BA (Hons) Economics, Politics and International Relations Bachelor's degree at Lancaster University

This module offers a comprehensive introduction to microeconomics, which is the analysis of Economics at the level of the individual or firm. You will study topics including the theory of demand and supply, costs and pricing under various forms of market structure, and welfare economics. The module provides the foundations for further study in Economics. In addition to developing key theoretical concepts, we will also show how these concepts apply to real-life situations. The module is self-contained and can be taken by students with no prior knowledge of microeconomics. It takes a less mathematical approach to the subject than Principles of Microeconomics.

The purpose of this module is to provide you with training in the mathematical and statistical skills which are an essential part of the economist’s toolkit, and necessary for successfully completing further modules in Economics. The topics you will cover include linear and nonlinear equations, basic elements of differentiation, descriptive statistics, probability, and hypothesis testing. No prior knowledge of mathematics beyond GCSE level is required for this module. After completing it, you will understand mathematical and statistical methods and be able to interpret the results derived from the modelling process.

Gain a nuanced understanding of the forces driving change in the international system and their implications for global order and human security. You will acquire the tools to navigate and contribute to a complex and interconnected world. The module moves beyond traditional state-centric perspectives to explore the complex interplay of actors, structures and processes shaping our world. You will delve into global governance and address the emergence of new security threats, while tackling shifting power-dynamics at both the national and international level. Throughout the module, you will engage with a variety of case studies that illustrate the complexities of these global issues. Through d

You will receive a thorough introduction to macroeconomics, which is the analysis of Economics at the aggregate level. The topics you will cover include national income analysis, monetary theory, business cycles, inflation, unemployment, and the great macroeconomic debates. The module lays the groundwork for further study in Economics. In addition to developing key theoretical concepts, we illustrate how these concepts can be applied to real-world examples. The module is self-contained and can be taken by students without prior knowledge of the subject. This module provides a less mathematical treatment of Macroeconomics than Principles of Macroeconomics.

Explore how the history of political thought can help us make sense of contemporary crises such as political instability, economic crises, deepening inequalities, environmental degradation and technological disruptions. In this troubled world, the enduring questions of power and resistance have gained new urgency and continue to animate contemporary political debates. What can Marx tell us about the dangers or promises of AI? How would Frantz Fanon engage with Black Lives Matter? What would Hannah Arendt say about social media’s impact on democracy? You will encounter the major and neglected currents in the history of political ideas such as: Liberalism Socialism Feminism The Black radical t

The Management School is committed to your professional development. We help you build study skills to learn effectively from day one and develop your employability skills to help you secure placements and jobs during and after your degree. This module is designed specifically for Economics students. You will be introduced to data visualisation techniques, while also developing essential employability skills. Using software tools, you will turn complex economic data into powerful visual narratives. Our dedicated computer labs provide hands-on experience in creating statistical graphics and data representations. Complementary sessions will improve your professional skills. These include CV de

You will be introduced to key concepts from microeconomic theory and their application to consumer and firm decision-making. We begin with an overview of how firms make decisions under different market structures, different pricing structures, along with the welfare implications of these choices. Next, you will learn how consumers make decisions and how they respond to price changes. Our focus then shifts to strategic behaviour, incorporating a game-theoretic approach. We will also cover the significance of hidden information and hidden action. Additionally, we will discuss issues related to the modern business organisation, such as various models of auctions. Finally, you will cover topics

This module introduces the core concepts and methods of econometric analysis and their applications in economics. It examines different types of economic data and how to handle them, the specification of econometric models, and their estimation and testing, with a focus on the classical linear regression model. We will take an intuitive and practical approach, emphasising the application of econometric techniques to real-world data as well as the interpretation and evaluation of the results, and the ways in which they can be used to inform business and policy decisions. An important part of the module is training in the use of specialised econometrics software. This module includes a practic

From financial meltdowns to rising inequalities, from environmental breakdown to the looming automation revolution, global capitalism appears to be in a state of permanent uncertainty. Studying the global economy has never been more urgent. In this module we’ll ask: Are states at the mercy of global corporations? Can capitalism survive the climate crisis? Is Western economic dominance coming to an end? You will explore the historical evolution, major transformations and possible futures of global capitalism, drawing on the insights of its defenders and its critics. Crucially, the module casts light on the unequal power relations structuring the global economy and the ways existing patterns o

Explore how real-world phenomena can be understood using macroeconomic models. This module will help you understand macroeconomic data and examine the implications of economic policies in both closed and open economies. By the end of the module, you will be able to interpret macroeconomic events and tackle macroeconomic questions using the concepts and methods presented in lectures and tutorials. We will focus on major issues related to economic growth, the causes of economic fluctuations, and the effectiveness of economic policy.

