Global Religions and Politics (Placement Year)

From the politics of gender in Islam to kingship, power and the Goddess in India. Explore the fascinating ways in which religion and politics intersect to shape our world, under the guidance of our expert researchers. Use your in-depth knowledge of global religions and politics to access a meaningful and fulfilling career.

You’ll explore major political issues through knowledge of demographically significant religions: such as decolonisation, gender and intersectionality.

You will have flexibility to build your studies from modules aligned with your passions. From gender to development, from Latin America to the Middle East, and from Buddhism to Christianity. Our experts cover a diverse range of research specialisms, and will support you to develop your understanding in a very wide range of areas of religion and politics.

And because you’ll study in a department which crosses the boundaries of politics, philosophy and religion, you’ll benefit from teaching which draws together expertise from across these fields. Our teaching is founded on a clear view of the connections between these disciplines, so you will develop an integrated perspective on global issues: such as the reformulations of Shari’a in contemporary Islam, and the spread of religious messages in South and South East Asia.

In your final year, you can choose to research and write a dissertation. You’ll receive guidance from expert tutors at every step of the way, from selecting your research topic to submitting your completed project. You may wish to pursue a topic which brings together your knowledge of religion and politics.

You will also have the opportunity to apply for an internship with the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies, based in our department. This could see you participate in a research project with an NGO, a faith-based organisation, or a think tank.

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.

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.

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.