Economics, Politics and International Relations BA Hons

At Lancaster, this degree is about far more than lectures and textbooks. You’ll be challenged to put ideas into practice, work with real data, and get a taste of the professional world while you study. From specialist labs to career-focused placements, the program is designed to give you the kind of experience employers are looking for.

Here are some of the ways you’ll gain hands-on learning during the course:

• Real data projects – apply your econometrics and politics skills to real-world datasets, testing theories and exploring the kind of evidence policymakers use.

• Placement opportunities – if you choose the industry pathway, you can spend a year working in government, finance, non-profits, or international organisations—building experience and contacts before you graduate.

• LExEL experimental lab – Lancaster’s Economics Department runs a modern lab for behavioural and experimental economics, where students can get involved in experiments on decision-making and incentives.

• Career training built into the course – from CV writing to mock assessment centres, you’ll practise the skills that make you stand out in applications and interviews.

• Research connections – benefit from centres like the Cultural Political Economy Research Centre (CPERC), which links economic and political study to global challenges.

• World-class library and digital resources – access everything you need for independent research, from economic data archives to international political analysis.

• Internships and industry projects – many students secure paid work experience through Lancaster’s career service and program partnerships, giving them an extra edge in the job market.

Graduating from this degree opens doors to a wide range of careers where you can put your skills to work in the real world. Many students go on to become policy analysts, consultants, civil service professionals, or work with international organisations tackling global challenges. What makes Lancaster stand out is how much support you get in shaping your future:

• You’ll have access to specialist careers coaches and regular workshops on CVs, interviews and assessment centres, plus careers fairs that bring major employers onto campus.

• Lancaster graduates from this course have landed roles at places like HM Treasury, the Department of Health and Social Care, Ofwat, RSM, Teach First, and the Financial Conduct Authority.

• Graduate outcomes are strong: around 77% of students are working within 15 months, while another 11% go on to further study. Only a small proportion are unemployed, showing how well this program prepares you for the job market.

• The majority step straight into graduate-level professional jobs, from finance and consultancy to government and policy.

• You can also build up your CV while at Lancaster through the Lancaster Award, which recognises volunteering, part-time work, internships, and society involvement—making your achievements stand out to employers.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue studying, Lancaster offers excellent postgraduate routes. Many students go on to pursue a master’s degree in Economics, International Relations, Public Policy, or Development Studies, which can lead to careers in research, advanced policy roles, or even academia.