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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Lancaster University
Lancaster’s International Relations (Placement Year) BA Hons gives you the perfect mix of theory and real-world experience. It’s ideal for students who are curious about global politics and want to understand how governments, international organizations, and communities interact, while also gaining hands-on experience through a year-long placement.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in international relations. You’ll explore how global governance works, the politics behind environmental challenges, and the causes and consequences of war and security issues. Core modules include Introduction to International Relations, Global Environmental Politics, and War, Security and Conflict, which will help you develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
Year 2:
Your second year takes you deeper into international politics. You’ll study international institutions, diplomacy, and regional conflicts, gaining a more detailed understanding of the global political landscape. Modules like International Political Economy, Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, and Regional Conflicts and Security will challenge you to connect theory with current world events.
Year 3 (Placement Year):
This is your opportunity to step outside the classroom. You’ll spend a full year on placement, applying what you’ve learned in a real-world setting. Whether it’s working with an international organization, NGO, or government body, this experience strengthens your skills, boosts your CV, and gives you a taste of professional life in international relations.
Year 4:
In your final year, you’ll focus on advanced and contemporary issues in global politics, like cybersecurity, human rights, and the influence of emerging technologies. Modules such as Cybersecurity and International Relations, Human Rights and Global Justice, and Emerging Technologies and Global Security prepare you for careers in diplomacy, policy analysis, or global advocacy.
Focus Areas
Global governance, environmental politics, security studies, international institutions, diplomacy, regional conflicts, human rights, cybersecurity, emerging technologies.
Learning Outcomes
You’ll develop critical thinking skills to analyze global politics, understand how international institutions work, assess security challenges, gain professional experience through your placement, and build skills that are directly relevant to a career in international relations.
Professional Alignment
The program is designed to give you practical experience and professional skills that align with careers in international organizations, diplomacy, NGOs, and policy analysis.
Reputation
Lancaster University is well-regarded for research and teaching in social sciences. Its Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion is unique in the UK, offering a broad perspective on global affairs. The placement year makes this program particularly appealing to employers looking for graduates with both academic knowledge and real-world experience.
At Lancaster, you don’t just learn about global politics in the classroom — you get to experience it firsthand. The program is designed to give you practical skills that employers value, from hands-on research to professional placements, while using modern facilities and digital tools that make learning interactive and engaging. Through real-world projects, group work, and a dedicated placement year, you’ll gain insights into how international organizations, NGOs, and governments actually operate.
Here are some of the practical experiences and facilities you’ll have access to:
Placement Year: A full year working with organizations such as NGOs, think tanks, charities, or faith-based groups, letting you apply what you’ve learned in a professional environment.
Richardson Institute for Peace Studies: Opportunities to take part in research projects or internships focused on peace and conflict studies.
Centre for War and Diplomacy: Access to resources and research projects on the history and practice of war and diplomacy.
Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion: A collaborative environment combining three disciplines, offering a broad perspective on international relations.
Modern Seminar and Collaborative Spaces: Rooms equipped with digital tools for group work, presentations, and interactive discussions.
Specialized Libraries: Extensive collections of political science, international relations, and historical texts to support your coursework and research.
Digital Tools and Software: Access to research and data analysis software to help you gather, interpret, and present findings effectively.
Field Trips and Study Abroad Options: Opportunities to experience international politics firsthand, enhancing your global understanding.
These experiences ensure that by the time you graduate, you’ll have not just knowledge, but the skills and confidence to make an impact in the world of international relations.
Graduates from Lancaster’s International Relations (Placement Year) BA Hons leave with a unique combination of academic knowledge and practical experience, making them ready to step confidently into the global workforce. Many alumni move into exciting roles such as policy analysts, diplomatic service officers, international development consultants, or NGO program coordinators. The placement year, combined with the university’s support services, gives students the skills and networks to hit the ground running:
Lancaster Award: A unique employability scheme that helps students develop skills through work experience, volunteering, and extracurricular activities.
Dedicated Careers Team: Offers tailored advice, workshops, and networking opportunities to guide students from university to professional life.
Global Placement Opportunities: The placement year allows students to work with NGOs, international organizations, and government bodies, building practical experience and professional networks.
Alumni Network: A global network of graduates provides mentorship, career guidance, and industry connections.
Graduate Outcomes: A high proportion of graduates find employment or continue their studies within six months, with competitive starting salaries across public, private, and non-profit sectors.
Employability Rankings: Lancaster University is known for strong graduate employability and satisfaction.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BA Hons, students can continue their studies with postgraduate programs to specialize further. Options at Lancaster include:
MA International Relations
MA International Development
MA Security and Strategy
These programs allow graduates to deepen their understanding of global issues, enhance research skills, and prepare for senior roles in diplomacy, policy, or academia.
IB - 32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjectsIELTS Academic (UKVI, other centres, Online, including IELTS One Skill Retake) - 6.5 overall with no less than 5.5 in each element.GCSE - No specific subject requirements; overall GCSE profile will be considered as part of the application.TOEFL iBT (including Home Edition) - 87 overall, with minimum scores of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 17 in speaking, and 20 in writing.India (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education – Standard XII) – Pass with 70–87% average from the best four subjects (excluding Hindi and PE), and English at 70% or above in Standard X.USA - High School Diploma (GPA 3.2–3.4) plus 3 APs (5,4,4–5,5,5), or Associate Degree (GPA 3.0–3.2); honours/college-level classes may be accepted case by case.Tuition Fees - Home & international students pay 20% of the standard fee for a Placement year.Policy AnalystDiplomatic Service OfficerInternational Development ConsultantNGO Program CoordinatorResearcher in think tanksHuman Rights OfficerIntelligence AnalystPublic Affairs SpecialistGlobal Communications ManagerGovernment AdvisorInternational Trade OfficerConflict Resolution SpecialistForeign Affairs AnalystSustainability and Environmental Policy AdvisorUN or NGO Project Manager
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