Geography (Placement Year) Lancaster University

Given the pace at which our planet is changing, there has never been a more important time to study geography. Learn to make sense of the complex interactions between humanity and our planetary environment and discover how you can make a positive difference.

Develop the skills and knowledge needed to help you advance professionally in a range of sectors, including but not limited to energy, food and agriculture, construction and housing, hazard mitigation, environmental consultancy, local and national government, urban planning and landscape architecture, geospatial analysis, and emergency planning.

What to expect

At the beginning of our four-year BA Hons Geography (Placement Year) degree you will be introduced to human, physical, and environmental geography.

In Year 2, you will deepen your knowledge of human and physical geography, with the opportunity to tailor your interests around a range of human-centric optional modules. As you specialise, you will undertake practical work that aims to enhance your understanding of key topics while developing your analytic and research skills.

As you progress into Year 4, you will tailor your studies even further with a dissertation. Here, you will be guided by an academic advisor to deliver an independent research topic of your choice. This can be completed in collaboration with a regional organisation such as Lancaster City Council, where you will gain valuable work experience in a real-world environment. Alongside your research project, you will complete further optional modules, including national and international residential field trips. Topics you may choose include global consumption, urban infrastructure, geographies of health, natural hazards, glacial systems, or water resource management.

Getting out in the field

With our location near major urban centres, rivers, coasts, and the Lake District World Heritage Site, you will be able to explore beyond the campus and gain hands-on experience through fieldwork. This may include studying the use of salt marshes and sand dunes for coastal flood defence around Morecambe Bay; studying rural communities built around renewable energy projects; exploring inter-connections along Lancaster’s River Lune, from source to sea; and examining glacially carved landscapes and cave systems.

Your placement

In Year 3, you will undertake a placement that will enable you to apply the knowledge and skills learnt so far and gain invaluable experience that will then inform your studies in Year 4 and your career beyond.

Although it’s up to you to find your placement, we will support you all the way. Our Careers Service will provide guidance on CVs, applications, interview techniques and creating a digital profile.

Personal development

In addition to subject knowledge and field experience, you will gain essential communication and geographic information systems skills. You will become familiar with data generation through qualitative techniques, as well as data handling, environmental sampling, and analysis.

3 things our Geography students want you to know:

• Lancaster Environment Centre’s large atrium offers a refreshing place to work, where you will be surrounded by active researchers shaping current thinking. We have an open-door policy and assign you an academic tutor at the beginning of your degree, meaning there’s plenty of ways to receive support.

• The theme of sustainability is woven throughout the degree and life on campus. Many students are part of LUSU Green, a group run by the Students’ Union that is driving change across the campus and beyond to create a thriving natural environment, reduce carbon emissions, and train the sustainability leaders of the future

• Our degree programme focuses on helping you prepare for your future career, with modules that prioritise the development of essential skills and opportunities to undertake enriching hands-on experience in real-world environments.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

BBB. We recommend that this includes Geography, or alternatively you should have one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Classics, Economics, English Literature, Environmental Studies, Geology, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Sociology.

Access to HE Diploma

Considered on a case-by-case basis. Our typical entry requirement would be 24 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 21 Level 3 credits at Merit, but you would need to have covered appropriate subject content.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM in a related subject but we may additionally require a supporting A level in Geography or alternative cognate subject at grade B

BTEC in combination with A levels

Our typical entry requirement would be A level at grade B plus BTEC(s) at DM, or A level at grade C plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade BC plus BTEC at D, but you would also need to meet the subject requirements, and achieve appropriate grades in those subjects.

International Baccalaureate

30 points overall with 15 points from the best 3 HL subjects including Geography or alternative cognate subject at HL grade 6

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

T levels in Health, Healthcare Science, and Science are accepted at Merit

GCSE requirements

Mathematics grade 4/C, English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.