Course summary

Lancaster’s History and International Relations degree is taught jointly between our Department of History and the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion. It gives you the opportunity to build an in-depth knowledge of both subjects, learning from scholars in the field. Your degree scheme concentrates on the history of international politics since 1780 and introduces you to various theoretical understandings of the modern world. You will be given the opportunity to develop a stronger understanding of the influence of History and International Relations on each other, while engaging with topics such as diplomacy, terrorism, religious conflict and human rights. Beginning with modules including From the Medieval to the Modern: History and Historians and Politics in the Modern World, you will move on to modules such as Peace Studies in Action, and International Relations, Security and Sustainability in your second year. 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. You will complete your degree following final-year modules that include the Politics of Global Danger; Britain in the World, Africa and Global Politics, and Islamic Politics. 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overseas may not be available for all students who want to study abroad or the place at the partner university may be withdrawn if core modules are unavailable.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 3-year degree scheme and would complete your studies at Lancaster. Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of the year abroad.