Geography and Economics Lancaster University

Given the pace at which our planet and society is changing, there has never been a more important time to study geography and economics. Geographers study the most pressing social and environmental challenges of our time, whilst economists seek to understand how to maximise our use of limited global resources. By studying both areas, you will learn to address the global challenges that underpin our efforts for a just and sustainable future.

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, financial management, environmental consultancy, local and national government, urban planning and landscape architecture. Explore the full range of human and environmental issues tackled by modern geographers, including the economic impact on human society and the impact on the modern world.

What to expect

With our three-year BA Hons Geography and Economics degree you will begin by developing a fundamental understanding of both disciplines. You will undertake a range of modules that will introduce you to key themes in geography, bridging both the human and physical elements. Your modules in economics will introduce you to micro- and macro-economics and how to communicate data.

In Year 2, you will build upon the principles explored in Year 1 and undertake practical work to gain analytical and research project skills, including developing familiarity with geoinformatics. There will be the opportunity to tailor your interests through a range of optional modules, some of which cover topics such as cultural, developmental, and economic geography.

As you progress into Year 3, you will complete further optional modules in advanced topics such as global consumption, urban infrastructure, environmental economics, and geographies of health, alongside embarking on national and international residential field trips.

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.

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. Plus, you will have access to outstanding practical facilities, including our own weather monitoring station

• 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. You will graduate ready to enter a number of thriving industries in an increasingly environmentally conscious market

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

AAB. We recommend that this includes Geography, or alternatively you should have one of the following subjects: Classics, Economics, English Literature, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Sociology.

Access to HE Diploma

Considered on a case-by-case basis. Our typical entry requirement would be 36 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 9 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

DDD 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 grade B plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade AB plus BTEC at D, but you would also need to meet the subject requirements.

International Baccalaureate

35 points overall with 16 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 level in Health is accepted at Distinction

GCSE requirements

Mathematics grade 6/B, 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.