Global Religions and International Relations (Placement Year)

Explore the role played by religion in the flux that characterises today’s geopolitical landscape. You’ll learn about and debate the latest research with our experts. You’ll leave with a unique, interdisciplinary perspective on global problems, ready for a career in policy, diplomacy, or development.

Religion in a world in transition You’ll gain a grounding in the fundamental concepts and debates in international politics. You’ll learn to view religion in a global context, and explore how it influences the contemporary world. You’ll apply your knowledge to real-world issues which sit at the crossroads of religion and international relations, such as the tensions between tradition and globalisation.

You’ll study in a department which combines politics, philosophy and religion under one roof – bringing together expertise from across these fields to deliver a holistic perspective on complex global problems.

Join a strong community You’ll be encouraged to attend conferences organised by the Lancaster University China Centre and Security Lancaster, keeping you up to date with current affairs and helping you to build your network. You might choose to pursue an internship with the Richardson Institute, which could see you develop your research skills on an exciting, real-world project with leading policy and research organisations.

Your Placement Year Sometimes known as a year in industry, your placement year will take place between your second and final year of study and this will extend your degree to four years. A placement year is an excellent way to... • try out a role that you may be interested in as a career path • start to build your professional network (some placement students are offered permanent roles to return to after they graduate) • develop skills, knowledge and experience to put you ahead of the field when you graduate

You'll spend your third year in a paid, graduate-level position, where you’ll work for between nine and twelve months in the type of role that you might be considering for after you graduate. A very wide range of companies and organisations offer placements across all sectors. As a full-time employee, you’ll have a detailed job description with specific responsibilities and opportunities to access training and development, the same as other employees.

Our Careers and Placements Team will help you to secure a suitable placement with expert advice and resources, such as creating an effective CV, and tips for applications and interviews. You will still be a Lancaster University student during your placement and we’ll keep in touch to check how you are getting on.

The university will use all reasonable effort to support you to find a suitable placement for your studies. While a placement role may not be available in a field or organisation that is directly related to your academic studies or career aspirations, all offer valuable experience of working at a graduate level and gaining a range of professional skills.

If you are unsuccessful in securing a suitable placement for your third year, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent non-placement degree scheme and continue with your studies at Lancaster, finishing your degree after your third year.