Lancaster University undergraduate open day
27 Jun 2026, 08:00
Lancaster
Why Lancaster?
Immerse yourself in history and politics – to what extent can the past help us resolve the challenges of today’s world?
Attend events and talks at our Centre for War and Diplomacy and the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies – the oldest peace and conflict research centre in the UK
You’ll be taught by experts from the Department of History and our Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion - be among the first to hear the latest insights from specialists in British, Russian and Middle Eastern affairs
Explore the vibrant history right on your doorstep, from museums and archives to Lancaster Castle and the Lake District
Prepare for your future career at each stage of the programme, so you’ll be ready to launch your career in the heritage sector, local or national government, or a range of other rewarding careers
Fascinated by the past, but eager to confront the challenges of the present? Explore history and politics to unravel the theory and the historical context of events and current issues. We’ll help you gain essential skills and knowledge to give you the best chance of success in your future career.
Interpreting the past
Start the course with core modules designed to build your knowledge. You’ll learn from experts who specialise in British, Russian and Middle Eastern politics, as well as historians covering the last 1500 years. They’ll reveal how they carry out research and interpret the past to help you understand why historical interpretations change over time.
As you progress through the course, you’ll have the freedom to shape your study with optional modules. Most students pick an even balance across the two subjects, exploring a very wide range of topics and periods in time, from the fall of Rome to decolonisation, race and empire.
Ready for the future
Preparing you for your future career is important to us. That’s why we focus on real-world issues and offering opportunities to add to your CV. You’ll hear first-hand from significant figures in the field – previously these have included diplomats, political leaders and members of the armed forces. You may also be able to complete a placement within either a heritage organisation or via the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies to gain valuable work experience and skills.
You’ll be taught by academics from both our Department of History and our Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion. This will give you the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of how the two subjects intertwine.
Study abroad
The study abroad option is an exciting opportunity for anyone who is thinking of working abroad during their career or who simply wants the experience of living and studying overseas as part of their degree.
You will study in your third year at one of our international partner universities. This will help you to
• develop your global outlook
• expand your professional network
• increase your cultural awareness
• develop your personal skills.
During your year abroad, you will choose specialist modules relating to your degree and potentially other modules offered by the host university that are specialisms of that university and country.
The places available at our overseas partners vary each year, but destinations have previously included Australia, USA, Canada, Europe and Asia.
We will make reasonable endeavours to place students at an approved overseas partner university that offers appropriate modules. Occasionally places overseas may not be available for all students who want to study abroad or the place at the partner university may be withdrawn if core modules are unavailable.
If you are not offered a place to study overseas, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent standard 3-year degree scheme and would complete your studies at Lancaster. Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of the year abroad.
The following entry points are available for this course:
Discover what it's like to study History and Politics (Study Abroad) at Lancaster University: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.
At Lancaster, we are committed to widening access to higher education for all. As part of this we take a holistic approach to reviewing applications, taking into account exceptional circumstances and potential as much as we can. We run a Contextual Offer Scheme which incorporates a reduced grade offer for applicants that meet our eligibility criteria. For more information on the scheme, and other widening participation activity such as the Lancaster Access Programme, please visit our website.
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
For information on our fees, please see www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding.
Bailrigg
Lancaster
LA1 4YW
Email:ugadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk
Phone:01524 592028
At Lancaster University