Politics and International Relations, BA (Hons)

The interwoven nature of the relationship between politics and world affairs is fascinating and is at the centre of this degree programme. The course at Lancaster University is taught by lecturers who are passionate about their specialisms and bring their latest research and examples of the most topical issues into their teaching.The degree covers a very wide range of topics and, as you advance into years two and three, you increasingly have the opportunity to tailor the degree to your own interests by choosing from a wide range of modules. You will find that the core topics we offer are typical of most Politics and International Relations degrees in the UK. An important difference however is that we also offer modules in many areas of specific and topical staff expertise concerning government and politics in Britain, Europe and the world, as well a range of other relevant optional modules due to the interdisciplinary (Politics, Philosophy and Religion) nature of our department.The two cornerstones of your first year are the core modules Politics in the Modern World and International Relations: Theory and Practice. Each of these introduces key themes, concepts and events that are central to the study of politics and international relations at university level. These include a balance of practice and theory, domestic and global, and state and society. You will be able to choose a third module from a range of subjects that complement your studies.In the second year and third years you will be able to choose from a broad range of options. These are just some examples of the many modules we offer:

• International Relations, Security and Sustainability

• International Relations and Politics of the Asia Pacific

• Russian International Politics

• China’s International Relations

• Britain in the World

• Contemporary Issues in Human Rights

• Religion and Violence

• Contemporary Issues in the Middle East

• Politics of Global Danger

The options available in any given year vary depending on our latest research, student feedback and topical concerns. You will find further information about modules in the Course Structure section.In your final year, you have the opportunity to undertake a sustained investigation of a specific subject that interests you via the dissertation option.