Economics, Politics and International Relations (Study Abroad)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Lancaster University

Program Overview

If you’re the kind of student who wants to understand the world from every angle — how economies function, why political decisions matter, and how countries shape each other — this degree brings all those pieces together beautifully. What makes it even more exciting is the full year you’ll spend studying abroad, giving you a genuine global outlook that few undergraduate programmes offer.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation across all three subjects. Through modules like Foundations of Macroeconomics, Foundations of Microeconomics, Politics in the Modern World, and Global Challenges in World Politics, you’ll start to understand how economic forces and political events interact every day. It’s a year of discovering the bigger picture and developing the analytical skills you’ll use throughout the degree.

Year 2

Your second year feels more focused and engaging. You’ll explore deeper ideas through modules such as Intermediate Economics, Politics of the Global South, and International Trade and Business. These courses help you connect theory with real-world issues — from global development and trade to political stability and international cooperation. You’ll also choose optional modules that let you shape your degree around what fascinates you most.

Year 3 – Study Abroad

This is where everything becomes truly memorable. You’ll spend a full academic year studying at one of Lancaster’s partner universities overseas, experiencing a new culture, new academic environment, and new friendships. It’s a life-changing year that builds independence, confidence and a genuine global mindset — qualities that stay with you forever.

Year 4

In your final year back at Lancaster, you’ll dive into advanced topics such as Current Issues in Economics, The Politics of Borders and Migration, or Security, Strategy and Technology. This is your chance to bring together everything you’ve learned, explore subjects in more depth, and finish your degree feeling ready for the next step — whether that’s entering the workplace or continuing your studies.

Focus areas:

Economics • Politics • International Relations • Global Trade • Security • International Study Experience

Learning outcomes:

A well-rounded understanding of economic theory, political systems and global affairs — plus the confidence, independence and cultural awareness gained from a full year abroad.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

While this degree isn’t tied to a specific accreditation body, it benefits from Lancaster University’s international academic partnerships and the strong global reputation of its Management School and School of Global Affairs.

Reputation (employability rankings):

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 biggest strengths of this degree is how much real-world experience you gain while you study. You’re not just learning about global politics or economic systems from a distance — you’re actively applying your knowledge, building professional skills, and getting support to explore internships and meaningful work experience. And of course, the highlight of the programme is your full year abroad, where everything you’ve learned comes to life in a different country.

To give you a clearer picture of what this looks like, here are the key practical opportunities you’ll benefit from:

Dedicated careers support from the very start, including one-to-one guidance, skills workshops, CV help, and ongoing coaching through Lancaster’s award-winning careers team.
Structured help in finding internships and work-experience placements, with the university actively supporting you as you explore roles in government, NGOs, international organisations or private-sector employers.
A full year of international study, where you’ll spend Year 3 at one of Lancaster’s partner universities overseas — gaining global exposure, cultural understanding and a stronger international profile.
Access to opportunities like the Lancaster Award, which allows you to combine volunteering, leadership roles, employer projects and extracurricular activities to build a stand-out CV.
Strong networking possibilities, with graduates having gone on to organisations such as HM Treasury, the Department of Health and Social Care, the Financial Conduct Authority and other influential employers — showing the real reach of this programme.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with this degree puts you in a strong position to enter a world where economic understanding, political awareness, and a global perspective truly matter. With your international study experience and the analytical skills you’ve built at Lancaster, you’ll be prepared for roles such as Policy Analyst, Economic Consultant, International Development Officer, or Public Affairs Specialist — roles that value people who can interpret data, understand global systems, and think strategically.

To help you reach those opportunities, Lancaster supports you every step of the way:

Personalised career support from the LUMS Careers Team, including one-to-one coaching, CV and interview preparation, skills workshops, and structured guidance in securing internships and placements.
Strong employment outcomes, with Economics-related graduates from Lancaster earning around £30,500 on average, fifteen months after graduating — a reflection of the university’s reputation and employer confidence.
Excellent employer connections, with graduates moving into highly skilled roles across government, finance, consultancy, and public service — supported by Lancaster’s long-standing relationships with major organisations.
A degree with long-term value, strengthened by your year abroad, which signals adaptability, independence, and global awareness to employers.
A proven track record of graduate success, with Lancaster consistently recognised for strong employability and high-quality graduate outcomes.

Further Academic Progression:

If you decide to continue your studies, you’ll be well-prepared for postgraduate pathways in Economics, International Relations, Public Policy, Development Studies, Global Security, or related social-science fields. Your year abroad and interdisciplinary training make you an especially competitive candidate for taught master’s degrees or even future research opportunities at Lancaster or other leading universities.