Course summary

The interwoven nature of the relationship between politics and world affairs is fascinating and is at the centre of this degree programme. The course at Lancaster University is taught by lecturers who are passionate about their specialisms and bring their latest research and examples of the most topical issues into their teaching. The degree covers a very wide range of topics and, as you advance into years two to four, 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 and International Relations 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 two cornerstones of your first year are the core modules Politics in the Modern World and International Relations: Theory and Practice. Each of these introduces key themes, concepts and events that are central to the study of politics and international relations at university level. These include a balance of practice and theory, domestic and global, and state and society. You will be able to choose a third module from a range of subjects that complement your studies. In the second year and final years you will be able to choose from a broad range of options. 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 of a specific subject that interests you via the dissertation option. 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 three-year degree scheme and would complete your studies at Lancaster. Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of the year abroad.