Geography BSc Hons

The Geography BSc Hons program at Lancaster University is a three-year full-time course that explores the complex interactions between humanity and the planetary environment.

Overview

This program is designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge needed to advance professionally in a range of sectors, including energy, food and agriculture, construction and housing, hazard mitigation, environmental consultancy, local and national government, urban planning, and landscape architecture.

Top Reasons to Study with Us

• 9th for Geography in The Complete University Guide (2026)
• 11th for Geography in The Guardian University Guide (2026)
• 15th for Joint Geography & Environmental Science in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (2026)

What to Expect

In the first year, students are introduced to human, physical, and environmental geography. In the second year, students deepen their knowledge of human and physical geography, with the opportunity to tailor their interests around a range of environment-centric optional modules. In the third year, students tailor their studies further with a dissertation, guided by an academic advisor, and complete further optional modules.

Getting Out in the Field

The program's location near major urban centers, rivers, coasts, and the Lake District World Heritage Site provides opportunities for hands-on experience through fieldwork.

Personal Development

Students gain essential communication and geographic information systems skills, becoming familiar with data generation through qualitative techniques, data handling, environmental sampling, and analysis.

3 Things Our Geography Students Want You to Know

• The Lancaster Environment Centre's large atrium offers a refreshing place to work, surrounded by active researchers.
• The theme of sustainability is woven throughout the degree and life on campus.
• The degree program focuses on helping students prepare for their future careers, with modules that prioritize the development of essential skills and opportunities for hands-on experience in real-world environments.

Your Department

The program is part of the Lancaster Environment Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology.

Why Geography at Lancaster?

Discover what studying Geography at Lancaster is like from students and academics.

Course Accreditation

This program has been accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), recognizing programs that deliver geographical knowledge, understanding, skills, approaches, and professional attributes expected of high-quality geography graduates.

Careers

A degree in geography helps students understand the world around them, from the study of cultures and people to the processes that shape landscapes. Geography graduates go on to work in diverse positions, such as planning officers, environmental consultants, landscape architects, geospatial analysts, hydrologists, and emergency planning professionals.

Skills for Your Future

The program provides students with both specialist and transferable skill sets sought after by employers across various sectors.

Placement Year

Choosing a Placement pathway degree involves spending the third year of the four-year degree working full-time in a business, which can help students decide on a career path and provide a strong advantage when looking for employment after graduation.

Learning on Location

The program offers opportunities for hands-on experience working in the field, bringing teaching to life, and gaining practical skills and experiences necessary to excel beyond the degree in many sectors.

Entry Requirements

The typical grades required to study this course include ABB at A level, with recommendations for subjects such as Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Classics, Economics, English Literature, Environmental Studies, Geology, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Sociology.

Qualifications and Typical Requirements

• A levels: ABB, with recommended subjects including Geography or alternative cognate subjects.
• Access to HE Diploma: Considered on a case-by-case basis, with typical entry requirements including 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 15 Level 3 credits at Merit.
• Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales: Accepted in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as subject requirements are met.
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM in a related subject, with possible additional requirements for a supporting A level in Geography or an alternative cognate subject at grade B.
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points overall, with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects, including Geography or an alternative cognate subject at HL grade 6.
• Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers: Accepted, with specific requirements depending on the subject and grade.
• T levels: Accepted at Distinction, in subjects such as Health, Healthcare Science, and Science.
• GCSE requirements: Mathematics grade 4/C, English Language grade 4/C.
• English language requirements: IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component.

Course Structure

The program is divided into three years, with core and optional modules in each year.

