Bihani Sarkar

I am lecturer in Comparative Non-Western Thought. I work on classical Indian religious history, Sanskrit poetry and drama, and the comparative study of literary genres and ideas. My work has focused on Indian Goddess traditions, the poet Kālidāsa and the reinterpretation of tragedy. I am interested in the philosophical and historical aspects of poetry and mythology and the retelling of sacred narratives by poets. I am currently working on wild women and goddesses in early Indian myth and poetry.

Brian Black

I am Senior Lecturer in Indian philosophy and religion, with a focus on the traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. I love reading and teaching ancient Hindu and Buddhist literature. My research investigates how narrative is used to convey religious and philosophical ideas. I am also interested in the gender and political dynamics of Indian thought. Additionally, I am interested in comparative philosophy and religion, particularly resonances between ancient Indian, Chinese, and Mediterranean thought.

Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad

My research has been funded by the Templeton Foundation, AHRC, ESRC and the Leverhulme Trust. My work is comparative, and draws on a variety of pre-modern Indian traditions. I have written on epistemology, metaphysics, phenomenology and other philosophical topics, as well as on gender, political thought, and religious life. I am currently working on emotions. I have enjoyed teaching and supervising across all levels, and especially on gender and religion, Indian philosophy, and reconceptualising International Relations.

Christopher Partridge

I am Professor of Religious Studies. Much of my work is informed by research done in cultural studies and cultural sociology. I am particularly interested in popular belief in the occult and the paranormal. Related to this, much of my research concerns the significance of popular culture for the construction of everyday worldviews. Currently, my principal foci are psychoactive drugs and popular music.

Hiroko Kawanami

I joined ‘Religions’ in Lancaster intrigued by the international reputation set by its founder Ninian Smart. Coming from Japan I was raised in the tradition of Mahayana Buddhism (Pure Land Buddhism and Shingon Buddhism). The practices I experienced in a Buddhist community made me realise even more the importance of teaching about lived practices. We at Lancaster have edited an important textbook titled Religions in the Modern World (Routledge) used in many departments all over the world to teach our unique brand of lived religions in the global world today.

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.

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.

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.

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.