Economics, Politics and International Relations (Industry)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Lancaster University

Program Overview

If you’re someone who’s curious about how the world really works — from financial systems and government decisions to global conflicts and international cooperation — this degree brings all of it together in one exciting pathway. The added industry placement means you won’t just learn about the world; you’ll step into it, gaining hands-on experience that puts you ahead when applying for future roles.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year is all about building a solid foundation across all three subjects. You’ll explore Foundations of Macroeconomics and Foundations of Microeconomics to understand how economies grow, shrink and respond to global events. Alongside this, modules like Global Challenges in World Politics and Political Theory in a Troubled World help you make sense of the political issues shaping today’s headlines. You’ll also work on Quantitative Methods for Economics and Professional Development for Economics so you can start thinking like a future economist or policy professional.

Year 2

In your second year, the programme becomes more analytical and more global in perspective. You’ll dive into Intermediate Microeconomics and Intermediate Macroeconomics, strengthening your ability to interpret trends, crises and economic policies. At the same time, modules like Politics of the Global South open your eyes to how power, development and inequality shape international relations. You’ll also choose from a wide range of optional modules, letting you steer your degree toward trade, development, public policy, security, or diplomacy — depending on where you want your career to go.

Year 3 — Industry Placement

This is where the degree really comes alive. You’ll spend a full year working in a professional organisation — it could be a multinational company, a government department, an NGO, or a research centre. During this year, you get to apply all your academic learning to real-world challenges, build valuable networks, and return with a clearer sense of direction. Lancaster’s careers team supports you throughout the process to help you secure a meaningful placement.

Year 4

Returning to campus with industry experience behind you, you’ll study more advanced modules such as Public Policy Analysis, Current Issues in Economics, Security, Strategy and Technology, International Trade and Business, or The Politics of Borders and Migration. This year is about sharpening your expertise, exploring current global issues more deeply, and preparing for life after graduation — whether that means further study or stepping directly into a professional role.

Focus Areas

Economics • Global politics • International relations • Public policy • International trade • Security • Industrial work experience

Learning Outcomes

A strong, data-driven understanding of economics and global politics, the ability to analyse international events and policy decisions, and the confidence to work professionally thanks to a full-year industry placement.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Although this programme is not tied to a single accreditation body, the dedicated industry placement year is built specifically to enhance professional readiness and employability.

Reputation & Rankings

Lancaster is consistently ranked among the UK’s top universities:

8th for Graduate Prospects (Economics) – Guardian University Guide 2026
13th for Economics – Guardian University Guide 2026
16th for Economics – The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the best things about studying Economics, Politics and International Relations at Lancaster is how quickly your learning becomes real. This degree isn’t just about theories—it's about stepping into the world, testing your ideas, and building the confidence that only hands-on experience can give you. With a full year spent working in industry, plus interactive teaching and support from career specialists, you’ll graduate not only with knowledge, but with the practical skills employers value.

To give you a clear sense of what you’ll get, here’s how Lancaster brings learning to life:

A full third-year industry placement, where you’ll spend an entire year working in a real organisation—this could be a company, a government department, or an NGO. It’s one of the most powerful ways to grow professionally, make connections, and discover what kind of career truly fits you.
Dedicated careers coaching built into the programme, helping you prepare your CV, practise interviews, and secure your placement. Lancaster’s support continues throughout the year so you always feel guided.
Work-based learning and external placements available through Lancaster’s Richardson Institute, giving you the chance to contribute to real research or policy-related projects for charities, think-tanks, or community organisations.
Interactive learning methods such as simulations, group projects, debates, and case-study based teaching—especially within the politics and international relations modules—so you can practise thinking like a policymaker or analyst, not just learning like a student.
Flexible optional modules that allow you to tailor your degree towards international development, global security, public policy, or international trade—letting you shape your learning around the career direction you want.

Progression & Future Opportunities

When you graduate from this degree, you’ll be stepping into the world with a powerful combination of analytical, political, and global insight — plus a full year of real industry experience on your CV. This mix makes Lancaster graduates attractive to employers in government, corporate sectors, NGOs, and international organisations. Typical graduate roles include Policy Analyst, Economic Consultant, International Development Officer, or Public Sector Researcher.

To help you get there, Lancaster gives you strong, practical support throughout your journey:

Specialist careers education embedded into your degree, offering personalised guidance, CV building, placement preparation, and interview coaching — so you feel confident at every stage.
A full third-year industry placement, with students previously gaining experience in respected organisations across government, finance, public services and consultancy.
Strong employer engagement, with regular visits from graduate recruiters and major employers who come directly to campus — giving you networking opportunities long before graduation.
A degree with long-term value: the industry placement strengthens your employability, helping you transition smoothly into professional roles with solid experience behind you.
You finish your studies with a well-recognised BA, practical work experience, and a broad academic foundation that opens doors across public policy, business, and global affairs.

Further Academic Progression:

If you choose to continue your studies, this programme sets you up perfectly for postgraduate pathways. Many students go on to master’s degrees in Economics, International Relations, Public Policy, Development Studies, or Global Security, either at Lancaster or other top universities. Your placement year gives you an added advantage when applying for competitive postgraduate programmes and research opportunities.