3-Term Pathway - International Foundation Year in Social Sciences and Humanities - Continue to Bachelor of Arts - International Relations

This program will prepare students for entry to Year 1 of an undergraduate degree in a wide range of subjects, including many based at the £10m LICA building. Popular subjects include law, film studies, sociology, linguistics and politics.

How do religious beliefs influence politics? What is the best way to approach international crises? Is it possible to create a more peaceful world? Students  will explore these questions and more as they develop the skills that will make them stand out.

How the World Works

Human rights. Violence. Security. Make sense of the modern challenges nations face and the powers and limits of the decision makers at the fore of international politics. Studying with Lancaster, students will examine the concepts and debates at the heart of international politics and look closely at the inner workings of national and international institutions.

This course is run by the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion, which combines three key disciplines and is the only one of its kind in the UK. Students will take part in discussions about the latest world events while learning from experts in British, Russian, and Middle Eastern politics.

Lancaster regularly invites guest speakers to debate topical issues of major importance. For example, two recent events where students and staff discussed the challenges and ramifications of the war in Ukraine with external speakers.

Discover Interests

Throughout the course, students will get the chance to shape their study with optional modules. Perhaps they’ll look at security and sustainability. Or maybe they’ll focus on the politics of a particular country like Russia or China. Whatever they pick, students will be taught by experts in that area and explore key political areas.

Students have the option to write a dissertation in their final year. This piece of work will be supervised by an academic staff member. Students can turn to them for support throughout the whole process, from choosing their topic to carrying out their research and writing it up.

A Lively Department

Several staff are involved in national and international advisory groups and students benefit from these connections. Lancaster has events such as conferences, talks and seminars taking place throughout the year.

Students take part in the many clubs and societies that are supported by Lancaster University Student’s Union. There are many international societies representing different countries, as well as the Politics Society (which is independent of any particular political leaning), societies for all main UK political parties, debating society, InterVol and many more. There are regular events, debates, trips and high profile visiting speakers, which provide numerous ways to get involved and meet other students who have shared interests.