In this examination of the evolving landscape of global power, we identify the forces challenging the world’s leading nations and explore the fluid nature of influence in the 21st century. We will analyse the shifting balance of power, explore the relative decline of traditional superpowers and the simultaneous rise of new actors on the global stage. You’ll be encouraged to consider how economic, military, and cultural influence is being reconfigured in a multipolar world, reshaping traditional understandings of world order. Crucially, we will also analyse the internal and external pressures these powers face, form rising regional actors, to the evolving nature of global threats, and the ero

This module offers a critical introduction to the complex political landscapes of regions in the Global South, exploring how historical, economic and social forces have shaped contemporary states and societies. You will examine colonial legacies and their lasting influence on political institutions, and the impact of external interventions on regions. The module also investigates the consequences of neoliberal economic reforms, the challenges faced during democratization processes, narratives of ‘development,’ and the dynamics of armed conflict and peacebuilding. Consideration is given to grassroots activism as well as the role of regional integration and cooperation in shaping political and

This module is designed to promote independent learning and allow you to apply the knowledge and skills from your degree to understand and analyse contemporary policy issues. You will be able to independently produce both written and verbal reports on current policy topics that are accessible to policymakers and senior managers in both the private and public sectors. The content of this module will focus on contemporary issues. In the past, topics have included: Is government debt a burden for future generations? What is the value of a degree? How are interest rates set? Business support during the pandemic: Essential support or fraud? How should we pay for social care? How can we help the l

Public policy analysis is the study of government’s role in the economy. It involves examining both its normative and positive aspects. To gain a comprehensive understanding, we look at a combination of theories, empirical findings, and real-world examples. We begin by focusing on public goods such as water, transportation, and other infrastructure that the government can provide directly or in collaboration with the private sector. This includes looking at the practice of regulators, as well as cost-benefit analysis. We evaluate the trade-off between efficiency and fairness, then examine state financing, including theories of optimal taxation and recent research on tax evasion and avoidance

This module builds on the foundations of monetary and fiscal policy analysis by placing policy decisions in a global context. The first part of the module emphasises the interpretation and analysis of macroeconomic data. You will learn how to apply empirical methods to understand fluctuations in output, employment, inflation, and trade balances. The second part focuses on the design and coordination of monetary and fiscal policy in an interconnected world. Special attention will be given to the challenges that central banks and governments face in managing global shocks. The topics covered will include international policy spillovers, exchange rate regimes, capital flows, and the evolving ro

This module tackles issues in economic growth and development, with reference to key concepts, theory and empirics. In the first half of the module, we will take a macroeconomic perspective on the key growth challenges facing developing countries. This will include competing theories of growth, industrialisation, institutions and trade policy. In the second half, the module shifts to several microeconomic topics that examine the behaviours of households and individuals. Key issues covered will include poverty, inequality and anti-poverty policies, education, health, microfinance and credit markets, and risk and insurance.

This module provides a comprehensive exploration of international trade and global business dynamics, connecting theoretical models with practical policy implications. You will examine core trade theories including the Ricardian model, Heckscher-Ohlin model, and heterogeneous firm models. The module also offers in-depth analyses of international factor mobility, trade policies, and globalisation trends. On the international business side, you will study key topics such as global value chains, multinational firm strategies, international competitive advantage, and the economic impacts of outsourcing and offshoring. The module focuses on real-world applications, exploring how theoretical frame

This module offers a comprehensive exploration of labour and health economics, examining critical microeconomic dimensions of human capital and market dynamics. You will analyse labour market fundamentals including supply, demand, market policies, and workforce challenges such as unemployment, migration, and discrimination. The curriculum extends to education economics and personnel economics, investigating principal-agent problems and incentive structures within organisations. In addition, the module provides economic tools to critically examine healthcare systems, with a focus on the UK National Health Service and international healthcare models, emphasising empirical evidence and microeco

Data science is transforming the role of information technology in society and in many sectors in which economists work. Machine learning and big data methods have gained popularity as tools in academic, government, industry, and beyond. You will be introduced to big data and machine learning techniques with a focus on economic applications. These techniques are already significantly impacting the field of economics for modelling economic relationship, drawing causal inferences, and making predictions. They will soon become a standard toolbox for economists.