Year 1

• Core modules:
  • Foundation Skills for LEC
  • Global Human Geography
  • Introducing Research in Geography
  • Reading the Landscape
• Optional modules:
  • Atmosphere, Weather and Climate
  • Biodiversity and Global Change
  • Society and Place

Year 2

• Core modules:
  • Geographical Data Science
  • Human Geography in Practice
  • Physical Geography in Practice
• Optional modules:
  • Atmospheric Science
  • Cultural and Social Geography
  • Ecology and Conservation
  • Environmental Geography
  • Geography, Development and the Majority World
  • Ice and Glaciers
  • Living with the Landscape
  • Soil Science
  • Sustainable Hebrides: Field Course

Year 3

• Core modules:
  • Dissertation
• Optional modules:
  • Challenging Cities in the 21st Century
  • Climate Change
  • Cryosphere in a Changing Climate
  • Eco-Innovation for Sustainable Development
  • Food and Agriculture in the 21st Century
  • Geographies of Transformation in the Global South
  • Governing Socio-Ecological Systems in Tropical Asia Field Course
  • Interdisciplinary Conservation Science
  • Managing the Energy Transition
  • Political Ecology
  • Spatial Data Analysis
  • Sustainable Agriculture
  • The Politics of Urban Futures: Field Course

Fees and Funding

The annual tuition fee for the 2026/27 academic year is ｣9,790 for Home students and ｣30,770 for International students.

Additional Fees and Funding Information

• Additional costs for the course may include wet weather clothing, boots, and waterproof notebooks for fieldwork, estimated at approximately ｣110.
• Optional residential field trip modules may require students to pay towards travel and accommodation costs.
• College fees are ｣40 for undergraduates and research students, and ｣15 for students on one-year courses.
• Students may need to purchase computer equipment and have reliable internet access.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Students are automatically considered for main scholarships and bursaries when applying. Available funding opportunities include:

• Lancaster Bursary: ｣1,000 in each year of study, based on household income.
• Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship Home: ｣3,000 in the first year of study, based on entry grades.
• International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship: ｣3,000, as a tuition fee reduction, per year of study, based on entry grades.
• Undergraduate International Regional Scholarship: ｣3,000, as a tuition fee reduction, per year of study, based on nationality or country of domicile and entry grades.
• International Study Centre Progression Scholarship: ｣3,000, as a tuition fee reduction, per year of study, based on nationality or country of domicile and entry grades.
• India Scholarship Undergraduate: ｣3,000, as a tuition fee reduction, per year of study, based on nationality or country of permanent residence.
• Lancaster Sanctuary Scholarship: Full fees, up to ｣5,000 per year living costs, based on refugee/humanitarian protection status.

Similar Courses

Similar courses offered by Lancaster University include:

• Geography BA Hons
• Geography MSci Hons
• Geography (Placement Year) BA Hons
• Geography (Placement Year) BSc Hons
• Geography (Study Abroad) BA Hons
• Geography (Study Abroad) BSc Hons
• Geography and Economics BA Hons
• Geography and Economics (Placement Year) BA Hons
• Human Geography BA Hons
• Human Geography (Placement Year) BA Hons
• Human Geography (Study Abroad) BA Hons
• Physical Geography BSc Hons
• Physical Geography MSci Hons
• Physical Geography (Placement Year) BSc Hons
• Physical Geography (Study Abroad) BSc Hons

Important Information

The University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances, the University may need to amend programs and provision. Students will be given reasonable notice and may be entitled to request consideration for an alternative course or withdraw their application.

Lancaster University

---

Overview:

Lancaster University is a public research university located in Lancaster, England. It is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK and is recognized for its high-quality teaching, research, and student experience.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Lancaster University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can enjoy a range of facilities, including a library, sports center, and arts venues. The university also has a strong sense of community, with a variety of student societies and clubs to join.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

High Rankings and Reputation:

Lancaster University is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK, demonstrating its academic excellence.

Excellent Teaching and Learning:

The university is known for its high-quality teaching and learning, with a focus on student engagement and support.

Vibrant Student Life:

Lancaster University offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, including sports, societies, and arts events.

Beautiful Campus:

The university is situated on a beautiful campus with modern facilities and green spaces.

Strong Career Support:

Lancaster University provides excellent career support services to help students prepare for their future careers.

---

Academic Programs:

Lancaster University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including: * Arts and Social Sciences * Health and Medicine * Management School * Science and Technology