team of experts who work with UK local, regional, and national governments, make regular media appearances, and who shape the future of politics and international relations

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

• Learn how to tackle difficult questions with confidence, whilst building your skills in debating, presenting, and writing policy briefs

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

Ask the big questions

How will new patterns of migrations change politics within and between nations in the 21st century? How will AI and cyber technologies change the practice of politics, security, and war? How will Europe and America respond to the rise of China and the changing balance of global power?

When you study politics and international relations at Lancaster you will explore these questions and more. You will learn from world-leading specialists in the politics of the UK, Europe, America, Russia, Africa, India, China, and the Middle East. You’ll be exposed to ongoing debates in the fields of public policy, diplomacy and warfare, and directly engage with the strategic implications of rapidly advancing technologies. Overall, you will be trained to think about politics with a truly global mindset.

Going beyond the traditional study of politics and international relations, you will explore critical problems in depth, whilst gaining a comprehensive understanding of contemporary political debates and developments from top experts in the field.

Global challenges. Innovative solutions

You will gain a rigorous understanding of the theories and analytical methods used to research politics and international relations, while exploring your own regional and thematic interests. Our programme offers innovative perspectives on the most urgent challenges facing Britain and the world today such as climate change, social inequalities, cultural division, gender rights, immigration, and security. You’ll learn through real-life case studies and gain transferable skills by participating in innovative simulations and policy workshops, helping you develop creative ideas and solutions to global challenges.

Bringing together critical engagement with theory and cutting edge applied analytical research skills, you will learn to engage with these global challenges from many different perspectives, using your knowledge to develop innovative and sustainable solutions.

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.