Course Overview
Physical Geography is the scientific study of the physical and environmental aspects of geography. It enables you to develop a broad understanding of environmental processes, covering areas including biogeography, geomorphology, environment and society and sustainability.
Physical Geography at Lancaster is a very interactive degree, combining theory and a lot of field and laboratory-based studies aimed at developing your knowledge of physical processes and how human activity affects physical geography.
You will be able to follow innovative modules including Glacial Systems, Earth Surface Processes, Enterprise for the Environment, Holocene Environmental Change, Environmental Magnetism and Glacier-Landscape Interactions.
As part of your Physical Geography/Australasia degree, you will spend the third year of your studies at a top university in New Zealand or Australia.
The lecturers are very approachable and helpful and I have met some amazing friends
Career opportunities
Geographers are welcomed in education, whether that's teaching or taking your learning to MSc or PhD level in specialist fields. Recent graduates have chosen to continue their studies in Geology, Environmental Science and Environmental Technology. Many Geography/Australasia graduates go on to further study in New Zealand or Australia.
Physical Geography graduates have also found roles recently as Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and scientific officers, with local authority, private sector and government agency employers, such as the Forestry Commission.
Modules
Here are some of the current modules which are available during your studies at Lancaster:
PartI
- Environmental processes and systems
- Geographical Skills and Application in a Changing World
PartII (Year 2)
- Biogeography and Geomorphology
- Communicating Geography
- Concepts
- Earth Surface Processes
- Ecosystem Services and Society
- Enterprise for the Environment
- Environment and Society
- Glacier- landscape interactions
- Investigating Mediterranean Environments
- Techniques
PartII (Year 3)
- Study Abroad Full Unit 1
- Study Abroad Full Unit 2
PartII (Year 4)
For more detailed module information please visit the Lancaster Environment Centre department website.
Entry Requirements
A-level: AAA inc. Geography or a cognate subject.
General Studies: Not accepted
Preference: A-levels
Key skills: Not included in offer
GCSE: English and Maths (grade C in each)
Scottish Highers: AAABB, inc. Geog or a cognate subject
Irish Leaving Cert: Offers will be made on the basis of 5 or 6 Higher level subjects. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
International Bacc: 36 pts overall with 16 pts from best three HL courses inc. Geog at higher level
BTEC: DDD
Mature students: Applications welcomed; you may be offered a place after interview even without the usual qualifications. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
IELTS: 6.5
For details of how we evaluate international qualifications, please click here.
Financial Support
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. In addition to government maintenance loans, grants and national scholarships, Lancaster University offers a range of financial support for full time UK Undergraduate students from lower-income backgrounds. Many students each year will be entitled to bursaries or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses.
The Lancaster Scholarship package is designed to reward the hard work and natural ability of full-time UK students applying to study with us regardless of their household income. Students achieving A*, A, A in their A-level examinations (or equivalent academic qualifications) will receive a £1,000 per year Lancaster Scholarship during their undergraduate studies if they place us as their firm choice institution. Continuation of the Lancaster Scholarship is subject to satisfactory academic progression.
Our combined £5,000 bursary package will help students from England whose household incomes are less than £25,000 per year with fees and living costs.
Students from England eligible for our £5,000 bursary package will also be awarded a £3,000 Lancaster Scholarship if they achieve A*, A, A in their A-level examinations (or equivalent academic qualifications). This totals £8,000 of support for students during their studies.
For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page.
