Politics and International Relations
About this programme
At Lancaster University Ghana, students have the opportunity to study core foundation courses for a globally recognised politics and international relations degree in a dynamic environment. Students will also be able to pursue further interests through a list of optional modules. The study of politics and international relations involves a broad range of subjects. It begins with the formalized institutions of authority and decision-making, and extends into the study of firms, economies, industries, theories of economic development, and issues of class, gender, race, and other forms of inequalities that manifest locally and globally. The programme pays particular attention to African politics and how its positioned in the global context. The knowledge and skills acquired supplemented by the degree’s international recognition of the degree provide students with the tools to develop professional careers in a wide variety of settings on the international stage.
Entry requirements
‘A’ Levels – Pass in 3 ‘A’ Level subjects at grade CCC or 96 tariff points plus grade C or 4 in five GCE/IGCSE or Grade 6 in GCE ‘O’ Level subjects including English and Mathematics. Full Diploma Certificate is ABCE. Also applicant must have had credit passes in five (5) subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science or Social Studies in the General Business Certificate Examination (GBCE) or Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) Higher National Diplomas (HND) from a recognised Polytechnic in Ghana with a Final Grade Point Average (FGPA) of 3.0 or better in any field, are eligible to apply to this UG programme. In addition, such applicants MUST have WASSCE Grade C6 in the best 6 subjects, to include three core subjects and three electives (core subjects must include English Language, Mathematics and Integrated Science or Social Studies) OR Grade C or 4 in five GCE/IGCSE or Grade 6 in GCE ‘O’ Level subjects including English and Mathematics. International Baccalaureate – Overall mark of 27 points in total average score with 16 points from the best three HL subjects with English and Mathematics and Higher Level Grade 5 or Standard Level Grade 6. French Baccalaureate – Overall mark of 10 as a total average score with a minimum of 11 in the English Language and 11 in Mathematics. Option International Baccalaureate (OIB) – overall marks of 9.5 in the total average score with a minimum 10.5 in English Language and 10.5 in Mathematics. USA High School Graduation Diploma – 2.8 GPA plus grades 3,3 and 3 in AP (Group A subjects). Canada Secondary School Diploma – Ontario: 60% average in six Grade 12 U or M level courses First degree from any recognised university.
Career prospects
Employability is one of the key objectives of this course and the modules prepare students with the necessary skills needed in in their respective industries. It also prepares students who aspire to continuing this subject as a professional course. Students with a degree in Politics and International Relations will gain insight into government policies, and the behavior of political actors. These skills are vital in today’s world, whether you are seeking work in the public, private or non-governmental sectors. Studying political science equips students with the below skills: Communicate clearly and present ideas persuasively (oral or written) Conduct research, find information and come up with new ideas Argue and debate constructively and respectfully Negotiate and mediate conflicts successfully Plan, make decisions and implement them Demonstrate a broad knowledge of histories and cultures in the world Provide effective leadership informed by these prior skills The programme makes students eligible for work in a wide variety of fields, including the following: Governance and Democratic Administration, Diplomacy and Public Administration, Policy Analysis and Development, Public Relations, Banking, Social Media Management, Conflict Resolution, Peacebuilding, Industrial Relations (Labour and Management), Lobbying, Political Consultancy, Political Campaign Management, International Trade, Intelligence Analysis, Environmental Management, Humanitarianism, Market Research, Program Management and Project Management. It is also an avenue toward further study in: Business and Marketing, Journalism, Law, Law Enforcement and Urban Planning, among others.