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

Lancaster,

48 Months

Check Eligibility

About this course

This course offers a unique blend of social sciences and geography, helping you understand how people interact with their environment, form communities, cultures, and economies. You will benefit from a supported paid placement year, gaining practical experience by working in organisations relevant to your career aspirations. The curriculum includes modules developed by leading experts in human, environmental, and political geography, with opportunities for field trips both in the UK and internationally, such as Croatia. You will study a range of topics from geographic information systems to cultural and development studies, with access to state-of-the-art laboratories and software. The course combines theoretical learning with practical fieldwork, helping you develop critical analysis, research, and communication skills. Supported by a dedicated careers team, the program prepares you for diverse career avenues in both public and private sectors.

Why this course is highly recommended

This program is highly valued for its diverse modules, fieldwork opportunities, and strong industry links, supported by a focus on employability and practical skills. The department is well-regarded, ranking between 11th and 16th in various UK guides for geography and environmental science. The paid placement year is a distinctive feature, giving students direct industry experience that enhances employability and career confidence. The university's facilities, including GIS labs and international field sites, complement the learning experience, making it ideal for students who love exploring real-world problems and gaining hands-on experience.

Specialisation

While the course covers broad aspects of human geography, it offers opportunities to tailor your studies with optional modules like cultural geography, economic geography, development studies, political geography, and water management. The fourth year features a dissertation project, allowing you to focus on a topic of your interest; you can also collaborate with businesses for research, gaining valuable work experience.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

31.48L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants typically need ABB at A level, including Geography or related subjects like Anthropology, Economics, History, or Sociology. Other qualifications accepted include the BTEC Extended Diploma with relevant grades, the International Baccalaureate with 32 points overall, and Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers. For English language, a IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component is required. Additional qualifications and considerations are available; details can be checked with the admissions team.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates find roles across public and private sectors, including city councils, schools, planning firms, environmental consultancies, and marketing. Examples of roles include Policy Advisor, Trainee Teacher, Town Planner, Sustainability Consultant, and Digital Marketing Executive. The degree equips students with transferable skills in communication, data analysis, project management, and software competencies, which are highly sought after in sectors like travel, tourism, business, and environmental management. The program’s emphasis on work placements significantly boosts employability, offering opportunities for professional networking and practical experience.

FAQs

What is the duration of the course?

The course lasts four years with a full-time study format, including a paid placement year in the third year.

Are field trips included in the curriculum?

Yes, students participate in field trips locally and internationally, including locations like Croatia, the Lake District, and Manchester city centre.