BA (Hons) History and International Relations Bachelor's degree at Lancaster University

Discover the core concepts, theories and historical contexts that shape the field of International Relations. You will gain an understanding of the state system, sovereignty, power, anarchy and other key concepts that underpin the discipline. You’ll also explore the history of international relations, from the emergence of the Westphalian system to contemporary global challenges. Examining the major theoretical traditions, including Realism, Liberalism and Constructivism, you’ll critically assesses their strengths and weaknesses in explaining current international dynamics. Through the analysis of historical and contemporary case studies, you will develop the essential analytical tools to un

The medieval and early modern periods witnessed immense change. This module will introduce you to the key themes, sources, and methods you need to understand the patterns of change and continuity around the world over a period of more than a thousand years. The shift from a warm climate in the medieval period to a colder one in the early modern period may help us explain patterns of life in a world where most people depended on subsistence agriculture. Huge transformations were also wrought by the movement of people, diseases, animals, and goods, with events such as the Black Death in Europe and smallpox epidemics in the Americas decisively changing how people lived, and how they related to

Explore the complex landscape of global governance and the role of international institutions in addressing contemporary challenges. You will begin by studying the historical development of the international system and the evolution of world order, setting the stage for an analysis of key actors in global politics. You’ll learn about: The functions and impact of states International organizations Non-governmental organizations Multinational corporations Transnational non-state actors Examining the processes of global governance, including diplomacy and negotiation, you will analyse the economic, social and cultural dimensions of globalization and their impact on state sovereignty, internatio

What does it take to disrupt the normal course of history, to overhaul how countries are run, to overturn long-held scientific knowledge and show people the world in a different light, or fundamentally disrupt the ways that wars are fought? What counts as a revolution? How do they happen? Here we explore a concept fundamental to History: historical change. We discover what it looks like and how it happens. Together, we investigate a series of political, economic, social, environmental and cultural events and developments from the medieval period to the modern era that have been identified as revolutionary. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to interpret and explain change in history and to

This module explores the lived experience of peoples and nations in the modern age through the emergence of new ideas – including nationalism, capitalism, imperialism, racism, feminism - and, in turn, how those ideas were shaped by individuals, political movements, and events in diverse regions such as Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. You will explore the dramatic changes that took place across the period, such as enslavement and emancipation, dictatorship and democracy, mass suffrage, war, persecution, and transformations in medical practice and legal systems, including the emergence of the idea of the citizen. You’ll also consider the histories of those who defied and resisted these

How do we learn about crime and criminals? Discover the methods criminologists use to study crime and the criminal justice system, moving beyond everyday assumptions and media portrayals. Using a range of topics within criminology as exemplars, you will learn to: formulate research questions conduct literature reviews design studies analyse findings You’ll develop the skills to think like a criminologist and be prepared for deeper engagement with the research field as you progress with your study of criminology.

The English language is not set in stone. It has changed over time and it differs depending on who is speaking it and where it is spoken. These facts are often ignored in the many myths surrounding its ‘proper’ form and use. This module will give you the knowledge to challenge those misconceptions by examining the history and varieties of English and attitudes toward it. You will gain an insight into the way English became standardised and into the complex role that prescriptivism has played in shaping it. You will come to appreciate that English is ever-changing as its grammar and vocabulary continue to evolve in new directions. You will also explore how and why the places where English is

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

What is real, how can we know, and how can we check our reasoning? In this module you will study philosophical tools for reasoning and arguing (critical thinking) and discover fundamental philosophical questions about knowledge (epistemology) and the nature of reality (metaphysics). In studying critical thinking, you will learn methods of constructing and analysing arguments and acquire basic logical terminology. In exploring epistemology, you’ll discuss questions such as: what exactly is it to ‘know’ something? Can we know anything at all? Are there alternative knowledges? In metaphysics, you will consider questions such as: what is the fundamental nature of reality? How are we to understan

From questions about truth, justice, and knowledge to debates over freedom, power, and human purpose - how has philosophical inquiry shaped cultural, political, and scientific life across centuries? In this module you will explore the major ideas and traditions that have guided the development of Western thought. Specific thinkers examined will vary from year to year, but they will include philosophers whose ideas have helped shape philosophical viewpoints, categories and boundaries in the western philosophical tradition. You will be encouraged to think about the problems and limitations of different thinkers’ approaches, and their impact on the way we practice and understand the boundaries

Learn how to analyse highly contemporary political events and trends, and develop the vital critical skills required to be able to put them into context. You will also discover how to relate these issues to core empirical questions and debates within academic research on politics. Taking a problem-based learning approach, you’ll use evidence to evaluate competing explanations for recent political developments. These may include: Democracy and elections Political leadership The state and globalisation Structural inequalities Political institutions Public opinion and protest. Lancaster’s politics experts have extensive expertise across different regions of the globe and we are quick to respond

