International courses

About International Relations BA Hons in Lancaster University

We live in an increasingly globalised world: one in which trade, politics and collaboration takes place across international borders. Studying International Relations at Lancaster will develop your ability to think in global terms – and to understand the nature of the political, economic and environmental challenges that confront us in the twenty-first century.

At Lancaster, a research-led environment will underpin your learning, giving you the chance to explore the complex interactions between key states and non-state actors with experts who are specialists in different regions of the world. We offer an exciting atmosphere to think critically about how conflict and cooperation is influenced by issues of power, law, diplomacy, religion and economics.

By working closely with our academics, you’ll develop the ability to analyse international events, conduct research, and apply that knowledge effectively. Whatever your goals, studying International Relations at Lancaster will equip you to think clearly about the international dimensions of the issues you’ll confront in your future

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 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 cornerstones of your first year is the core module International Relations: Theory and Practice, which explores the challenges that confront states and international organisations in an increasingly global world and introduces the methods and theoretical approaches that we use in the study of International Relations at university level. You will also take two optional modules. We recommend that you choose Politics in the Modern World, which introduces key themes, concepts and events that are important in the study of modern politics at university level. This includes a balance of political practice and theories, in Britain and across the world. 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 (recommended)
• International Relations and Politics of the Asia Pacific
• Politics of Development - Latin America
• Russian International Politics
• China’s International Relations
• Contemporary Issues in the Middle East
• Britain in the World
• Contemporary Issues in Human Rights
• Understanding External Intervention in Violent Conflicts
• Religion and Violence

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.

Entry Requirements

• A Level ABB

English language requirements

• IELTS:6.5 overall, minimum of 5.5 in each element
• ToEFL IBT:87 overall, minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 17 in speaking and 20 in writing
• PTE:58 overall, minimum of 42 in each of the four skills

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