Politics and International Relations BA Hons

At Lancaster, studying Politics and International Relations isn’t just about reading books and writing essays — it’s about stepping into the shoes of policymakers, campaigners, and researchers. From your first year, you’ll get hands-on experience through lively debates, policy simulations, and real-world placements. The department is known for bringing learning to life, making sure you graduate with the practical skills that employers value.

Here’s how you’ll put theory into practice:

• Policy Labs & Simulations – Take part in mock select committees, citizens’ assemblies, and even mock Prime Minister’s Questions, where you’ll test your ideas in a fast-paced, team-based environment.

• Parliamentary Studies – Learn directly from Members of Parliament, parliamentary officials, and clerks in a module that takes you inside the workings of Westminster.

• Real-World Policy Placement – The Policymaking in the Real World module gives you a chance to work with policy professionals and apply classroom learning in real settings.

• Research & Dissertation – Carry out your own independent research project with expert guidance, gaining valuable experience in designing, conducting, and presenting original work.

• Richardson Institute Internship Programme (RIIP) – Collaborate with external organisations like NGOs, think tanks, and charities on research that has real social impact.

• Ethics, Values & Policy Initiative Internships – Work alongside academics on live research or explore your own interests around ethics and public policy.

• Faculty Internship Scheme – Access tailored placements in local government, non-profits, and third-sector organisations to gain relevant work experience.

• Digital & Library Resources – Make use of Lancaster’s state-of-the-art Digital Scholarship Lab, Open Research Lab, and dedicated Politics & IR collections in the library for data analysis, group projects, and presentations.

By combining classroom study with these practical experiences, you’ll leave Lancaster not only with a degree, but with a portfolio of skills and experiences that make you stand out.

A Politics and International Relations degree from Lancaster opens the door to a wide range of exciting futures. Graduates are valued for their critical thinking, policy insight, and communication skills, which make them stand out in careers that shape society. Many go on to roles such as policy analyst, diplomat, public affairs consultant, or NGO project officer, while others use the degree as a springboard into government, journalism, or postgraduate study.

Here’s how Lancaster helps you get there:

• Careers & Employability Support – From your very first year, you’ll have access to Lancaster’s Careers & Employability team. They offer one-to-one coaching, CV reviews, employer networking events, and workshops to build confidence in applications and interviews. Importantly, this support doesn’t end when you graduate — alumni can return for career help at any stage.

• Graduate Outcomes & Salaries – Within 15 months of finishing, around 85% of Lancaster Politics graduates are working or studying further, with average salaries around £26,500. Five years on, earnings typically rise to about £31,500, showing how the degree grows in long-term value.

• Professional Connections – The programme links you with real institutions: the Parliamentary Studies module connects you directly with MPs and parliamentary officials, and the Richardson Institute Internship Programme lets you work on live projects with think tanks, NGOs, and charities. These opportunities help you build a professional network before you even graduate.

• Reputation & Long-Term Value – Lancaster’s Politics & IR degrees are respected worldwide, meaning your qualification carries weight whether you stay in the UK or take your career abroad. Employers in government, international organisations, media, and the non-profit sector all recognise the analytical and leadership skills you’ll develop here.

Typical graduate roles include:

• Policy adviser or analyst in government or think tanks
• Diplomatic service officer or international relations specialist
• Public affairs and advocacy roles in NGOs and charities
• Political communications, journalism, or consultancy

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, Lancaster offers excellent postgraduate routes. You might choose a Master’s in International Relations, Diplomacy, Security Studies, or Public Policy, or take your research further with an MPhil or PhD. Many students also branch into specialist fields such as human rights, development, or global governance — all building on the strong foundation this BA provides.