History and International Relations

BA Hons

  • UCAS code VL12
  • Entry year 2026 or 2025
  • A level requirements AAB
  • Duration Full time 3 years
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We welcome applications from the United States of America

We've put together information and resources to guide your application journey as a student from the United States of America.

Overview

Top reasons to study with us

  • 16

    16th for History

    The Complete University Guide (2025)

  • Study abroad and placement opportunities

  • Internship opportunities at the Richard Institute for Peace Studies

When you study History and International Relations at Lancaster you gain unique blend of historical perspectives and contemporary analysis. Explore the complex interplay of past and present and gain a deep understanding of the forces shaping our world today. From the rise and fall of empires to the challenges of globalisation, you will develop the critical thinking skills to tackle important global issues. Join us to discover what part you could play in responding to global challenges in a new world of international relations.

Why Lancaster?

  • Be inspired by influential academics who shape research and policy at local and global levels, helping you gain a comprehensive understanding of History and International Relations from an expert perspective
  • Develop a critical insight into an ever-changing global landscape and the complexities of diplomacy
  • Connect with our Centre for War and Diplomacy and the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies, and access a range of valuable resources
  • Learn how to tackle difficult questions with confidence, whilst building transferable skills such as researching, debating, presenting, and writing policy briefs
  • Take advantage of one of our internships, giving you the chance to work with external organisations on live projects

Geopolitics: past and present

The BA History and International Relations degree at Lancaster University offers a unique perspective on the rapidly changing global landscape. Our team of experts will equip you with a deep understanding of geopolitics and its historical contexts. You’ll explore the past and develop the critical thinking skills to understand the present, while gaining an appreciation for the complexities of human societies and the critical challenges facing humanity.

The course provides an interdisciplinary exploration of issues of governance, trade, and war, exploring how these forces have shaped world politics and the practices that govern today’s interconnected world. You will learn how to answer difficult questions: What is the impact of new technologies on war and conflict? What are the economic and cultural consequences of globalisation? How can we address the challenges of global inequality and climate change? What role do international institutions play in the promotion of human rights?

Combining a critical approach with practical skills, you will explore the origins of global issues and engage with strategies to tackle the most pressing issues of our time.

Key themes will include:

  • A changing global order: Explore the rise of new powers, the decline of old ones, and the implications for global governance
  • The future role of the state: Engage with the changing role of states in global politics and their ability to respond to the challenges of our time
  • War, (in)security, and conflict: Analyse the changing nature of warfare, and the ways in which society is shaped by challenges to international security
  • Global governance and international institutions: Examine the effectiveness of international organisations in addressing global challenges
  • Human rights and justice: Investigate the evolution of human rights and the role of international institutions
  • Global development and the Global South: Grapple with issues of poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment in the Global South, and investigate the role of international cooperation in addressing these issues
  • Global capitalism and economic inequality: Explore the impact of globalisation on economic inequality, social justice, and labour rights

Expert-led learning

This degree is taught by world-class academics: historians who influence the field and experts in International Relations who shape policy debates nationally and internationally. Our specialists are consulted by UK government and international bodies for their expertise in a range of areas, including security studies, global development, and the international and domestic politics of China, Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

On this course you’ll develop valuable research and analysis skills, and become proficient at hunting down the facts, evaluating evidence and applying theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. We foster critical thinking skills and clear communication and encourage you to reflect on your own beliefs and potential biases.

Our dynamic assessment methods and collaborative learning opportunities will enhance your skills and prepare you for employment in a very wide range of roles and sectors.

The Richardson Institute

Formed in 1959, the Richardson Institute is the oldest peace and conflict research centre in the UK. Since 2012 it has provided an internship programme that gives students the opportunity to work with different organisations on issues of peace and conflict.

Richardson Institute

Careers

Our course gives you the skills to analyse complex situations, communicate efficiently, and navigate an increasingly globalised world. You will have the opportunity to boost your prospects further by applying for one of the research internships offered annually by the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies, based within the School of Global Affairs.

You’ll graduate with a global outlook, trained in skills that are sought out by think tanks and NGOs, charities and political organisations, consultancy firms and the civil service.

Our course provides structured support in identifying the career fields that you wish to explore, in making contacts in these areas, and in presenting the skills you have developed at Lancaster to your future employers.

Some of the careers our graduates have chosen include:

  • Civil Service and Government – working at different levels of government policymaking, shaping local, national and international strategies.
  • International charities and NGOs – working with local or global NGOs and charities to alleviate poverty, tackle inequalities and fight injustice.
  • Journalism and media – reporting on social, political, and economic issues, and analyzing global events and their impacts.
  • Business management and consultancy – advising organisations on strategy, growth, and efficiency, and helping companies adapt to emerging global challenges and trends.

Careers and employability support

Our degrees open up an extremely wide array of career pathways in businesses and organisations, large and small, in the UK and overseas.

We run a paid internship scheme specifically for our arts, humanities and social sciences students, supported by a specialist Employability Team. The team offer individual consultations and tailored application guidance, as well as careers events, development opportunities, and resources.

Whether you have a clear idea of your potential career path or need some help considering the options, our friendly team is on hand.

Lancaster is unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which recognises activities such as work experience, community engagement or volunteering and social development. A valuable addition to your CV!

Find out more about Lancaster’s careers events, extensive resources and personal support for Careers and Employability

Careers

Find out about some of the careers our alumni have entered into after graduation.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. You may need to have qualifications in relevant subjects. In some cases we may also ask you to attend an interview or submit a portfolio. You must also meet our English language requirements.

Find more about these qualifications and others not shown here

Learn about how we will assess your application

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Contact Admissions

If you are thinking of applying to Lancaster and you would like to ask us a question, please complete our enquiry form and one of our team will get back to you.

International foundation programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored foundation pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Contextual admissions

Contextual admissions could help you gain a place at university if you have faced additional challenges during your education which might have impacted your results. Visit our contextual admissions page to find out about how this works and whether you could be eligible.

Course structure

Enhancing our curriculum

We continually review and enhance our curriculum to ensure we are delivering the best possible learning experience, and to make sure that the subject knowledge and transferable skills you develop will prepare you for your future.

We will publish more detailed information about the structure of this degree course for 2026-entry in June 2025, ahead of our summer undergraduate open days. This will include overviews of the core modules you will take and examples of optional modules which may be available to you.

Fees and funding

We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2026/27 entry fees have not yet been set.

As a guide, our fees in 2025/26 were:

Home International
£9,535 £24,700

Fees and funding information

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Scholarships and bursaries

Details of our scholarships and bursaries for students starting in 2026 are not yet available.

You can use our scholarships for 2025-entry applicants as guidance.

Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2026/2027 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.

Undergraduate open days 2025

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Undergraduate Open Days
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