Economics, Politics and International Relations (Industry) BA Hons

At Lancaster, learning goes far beyond the classroom. This program gives you plenty of chances to put theory into practice, gain real-world experience, and build skills that employers really value. From a year-long industry placement to hands-on research opportunities, you'll be supported every step of the way to make sure your education is both meaningful and career-focused.

Here’s how you’ll get practical experience:

• Year-Long Industry Placement: Spend your third year working in a professional setting, applying what you’ve learned in real life. Previous students have taken placements in government, private companies, and NGOs, both in the UK and abroad, with support from Lancaster’s careers team to find the right opportunity.

• Richardson Institute Internships: Work on research projects focused on peace, conflict, and international issues. These competitive internships let you contribute to live projects for real-world organizations while building research and analytical skills.

• Faculty Internship Scheme: Take part in paid internships offered by Lancaster’s Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. Opportunities cover areas like public affairs, marketing, business development, and events—giving you professional experience alongside your studies.

• Study Abroad Opportunities: Expand your global perspective by spending a year at one of Lancaster’s partner universities abroad. Immerse yourself in a different culture while continuing your degree and gaining international insights.

• Access to Research Institutes: Collaborate with institutes like the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies, which leads cutting-edge research on human rights, conflict resolution, and transnational politics.

These opportunities are all designed to complement your academic learning and make sure you graduate with practical experience, professional skills, and a clear understanding of how your studies connect to the world beyond university.

Graduates from this program leave Lancaster ready to make an impact in the real world. Combining economics, politics, and international relations gives you a unique set of skills that employers value, opening doors to roles like policy analyst, international relations specialist, or economic advisor. Here’s how Lancaster helps you turn your degree into a career:

Career Opportunities:

• Policy Analyst: Work with government departments, think tanks, or international organizations to develop and evaluate policies.

• International Relations Specialist: Engage with organizations like the UN or EU, helping tackle global challenges.

• Economic Advisor: Provide insights and guidance to governments or NGOs on economic strategy.

• NGO Project Manager: Lead projects addressing social, economic, or environmental issues worldwide.

Support & Industry Connections:

• Careers Service: Lancaster’s dedicated careers team helps with CVs, interviews, and job searches, ensuring you’re ready to enter the workforce.

• Industry Placement Year: Gain a full year of real-world experience, making professional connections and applying what you’ve learned in a workplace setting.

• Richardson Institute Internships: Take part in research projects on peace, conflict, and international affairs, gaining hands-on experience.

• Study Abroad Opportunities: Spend time at a partner university overseas, broadening your perspective and global experience.

Graduate Outcomes:

• High Employability: Lancaster graduates consistently secure roles in public policy, international organizations, and NGOs.

• Competitive Starting Salaries: Graduates in policy, economics, and international relations roles often enjoy strong starting salaries.

Further Academic Progression:
After your BA, you can continue your studies with postgraduate degrees such as:

• Master’s in Public Policy – Dive deeper into policy-making and strategy.

• Master’s in International Relations – Explore global politics and diplomacy at an advanced level.

• Master’s in Economics – Specialize further in economic theory and practice.

• Master’s in Development Studies – Focus on solving global development challenges.

These options give you the chance to specialize even further, setting you up for a career that matches your passions and strengths.