Economics, Politics and International Relations BA Hons at Lancaster University

An understanding of economics, politics and international relations gets to the heart of how the world works. Our flexible programme, delivered by high-quality researchers recognised for their teaching with the TEF Gold accreditation, gives you analytical skills and an international perspective.

You will gain skills highly-prized by employers, and look at theories and real-world issues: How do you encourage an economy to grow? Should governments intervene in the market? What impact does war have on the global economy?

With a focus on China, Russia and India, you will learn from some of the fields’ top academics. Economics modules are taught in the Department of Economics in the Management School, while Politics and International Relations modules are taught within the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion. You are taught throughout by expert researchers working at the cutting-edge of the field.

All first years study Principles of Economics, Politics in the Modern World and International Relations: Theory and Practice.

In both years 2 and 3, half of your modules will be Economics and half will be from Politics and International Relations. For Politics and International Relations, the degree offers you the flexibility to focus on one of these areas, or to take forward your studies combining both.

In your second year, you can choose to take modules with a more intuitive approach, or those that are focused more on analysis, mathematics and statistics. Subjects include Microeconomic Analysis, Macroeconomics Analysis, Game Theory, Modern Political Thought, Applied Economics, Economic Policy and China’s International Relations.

In the second and third years you will also choose from a broad range of politics options, such as Politics and History of the Middle East; International Relations, Security and Sustainability; Politics of Development and Global Changes; Understanding Key Economic Concepts; Issues in Contemporary Politics and Philosophy. For more details and options, please see the PPR department website.

Your final year includes options such as Islamic Politics, Health Economics, Economic Development, International Economics, and Human Rights. High-performing students also have the opportunity to write a dissertation.

You will have support from our careers team, which includes a dedicated departmental careers coach who works with you from day one, helping with internships, placements and graduate employment. We will supply training in CV writing, interview assessment centres and telephone interviews, helping you stand out in the job market. Former graduates now work in the civil service and local government. A large number opt for private sector roles in industries such as finance, accountancy and law.