Philosophy and Politics (Study Abroad) BA Hons

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Lancaster University

Program Overview

This four-year degree is designed for students who love exploring big ideas and want to understand how they shape the political world we live in — with the added advantage of studying abroad for a full year. You’ll learn to think critically, question assumptions and understand global political systems, all while gaining international experience that will enrich your perspective and your future career.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year introduces you to the foundations of both subjects. You’ll explore philosophical questions in Knowledge and Reality and Ethics, while political modules like Political Philosophy and Parties, Populism and Protest help you understand how societies are shaped by ideas, movements and institutions. It’s an inspiring start that builds your confidence in analysis, argumentation and communication.

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll deepen your understanding of how philosophical reasoning connects to real political systems. Modules such as Theories of Power and the State and Understanding Political Research help you analyse how power works in the world, while the Philosophy Guided Project lets you explore an idea or problem in more depth. This year strengthens your research abilities and helps you develop your own academic voice.

Year 3 – Study Abroad

Your third year is spent at one of Lancaster’s international partner universities. This is your chance to immerse yourself in a different culture, experience new teaching styles and explore specialist modules that aren’t available at home. By the end of the year, you’ll return with a broader worldview, stronger independence and an international edge that employers notice.

Year 4

In your final year, you’ll bring everything together. You can choose from advanced modules such as Politics of Policy, Philosophy, Politics & Economics: Issues & Intersections, or Philosophy of Mind, while also completing a dissertation or major project on a topic you’re passionate about. It’s a year that showcases your growth as a thinker and researcher.

Focus Areas

Learning Outcomes

Advanced analytical thinking, strong political and philosophical insight, cultural awareness, persuasive communication, and the ability to work independently on complex research questions.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While the degree isn’t linked to a single accreditation body, the combination of philosophy, politics and an international study year gives you a versatile and highly valued profile in government, NGOs, public service, global policy, research, media, and international organisations.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Lancaster consistently ranks among the UK’s top universities and is known for strong international opportunities — giving your degree additional credibility and global relevance.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

What makes this degree truly special is how much you get to experience philosophy and politics in action — not just read about them. From interactive political simulations to hands-on research opportunities, and of course an entire year abroad, you’ll develop real skills that help you understand how ideas shape the world. Lancaster’s strong academic facilities and global partnerships create an environment where you can explore big questions while building practical confidence.

To give you a feel for what this looks like, here are the real experiential opportunities built into the programme:

Here’s how you’ll learn through real-world experience:

Engaging political simulations — You’ll take part in mock Select Committees, Citizens’ Assemblies and Prime Minister’s Questions-style debates, giving you a front-row view of how political decisions are argued, negotiated and made.
A full year abroad — In your third year, you’ll study at one of Lancaster’s international partner universities. This experience allows you to explore new political systems, encounter different philosophical perspectives and grow your independence while living in a new culture.
Research opportunities with the Richardson Institute — You may have the chance to work on real projects connected to peace studies, conflict, human rights or global politics, helping you see how academic ideas influence practical work.
Workshops, digital projects and creative assessments — Throughout the degree, you’ll produce policy briefs, podcasts, blogs or reflective portfolios, using Lancaster’s excellent library, digital archives and learning tools to bring your ideas to life.
Collaborative learning environments — Group discussions, workshops and team-based tasks help you build confidence, communicate your ideas clearly and learn from different perspectives — all essential skills for future study or work.

Progression & Future Opportunities

By the time you finish this degree, you’ll have something incredibly powerful: strong analytical and communication skills, a deep understanding of how ideas shape political systems, and a full year of international experience. This combination opens doors to impactful roles such as Policy Analyst, Political Journalist, Research & Insights Officer, or Public Affairs Executive, where you can help shape conversations and influence change.

Lancaster makes sure you have all the support you need to move confidently into your next chapter:

Here’s how the university prepares you for life after graduation:

Personalised career support: Lancaster’s Careers & Employability service offers one-to-one guidance, help with CVs and interviews, networking workshops and employer events — and you can keep using their support even after you graduate.
Strong outcomes for social sciences students: Discover Uni data shows that Lancaster graduates in similar subjects often report earnings around £28,000 fifteen months after graduation, showing the value of the university’s training and reputation.
Meaningful industry and research links: Through opportunities like working with the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies, and collaborations with NGOs and policy organisations, you gain experience that helps you stand out in competitive fields.
Long-term flexibility and career value: While the programme doesn’t follow a formal accreditation route, the blend of philosophy, politics and international study gives you a versatile skill set that is valued across government, charities, media, consultancy and global organisations.
A strong graduate skillset: The course focuses on developing “highly employable skills in research and analysis,” helping you learn to interpret complex issues, communicate clearly and make informed judgments — all essential for your future career.

Further Academic Progression:

If you’re excited to continue your academic journey, this degree prepares you beautifully for postgraduate study in areas such as Public Policy, International Relations, Political Economy, Social Justice, Conflict Studies, Philosophy, or even a PhD. Your year abroad and strong research training give you a strong foundation for advanced study both in the UK and internationally.