Course summary

From the politics of energy to climate change, the politics of migration to global pandemics, and democratic accountability to the politics of self-identity - questions of power, representation, and protest loom large. Traditional party politics creaks under the weight of social transformation, while long-standing left / right allegiances are challenged by the rise of populism, nationalist sentiment and multiculturalism. The study of Politics here at Lancaster examines the contemporary political processes, arguments and compromises through which these challenges are met, denied or avoided. Your studies at Lancaster will include analysis and exploration of UK domestic party-politics and policy, as well as the politics of nations such as the USA, China and Russia and regional contexts such as Latin America and the EU. The degree covers a very wide range of topics and, as you advance through the degree, 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 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 nature of our department. The cornerstone of your first year is the core module Politics in the Modern World which introduces key themes, concepts and events that are important in the study of modern politics at university level. This includes a balance of political practice and theories, in Britain and across the world. In the 21st century there is an increasing interdependence between national and global, which means that domestic politics and international relations can no longer be properly understood in isolation from one another. We therefore recommend that in the first year you choose the optional module International Relations: Theory and Practice to complement to the core Politics module. However, you also have the option to take an introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality. You will be able to choose a third module from a range of subjects that complement your studies. 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 on a specific political subject that interests you and can choose from a wide range of modules, such as Africa and Global Politics, Islamic Politics, and Contemporary Issues in Human Rights. 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.