BA (Hons) in Geography with Placement Year, Lancaster University

Lancaster,

48 Months

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About this course

This BA Hons program in Geography with a placement year at Lancaster University offers students a chance to study the Earth’s landscapes, species, places, and environment through a unique blend of social science (human geography) and natural (physical geography). The course includes practical facilities, international field trips, and a paid placement opportunity in the third year, providing valuable industry experience. Students will explore topics from environmental processes and global challenges to urban infrastructure and biodiversity, with the opportunity to participate in field trips to notable locations such as Switzerland, Croatia, the Yorkshire Dales, and Lake District. The curriculum emphasizes skill development in data handling, environmental sampling, and communication, preparing students for careers in sectors like environmental consultancy, urban planning, and geospatial analysis.

Why this course is highly recommended

Lancaster’s Geography course is highly regarded, consistently ranking among the top for Geography and Environmental Science in UK guides like The Times and Sunday Times, The Complete University Guide, and The Guardian. The program’s distinctive mix of hands-on fieldwork, international trips, and practical facilities offers an engaging learning environment. The opportunity for a paid placement year enhances employability by providing real-world work experience, and the department’s strong links with industry support career development. Graduates enjoy diverse career paths in sectors such as planning, environmental consultancy, and geospatial analysis, backed by the program’s focus on transferable skills like communication, data analysis, and project management.

Specialisation

Students can develop their interests further from the second year onwards by choosing topics that match their passions. The course offers core modules focusing on practical work, research skills, and field trips—such as a module in Spain—alongside optional modules that span physical and human geography disciplines. Final-year research projects involve original geographical research, with fieldwork opportunities in Switzerland and Croatia, allowing students to specialise in areas like natural hazards, water resource management, climate change, and geosocial spaces.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

31.48L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants typically need ABB at A level, including Geography or another relevant subject like Biology, History, or Environmental Studies. Other accepted qualifications include the BTEC Extended Diploma with DDM, the International Baccalaureate with 32 points overall, and Scottish Highers with relevant Advanced Highers. GCSE requirements include Math and English Language at grade 4/C. Proficiency in English is confirmed with an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component. The course considers various qualifications on a case-by-case basis.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates from Lancaster’s Geography program find opportunities in roles such as Planning Officers, Environmental Consultants, Landscape Architects, Geospatial Analysts, Hydrologists, and Emergency Planners. The program’s emphasis on broad transferable skills like communication, software fluency, and project management also opens doors to careers in marketing, travel, education, and business. Many alumni work in policy, conservation, urban planning, and climate change projects worldwide, with the university’s support helping students secure competitive graduate roles—some with notable employers like UNICEF, local councils, and environmental firms. The median starting salary for Lancaster graduates is around £24,347.

FAQs

What are the entry requirements for this course?

Typically, ABB at A level including Geography or a related subject, with GCSE Math and English at grade 4/C, and an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component.

Are there field trips included in the course?

Yes, students participate in local and international field trips, including locations like Croatia, Switzerland, the Yorkshire Dales, and the Lake District, providing practical hands-on experience.