International Relations (Placement Year)

How do religious beliefs influence politics? What is the best way to approach international crises? Is it possible to create a more peaceful world? Explore these questions and more as you develop the skills that will make you stand out.

How the world works Human rights. Violence. Security. Make sense of the modern challenges nations face and the powers and limits of the decision makers at the fore of international politics. Studying with us, you’ll examine the concepts and debates at the heart of international politics and look closely at the inner workings of national and international institutions.

This course is run by our Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion, which combines three key disciplines and is the only one of its kind in the UK. You’ll take part in discussions about the latest world events while learning from experts in British, Russian, and Middle Eastern politics.

We regularly invite guest speakers to debate topical issues of major importance. For example, two recent events where students and staff discussed the challenges and ramifications of the war in Ukraine with external speakers.

Discover your interests Throughout the course, you’ll get the chance to shape your study with optional modules. Perhaps you’ll look at security and sustainability. Or maybe you’ll focus on the politics of a particular country like Russia or China. Whatever you pick, you’ll be taught by experts in that area and explore key political areas.

Your Placement Year 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.