Welcome to the Politics website. Politics involves the study of power and authority and the organisation of government and society.

At the University of Central Lancashire the subject of politics is divided into three core areas:

 the study of government - such as the British Parliamentary system
 the study of political ideas and concepts - such as liberalism, socialism and conservatism
 the study of international relations or global politics

Politics can be studied at UCLan as a single degree subject –BA (Hons) in Politics, or BA (Hons) in Politics and International Relations- or in combination with many other subjects, including History, Sociology, Philosophy and American Studies.

Politics can be broadly defined as the study of power, authority and conflict resolution. It examines how people and groups in society interact in pursuit of their particular interests and values. This interaction occurs both within and between nations, and in a national and global context. Societies create states, governments and other political institutions to manage the process of conflict resolution. Ideas and ideologies develop to explain and justify these processes. Our programme will explore all these aspects of Politics.

In the wake of recent traumatic global and domestic events and developments, there is an increasing desire to place such issues in wider historical, philosophical and analytical contexts:  to address such questions as: Is the ‘war against terror’ just? Should the UK be part of Europe? Is ‘globalisation’ a good thing? Students with a particular interest in these international issues may take final-year modules which will qualify them for the degree title of BA (Hons) in Politics and International Relations.

Students may apply to spend a semester on an overseas exchange, in the second year of their programme, at one of our partner Universities in the US, Europe and the Asia-Pacific.

The study of Politics offers an excellent preparation for a range of careers in government and non-governmental organisations, journalism and the media, teaching, social and public services and the international sphere.