How are your personal experiences connected to broader social forces? This module introduces you to the ‘sociological imagination’, a way of thinking that helps you make sense of the relationship between individual lives and society. Drawing on classic and contemporary sociological debates, you’ll explore key questions about individualism, institutions and social change. You'll learn to critically analyse how biography and history intersect, engaging with foundational ideas in the discipline. By developing your own sociological take on these themes, you’ll gain essential skills in critical thinking, argumentation and analysis, preparing you for further study and enabling you to see the world i

How do sociologists decide what to study and how to study it? This module introduces you to key debates in sociological research, exploring how different perspectives shape the questions we ask and the methods we use. You'll examine objective vs subjective positions, as well as feminist and decolonial critiques that have challenged traditional research approaches to sociological research. Through discussions and exercises, you'll begin to develop your own research interests and approach, reflecting on what it means to conduct sociological enquiry. By the end of the module, you’ll have a solid foundation in the principles of sociological research and a clearer sense of how to turn your questi

Explore the profound transformations reshaping the contemporary international system. You will build on your knowledge of foundational theories and concepts to examine the dynamic interplay of power shifts, globalization and evolving security landscapes. You will critically analyse the changing distribution of power, including the rise of emerging powers and the implications for global order. At the same time, you will explore alternative visions for international cooperation. By examining emerging concepts such as human, environmental and gendered security, you will go beyond traditional security studies to scrutinise the role of power and discourse in shaping security practices. You will e

Discover how wars are among the most important drivers of historical change. They have transformed states, societies, borders and landscapes, as well as ideas, identities, and worldviews. The decision to go to war is rarely taken lightly, but the mechanisms and norms for doing so have varied greatly over time. How peoples mobilize themselves for conflict has likewise been shaped by ideas about rights, responsibilities, and roles, ideas sometimes rooted in shifting concepts of gender and racial ideologies. War is also a crucible of scientific and technological change. From the longbow to the machine gun, and from photography and reconstructive surgery to the atomic bomb, war has stimulated sc

Gain the skills you need to complete independent research in Politics and International Relations. Direct your own learning by developing a research project on your chosen topic. Throughout the module, you will develop knowledge of both qualitative and quantitative research methods, and you’ll analyse a large quantitative political dataset using various methods to test for statistically significant relationships between variables. You will learn about three major approaches to qualitative research that will prepare you for future independent research work: How to conduct interviews How to analyse the discourse of political actors How to conduct comparative case studies You’ll find that the s

This thought-provoking module unpacks the global surge of authoritarianism and democratic backsliding. It examines different forms of autocracy and moves beyond traditional classifications to explore the diverse strategies of repression employed by 21st-century authoritarian regimes, from digital surveillance and manipulation to physical violence. We’ll examine the forces that contribute to the resilience of these regimes, including economic resources, international support, and the erosion of democratic norms. Crucially, we will also consider the various forms of resistance that emerge in response to authoritarian rule, from grassroots movements and civil disobedience to transnational advoc

Explore the two things that make us human – body and mind. Historians once regarded mind and body as the same across time and place. But more recently, historians have challenged this assumption, showing that changing societies have led people to experience mind and body in radically different ways. You will explore patterns of continuity and change from the medieval to modern periods by investigating key themes such as: How ideas about mind and body have impacted gender, race and social class Violence and injury Sexuality and gender identity Changing experiences of disability and transformations in attitudes to healthcare You’ll build the skills to historicise mind and body through innovati

What does it mean to die? Is it frightening? Will I see those I love again? What does it mean to kill, whether an enemy, a friend, or myself? Death is a universal human experience but, as you’ll discover, how we confront it has varied across history.You’ll explore varied experiences of death, from end-of-life care to execution, and from battlefields to pandemics. Religion can shape beliefs and customs, from the theology of the afterlife to funerary rituals and the treatment of the corpse. Yet at the margins have always lain a shadowy world, where the restless dead return, the living seek to summon the departed, and the despairing take their lives. You’ll discover the different means of inves

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

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

20th-century British history is largely a story of change. The impact of democratisation, war, economic decline, the loss of empire, and internal fragmentation has resulted in a nation seemingly in constant flux, often unsure of its identity and its values. In this module you will explore the patterns of social, economic, cultural and political change which have most affected the lives of the British since 1900. The overarching themes are the formation and reformation of identities based on class, gender, race, empire, nation, and the dual process by which the British were integrated into the state as citizens, and into the market as consumers. As well as being introduced to the key historio

