BSc (Hons) in Geography with Study Abroad, Lancaster University

Lancaster,

48 Months

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About this course

This Geography BSc Hons course at Lancaster offers students the chance to study both human and physical geography with an international dimension through its Study Abroad programme. The course is highly ranked, being 11th for Geography and Environmental Science according to The Times and Sunday Times guide (2025). Students spend their third year abroad at one of Lancaster's international partner universities, gaining cultural insights and academic experience in diverse locations such as North America or Australasia. The programme is designed to develop a broad understanding of environmental processes, societal interactions, and geographic challenges, supported by Lancaster's state-of-the-art facilities including the Lancaster Environment Centre. Field trips and practical modules provide hands-on experience, with opportunities to explore UK landscapes and international sites like Croatia and Switzerland, fostering both academic and real-world skills.

Why this course is highly recommended

Lancaster’s Geography degree is well-regarded, ranking 11th for Geography and Environmental Science and 13th for Geography in 2025. The programme offers a balance of theoretical understanding and practical skills, including extensive field trips and hands-on modules. The Study Abroad year enhances cultural awareness and global connectivity, providing students with an edge in the international job market. Accreditation by the Royal Geographical Society ensures a high-quality curriculum aligned with industry standards. Graduates benefit from versatile skills in analysis, communication, and project management, opening diverse career paths in sectors like planning, environmental consulting, geospatial analysis, and more.

Specialisation

Students begin with fundamental modules covering physical, human, and environmental geography in their first year. Specialisation starts in the second year, allowing students to choose topics aligned with their interests. Core modules focus on practical skills in research and analysis, with optional modules including field trips to Spain and other destinations. In the third year, students study at an overseas university, broadening their global perspective. The final year involves a significant dissertation project, where students conduct original research guided by an academic supervisor. Optional modules in the final year enable further focus on physical or human geography, often with fieldwork opportunities in various locations.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

31.48L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants need to have AAB at A level, preferably including Geography or related subjects such as Biology, Economics, History, or Physics. Other qualifications considered include the IB with 35 points overall, Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers, BTEC Extended Diploma in a related subject with supportive A levels, and equivalent international qualifications. GCSE requirements include Mathematics and English Language at grade 4/C or higher. English language proficiency requires a IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates from Lancaster’s Geography programme are equipped to work in diverse sectors such as planning, environmental consultancy, landscape architecture, geospatial analysis, and water management. The course’s emphasis on transferable skills like communication, project management, and data analysis also opens opportunities in marketing, teaching, travel, and business. Many alumni take roles in consultancy firms, government agencies, NGOs, and academia. The university supports career development through modules like the Career Success programme, and optional placements enhance employability, giving students practical experience in relevant industries. The median starting salary for Lancaster Geography graduates is approximately £24,347.

FAQs

What modules are included in the first year?

First-year modules introduce environmental processes, geographical skills, global environmental challenges, and society and space, providing a well-rounded foundation in physical and human geography.

What are the opportunities for fieldwork?

Students have numerous fieldwork opportunities, including trips in the UK to locations like the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District, as well as international trips to Croatia, Switzerland, and Spain.