Politics and International Relations (Study Abroad)

At Lancaster, this degree is designed to take you far beyond the classroom. You’ll learn by doing — whether that’s debating in a simulated parliament, analysing real policy challenges in a group project, or gaining hands-on experience through internships. The study abroad year also gives you a chance to live and study in another country, adding a whole new layer of practical learning to your degree.

Here are some of the ways you’ll build skills and experience during the course:

• Internships with the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies – get the chance to work with NGOs, charities, and research groups, applying your knowledge to real peace and policy projects.

• Mock Select Committees, Prime Minister’s Questions and Citizens’ Assemblies – these role-play sessions give you a taste of real political decision-making and public debate.

• Policy Labs and group simulations – work with classmates to design solutions to pressing political and international issues, just like a think tank or government team would.

• Access to world-class resources – Lancaster’s library and subject-specific collections will support your research projects and final-year dissertation.

• Learning from experts who advise governments and think tanks – your lecturers don’t just teach; many actively contribute to policy debates, so you’ll be part of discussions that connect directly to the real world.

• Discovery curriculum opportunities – alongside your core modules, you can build transferable skills through teamwork, volunteering, and cross-disciplinary projects.

All of this means that by the time you graduate, you’ll have practical experience that stands out — whether you’re aiming for a career in government, diplomacy, NGOs, or further study.

Graduates from this degree step into a wide range of exciting careers. Many go on to work in government, the civil service, international organisations, or NGOs, while others move into roles in policy research, political consultancy, or diplomacy. The global perspective you’ll gain through the study abroad experience makes you stand out to employers looking for graduates who understand international contexts and can communicate across cultures.

And Lancaster backs you every step of the way with practical support and opportunities:

• Tailored Careers Service: One-to-one advice, CV workshops, interview prep, and exclusive employer events designed to connect Politics graduates with career opportunities.

• Real-world internships: Through the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies, you can take part in placements with NGOs, think tanks, charities, and international organisations.

• Parliamentary access: The Parliamentary Studies module, run in partnership with the UK Parliament, gives you first-hand insight into how politics works at the national level.

• Employability recognition: The Lancaster Award highlights your extracurricular and professional development — a strong addition to your CV.

• Strong graduate outcomes: 83% of Lancaster Politics graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing, with average early salaries of around £26,500, rising as careers progress.

• Employer connections: Lancaster is consistently ranked among the UK’s top universities, most targeted by major graduate employers, so you’ll be graduating from a programme with an excellent reputation.

Further Academic Progression:
If you decide to continue your studies, this degree opens clear pathways to master’s programmes such as International Relations, Security Studies, or Public Policy. Many graduates also go on to PhD research or professional postgraduate training in areas like diplomacy, international law, or global governance — extending the value of your degree even further.