International Relations BA Hons

At Lancaster University, studying International Relations isn’t just about reading textbooks — it’s about experiencing the world in action. You’ll gain hands-on skills through a range of practical opportunities, using the university’s dedicated facilities and connecting with real-world global issues. From research centers to international field trips, you’ll get a chance to put theory into practice and see how politics, security, and global governance play out in reality.

Here’s how you can gain practical experience:

• The Richardson Institute – Work with the UK’s oldest peace and conflict research center through internships and research projects.

• Study Abroad Programs – Experience politics and society in other countries to broaden your international perspective.

• Field Trips – Take part in trips that bring global political issues to life and help you understand different cultures and systems.

• Work Placements and Internships – Apply your learning in real organizations and gain professional experience.

• Research Projects – Collaborate with faculty and fellow students on contemporary international relations topics.

• Debates and Discussion Forums – Build your critical thinking and communication skills through interactive sessions.

These opportunities are designed to give you the confidence and experience to step straight into a career in international relations or further study.

Graduates from Lancaster’s International Relations degree are well prepared for careers that demand global awareness, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills. Many move into roles such as policy advisor, diplomatic service officer, international aid or development worker, and political risk or security analyst.

Here’s how Lancaster helps you prepare for the future:

• Careers support – You’ll benefit from Lancaster’s award-winning Careers Service, which offers tailored advice, CV and interview guidance, careers fairs, and employer events. Within the department, an Employability Champion provides extra guidance for politics and international relations students.

• Employment outcomes – Around 15 months after graduation, the typical salary for Politics and International Relations graduates is about £25,500, rising to around £26,000 after three years and almost £30,000 after five years. Unemployment levels are very low, at just 2%.

• Industry links – Students have opportunities to connect with international organisations, NGOs, and government bodies through placements, internships, and projects. Graduates have gone on to work with organisations such as the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Amnesty International, UNICEF, and the European Union.

• Reputation and long-term value – While International Relations degrees are not accredited in the same way as law or engineering, Lancaster is highly respected in this field. The Politics and International Relations department is ranked among the top in the UK for research power, giving your degree real weight in the job market.

• Graduate destinations – Alumni find careers across government, policy think tanks, charities, NGOs, journalism, and business roles where global expertise is valued. Many also choose to continue their studies at master’s or PhD level.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BA, you could continue on to postgraduate study in areas such as International Relations, Global Politics, Security and Conflict Studies, or Human Rights. Some graduates progress to research degrees or professional training in fields like diplomacy, international law, or public policy.