International Relations (Study Abroad)

BA Hons

  • UCAS code 6T92
  • Entry year 2026 or 2025
  • A level requirements ABB
  • Duration Full time 4 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

  • Connect with experts in global politics

  • Study abroad and placement opportunities

  • 2nd in the UK for Research Power in Politics (REF2021)

International Relations at Lancaster equips students with a unique understanding of global dynamics and the analytical tools necessary to navigate complex international issues. You will explore global challenges, foreign policy, security threats, and international cooperation and rivalry, while developing critical thinking skills, practical expertise, and the ability to evaluate different perspectives on contemporary global events.

Guided by academics who shape national and international policy, you’ll emerge inspired and confident to tackle the challenges of our times.

Why Lancaster?

  • Be inspired by influential academics who shape policy at local and global levels, helping you gain a comprehensive understanding of international relations from an expert perspective
  • Apply for one of our annual internships, giving you the chance to work with external organisations on live projects
  • Develop a critical insight into an ever-changing global landscape and the complexities of diplomacy
  • Learn how to ask difficult questions with confidence, whilst building on transferable skills such as debating, presentation skills, and writing policy briefs

Tackling the big questions

How do AI and cyber technologies change our understanding of politics, security and war? How are emerging powers altering the global order? Can international institutions address global poverty and environmental crises? How is the continued rise of China reshaping the global balance of power? Is the Global South an invention of the North?

Taught by influential, inspiring academics who shape policy at global and local levels, International Relations at Lancaster will give you the skills necessary to address these questions and tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our times. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of contemporary international relations from top experts in the field, and acquire the necessary skills for a career in local and international politics.

A global perspective

Renowned for our critical thinking in the arts, humanities and social sciences, International Relations at Lancaster offers a unique blend of intellectual depth across a range of disciplines, and real-world application. This course will explore the interconnectedness of global and local issues, enabling you to understand the broader context of political events.

You will cover key themes such as:

  • Global governance and international institutions: Evaluating the effectiveness of organisations in addressing global challenges, such as the regulation of AI
  • Environmental challenges and sustainability: Tackling the urgent issue of climate change, resource scarcity, and sustainable development
  • War, (in)security, and conflict: Analysing the dynamics of contemporary conflicts, the evolving nature of warfare, and challenges to international security
  • Cyber threats and disinformation: Analysing the challenges posed by cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns, and the erosion of trust in digital information
  • A changing global order: Exploring the rise of new powers, the decline of the old guard, and the implications for global governance

Prepare for your future

Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to build on your academic and employability skills, giving you a strong foundation to excel in your future career. You will master research and data analysis techniques, vitally important for many competitive global careers. Driven by cutting-edge research and current global developments, hands-on projects and collaborative experiences that mirror the challenges of the professional world, this course will equip you with the problem-solving and critical thinking skills to tackle global issues.

You will have the opportunity to boost your prospects further by applying for one of the annual internships offered by Lancaster’s Richardson Institute for Peace Studies.

This competitive programme allows you to work alongside leading policy and research organisations whilst providing you with opportunities to:

  • Publish your work
  • Work with students across the school on high-impact research projects
  • Work with organisations such as NGOs, think tanks, and charities
  • Gain valuable work experience that will be attractive to future employers

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

Your year abroad

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Study abroad

The study abroad option is an exciting opportunity for anyone who is thinking of working abroad during their career or who simply wants the experience of living and studying overseas as part of their degree.

Often study abroad students describe the year abroad as a “transformative experience”, as it can shape your future career path as well as having a positive impact on your personal development.

Study abroad - Lancaster students
Sunway University

Experience and skills

On a study abroad course, you'll spend two years at Lancaster before going overseas in your third year to study at one of our international partner universities. This will help you to

  • develop your global outlook
  • expand your professional network
  • increase your cultural awareness
  • develop your personal skills.

You’ll return to Lancaster for your final year of study in year four.

Ayers Rock, Australia

Host universities

During your year abroad, you will choose specialist modules relating to your degree and potentially other modules offered by the host university that are specialisms of that university and country. 

The places available at our overseas partners vary every year. In previous years destinations for students in the Faculty have included Australia, USA, Canada, Europe and Asia.

Castle Hill in Lancaster

Alternative option

We will make reasonable endeavours to place students at an approved overseas partner university that offers appropriate modules. Occasionally places overseas may not be available for all students who want to study abroad or the place at the partner university may be withdrawn if core modules are unavailable.

If you are not offered a place to study overseas, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent standard 3-year degree scheme and would complete your studies at Lancaster. Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of the year abroad.

Careers

Our International Relations programme equips you with a versatile skill set that prepares you for a wide range of exciting careers. Throughout your studies, you will develop strong analytical, research, and communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of global issues. Whether you are passionate about international relations, global politics, security issues, or politics, you will gain the knowledge and skills to make a difference across a number of roles and sectors.

As a graduate of International Relations, you may go into any of the following roles:

  • Civil servant or diplomatic service officer
  • Policy maker
  • Political Advisor
  • International aid worker
  • Relief worker in a humanitarian organisation
  • Political risk and security analyst
  • Journalist
  • Lawyer
  • Policy Advisor
  • Teacher of higher education
  • Business consultant or manager

Many of our graduates also choose to progress to postgraduate study, taking a master’s degree or PhD.

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

Our summer and autumn open days will give you Lancaster University in a day. Visit campus and put yourself in the picture.

Undergraduate Open Days
two students sitting and reading on some outdoor steps

  • Virtual tour

    Take five minutes and let us show you what Lancaster has to offer, from our beautiful green campus to our colleges, teaching and sports facilities.

  • Accommodation guide

    Most first-year undergraduate students choose to live on campus, where you’ll find accommodation to suit different preferences and budgets.

  • The city and beyond

    Our historic city is student-friendly and home to a diverse and welcoming community. Beyond the city you'll find a stunning coastline and the picturesque Lake District.