This module in Industrial Organisation will equip you with a strong understanding of how strategic thinking shapes firm behaviour and market outcomes, with a particular focus on competition and regulation, including digital markets. The module applies core microeconomic and game-theoretic tools to analyse decision-making by firms and regulators, and to explain how market structure, concentration, and market power emerge in modern market environments. Additionally, you will learn to evaluate the rationale behind market regulation, model regulatory interventions, and predict their potential effects on firms, competition, and consumer welfare.

Study conceptual questions about the nature of power, justice, freedom and the state – and normative questions about the kinds of political structures we should adopt. This module builds on previous modules on political philosophy and theory by offering the opportunity for advanced study in the area. We will consider questions such as how can democracy safeguard our interests, and how might it endanger them? What is equality, and is it desirable? What does it mean to claim that we have ‘rights’? You will read contemporary and historical texts in depth and debate their implications for modern governance and society. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the theories behind key issues in contemp

In this module you’ll encounter advanced critical approaches to the study of war and security. Focusing on the social, political, and cultural complexity of war in the ‘late modern’ period, the module builds on theoretical knowledge gained previously in the course, to investigate and contest war’s increasing reach both around the globe and into everyday life. Marking the transition from the Cold War to the ‘Global War on Terror,’ this module considers especially how contemporary war has changed in terms of tactics, technologies, and terrain, investigating the various spaces in and through which wars are fought. Finally, the module considers the emergence of the so-called ‘New Cold War’ throu

An important exploration of the key issues and challenges facing contemporary democratic states and movements in the 21st Century. Arguably, modern democracy faces multiple challenges such as: The rise of populist movements Democratic backsliding Declining public trust in leaders and political institutions Globalisation and transnational government New forms of authoritarian leadership Increasing repression of dissent and protest Taking a comparative approach, we will explore how these evolving challenges have impacted the politics of both democratic and authoritarian states, and we will evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies that have been taken to address them. Using the skills in bo

The emergence, consolidation and transformation of world capitalism has been marked by its uneven character in terms of development, and the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. This module aims to provide you with a theoretical foundation for the study of international development and the environment, by focusing on the structural roots of current challenges. We will focus in particular on global inequalities and environmental injustice. Drawing on mainstream and critical development studies, international political economy and discourse analysis, the module examines the interconnections between uneven development and the deterioration of the natural environment. You will examin

The module includes a placement where you will work on real-world policy-making scenarios. You’ll gain practical experience and in-depth knowledge of the policymaking process within different political contexts. You’ll also deepen your understanding of key theoretical frameworks and concepts in policy analysis and development. As well as gaining professional skills, you’ll discover how academic knowledge acquired during your degree translates into different policy-making contexts. By the end of the module, you will be able to conduct robust policy research using various methodologies and tools, evaluate the ethical implications of policy decisions, and advocate for ethics and value-based app

This module focuses on the interrelationship between security, strategy and technology. We begin with an introduction to Strategic Studies as an academic discipline, outlining key concepts and their relevance in the 21st century security environment. We then apply these concepts to a variety of domains of conflict, examining emerging disruptive technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing, and how militaries are integrating them into war fighting and defence innovation processes. The module then moves on to explore the past, present and future of cyber conflict, and how state and non-state actors are leveraging cyber capabilities for strategic advantage inside and ou

Why do we see gaps between what politicians say on immigration and what they do? In the United Kingdom and in most of the Global North the movement of people across international borders is a key political issue of our time. The public, researchers and politicians across the political spectrum participate in passionate debates about immigration. Political parties make strong claims about how they would “manage” or “cut” migration, recognising that it is a key voting issue. Meanwhile, the systematic study of human movement supplies us with robust evidence concerning such questions as: Is migration desirable or not? How should we understand its effects on origin and destination countries? How

We are living in an era of accelerating crises – of democracy, capitalism, environment, and governance itself – that are reshaping the 21st century global order. In this module you will examine these intersecting crises and their uneven social, political and economic impacts. Moving beyond traditional political analyses, the module offers an original perspective on the complex interplay of technological disruptions, economic instability, health emergencies and geopolitical shifts. Informed by critical public policy, political economy and sustainability debates, the module explores how different actors, from international institutions to grassroots movements, attempt to contain these crises a