To what rights are humans entitled? How are those rights balanced with the rights of other organisms and the environment? How are they balanced with the needs of societies and governments? The protection of human rights has been used to justify international conflict and military intervention to save lives, yet human rights critics have argued that they are a form of cultural imperialism limiting the sovereignty of local populations. You will explore the codification of rights, from Magna Carta and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to the Geneva Conventions, and how questions of rights have manifested in movements for decolonisation and self-determination, debates on the use of capit

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

How have war and violence changed with the birth of the modern age? How have modern geopolitics and war transformed the ethical, political and strategic conditions of international politics and economy? In this module you will learn key concepts and critical approaches to the study of war and peace. In taking a longer view of war’s social, political, and cultural histories, you will develop a strong intellectual foundation as well as gaining an understanding of less traditional methods for analysing conflict in different global contexts. Through an exploration of key events, technologies and practices that have shaped the modern world, we will interrogate war’s contested legacies around the

Hone a strong sense of purpose and gain the satisfaction of applying your skills and knowledge to a community, charity or student-led initiative. Your challenge will be to take responsibility for arranging and completing a voluntary or fundraising activity, locally, virtually or during vacation periods at home. You will need to show that you have made a positive difference through this activity. In class, you will be asked to reflect on this experience and explore the wider social impact of the work. In doing so you will build your confidence in your ability to contribute meaningfully to society through your future personal and professional path.

You are invited to collaborate in an interdisciplinary team with other students as you explore major global challenges such as climate change, inequality or emerging technologies. Throughout the module you will examine how the humanities, arts and social sciences contribute to understanding and addressing complex issues. Classroom discussions and activities focus on the process of identifying problems and considering innovative, ethical responses, while helping you to consider and articulate the relevance of this work to your personal and professional development.

Explore how ideas can be developed into real-world projects with lasting value. Through hands-on collaboration and problem-solving, you will develop innovative projects, learn how to bring ideas to life and explore ways to sustain them. Whether you are working in a team or individually, you will be encouraged to experiment with different approaches to making a difference in artistic, cultural, social and community spaces.

Investigate an area of Politics and International Relations that is of particular interest to you by carrying out a detailed research project. The topic may be inspired by a module you’ve taken, or it may be less directly linked to course work but of special appeal to you. The dissertation is an extended piece of written work and a chance to develop your research skills and your ability to work independently. You will be assigned an academic supervisor who will have some familiarity with your chosen topic. They will support you through the different stages of the dissertation, from developing your research design, to confirming your research question and working out the best methodology. Com

The traditional historiography of the Cold War focused predominantly on the United States and the Soviet Union, and the European theatre of the conflict. This module, in contrast, offers you a different, less Western-centric view of the Cold War. You will study the impact of the East-West struggle in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, and how the course of the Cold War was affected by conflicts in the Global South. Thereby, you will learn that the Global Cold War was not only dominated by the two superpowers, but was also heavily influenced by Third World actors and lesser Cold War powers such as the People’s Republic of China. The study of the Global Cold War is currently the

Uncover the origins of modern consumer society in Britain. In the century from the abolition of advertising tax in 1853 to the birth of commercial television in the 1950s, advertising became a pervasive feature of modern life, and Britain became a nation of consumers. Through a range of sources, including press reports, social surveys and – of course – advertisements, you’ll investigate the impact of new shopping environments like the department store and the supermarket, and the rise of ethical consumerism. Advertising is political, and you’ll also examine how it helped Britain win two world wars and market the Empire to its citizens. By the end of the module, you will understand how advert

Examine how cogent issues in crime, justice and punishment have been treated historically from the eighteenth century. Taking advantage of online historical datasets, including Digital Panopticon and Old Bailey Online, you will be introduced to the vast range of historic criminal justice records. On the module, the classroom becomes the archive. You’ll get hands on with primary sources evidencing the social and cultural history of modern Britain, and act as Digital Detectives to gather evidence to unlock the world of Victorian crime and punishment. By using digital approaches to this evidence, you will be able to navigate a history from below and explore the impact of crime and injustice on

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

Soviet history is often told through the prism of totalitarian oppression, but beneath layers of state control a vibrant dissident movement was active. In this module, you will explore the breadth, depth and complexity of the Soviet dissident movement and critically analyse the impact that they had on the wider world. You will explore the nature of political life in the Soviet Union, ranging from the labour camps under Joseph Stalin, to the use and abuse of psychiatry under Nikita Khrushchev and the silencing of dissidents under Leonid Brezhnev. You’ll also consider the role dissidents played in the collapse of the Soviet regime and the position of dissidents in contemporary Russia. By focus

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