Course Overview
This degree explores connections between political practice and theory and the state and society, using examples drawn from the most topical issues of global and local concern.
In your first year, our Politics and Governance in the Contemporary World course will introduce you to the core themes, concepts and events of Politics and International Relations. You will also be able to follow your own interests, choosing courses from two other departments.
You'll then move on to subjects such as International Relations and Security; Politics of Development, and The United Kingdom: State, Politics and Policy in your second year.
In your final year, you can develop your ideas on themes including Britain in the World; United States Foreign Policy since 1945, and Contemporary Issues in the Middle East.
Related Courses
Modules
Lancaster degree programmes are flexible, offering students the opportunity to cover a wide selection of subject areas to compliment their degree. The following is an example list of modules which our previous students have studied. For a full list contact the Politics, Philosophy and Religion department.
Year 1
- Politics and Governance in the Contemporary World
Year 2
- International Relations and Security
- Introduction to Peace Studies
- The United Kingdom: State, Politics and Policies
- The Politics of Development
Year 3
- Dissertation
- US Foreign Policy since 1945
- Politics of Global Danger
- Contemporary Issues in the Middle East
- Understanding External Intervention in Violent Conflicts
- Islamic Politics
- Africa and Global Politics
Year 4
- Reading Political Theory
- US Foreign Policy since 1945
- Contemporary Issues in Human Rights
- Data Analysis in the Social Sciences
Lancaster University offers the chance to follow a structured study programme or the option to devise a more flexible programme. We divide academic study into 2 sections - Part 1 (Year 1) and Part 2 (Year 2, 3 and sometimes 4). In Part 1 you will take three modules of study which, depending upon your programme, will be drawn from one, two or three different academic subjects, a higher degree of specialisation then develops in subsequent years. For more information about our teaching methods at Lancaster visit our Teaching and Learning section.
For further information about the department, staff and courses please visit the Politics, Philosophy and Religion department website.
Entry Criteria
A-level: AAB.
General Studies: Accepted as one of the 3 best grades, if 4 A-levels presented
Preference: A-levels
Key skills: Not included in offer
Scottish Highers: ABBBB
Irish Leaving Cert: Offers will be made on the basis of 5 or 6 Higher level subjects. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
International Bacc: 35 pts overall with 16 pts from the best three HL subjects.
BTEC: Overall grades of DDD/DDM
IELTS: 6.5
Careers
Many of our graduates use their skills in research, analysis and communication to follow careers directly related to Politics and International Relations, such as the Civil Service, government or public affairs. Graduates of Peace Studies and International Relations have also found their degree valuable for careers with international charities and other NGOs.
Studying abroad has helped Lancaster graduates show employers impartial judgement, flexibility and a detailed knowledge of international developments. Other graduates have used their degree as a foundation for careers in commerce, industry, accountancy, law, teaching, academic work, journalism or the armed forces. The intellectual and practical skills of peace-making give our graduates a good foundation for careers in mediation, social work, conflict resolution and human rights campaigning.
Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, but that you also graduate with relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.
Studying
Teaching and Learning Methods
At Lancaster we offer a broad range of learning environments designed to best support the requirements of your chosen degree programme. These may include lecture and tutorials, interactive workshops, laboratory sessions, other practical activities, student-led seminars and web-based elivery.
The modules which make up a programme of study are assessed using a variety of different methods, enabling students to demonstrate their capabilities in a range of ways. Typical coursework assignments include laboratory reports, essays, literature reviews, short tests, short and sharply focussed critical reports, poster sessions and oral presentations. Formal examinations include short answer questions, essays and data analysis. Multiple choice formats are also employed where appropriate. Students are supported in the production of final year project reports and dissertations. Details of the assessment methods for individual modules can be accessed via the university's online module catalogue.
In addition to these learning and teaching methods we encourage independent study, meaning you take responsibility for your own learning. For more information visit our Teaching Approach page.
Assessment Methods
We offer you a variety of stimulating and effective approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. This enables you and your tutors to explore the very latest thinking within your subject and develops your skills in problem solving, analysis and critical reflection, communication, application of knowledge and modern technologies.
As a University, we commit to providing all our undergraduates with a minimum number of contact hours per week, providing you with timely feedback on your work and a maximum number of 15 students per seminar group.
Funding
Lancaster University has committed £2.7m in scholarships and bursaries to help with your fees and living costs. Our financial support depends on your circumstances and how well you do in your A-levels (or equivalent academic qualifications) before starting study with us.
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. For students starting their study with us in 2013, over 600 each year will be entitled to bursaries and/or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses. For UK students entering in 2013 we will have the following financial support available:
- An Academic Scholarship of £2,000 for the first year of study to any student from the UK entering with A*, A*, A or equivalent academic qualifications
- An Access Scholarship of £1,000 per year for all UK students from households with an income of less than £42,600 who achieve grades of A*, A, A or the equivalent academic qualifications
- A Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 per annum for all students from England with a household income of more than £25,000 but less than £42,600
- As part of the National Scholarship Programme, a £1,000 Bursary, a £1,000 Fee Waiver and a £1,000 Accommodation Discount in the first year of study, for students from England with a household income of less than £25,000. Plus a Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 in subsequent years.
*All of the financial awards above are subject to approval by the Office for Fair Access July 2012.
For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page
View details of our current Undergraduate fees.
