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.
Related Courses
Modules
Lancaster degree programmes are flexible, offering students the opportunity to cover a wide selection of subject areas to compliment their degree. The following is an example list of modules which our previous students have studied. For a full list contact the Lancaster Environment Centre department.
Year 1
- Geographical Skills and Application in a Changing World
- Environmental processes and systems
Year 2
- Techniques
- Concepts
- Earth Surface Processes
- Interacting Landscapes: Biogeography and Geomorphology
- Dissertation
- Dissertation with Work Placement
- Environment and Society
- Glacier- landscape interactions
Year 3
- Investigating Mediterranean Environments
- Environment and Society
- Communicating Geography
- Glacier- landscape interactions
- Enterprise for the Environment
- Ecosystem Services and Society
- Dissertation
- Coastal Processes
- Lakes, Rivers and Estuaries
- Holocene Environmental Change
- Environmental Remote Sensing and Image Processing
- Quaternary Environmental Change
- Environmental Magnetism
Lancaster University offers the chance to follow a structured study programme or the option to devise a more flexible programme. We divide academic study into 2 sections - Part 1 (Year 1) and Part 2 (Year 2, 3 and sometimes 4). In Part 1 you will take three modules of study which, depending upon your programme, will be drawn from one, two or three different academic subjects, a higher degree of specialisation then develops in subsequent years. For more information about our teaching methods at Lancaster visit our Teaching and Learning section.
For further information about the department, staff and courses please visit the Lancaster Environment Centre department website.
Entry Criteria
A-level: AAB including Geography or a cognate subject. We normally expect three A-levels
General Studies: Not accepted
Preference: A-levels
Key skills: Not included in offer
GCSE: English and Maths (grade C in each)
Scottish Highers: ABBBB
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: 35 pts overall with 16 pts from best three HL courses
BTEC: DDD/DDM
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
Careers
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.
Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.
Studying
Teaching and Learning Methods
At Lancaster we offer a broad range of learning environments which include the traditional lectures, tutorials, interactive workshops, laboratory and practical activities, student-led seminars and web-based delivery.
The modules which make up a programme of study are assessed using various methods, enabling students to demonstrate their capabilities in a range of ways. Typical coursework assignments include laboratory reports, essays, exercises, literature reviews, short tests, poster sessions and oral presentations. Formal examinations include basic and in-depth questions, essays and data analysis. Students are supervised in the production of final year project reports and dissertations, while students in laboratory classes are supported by demonstrators. Details of the assessment methods for individual modules can be accessed via the university's online module catalogue.
In addition to these learning and teaching methods we encourage independent study, meaning you take responsibility for your own learning. For more information visit our Teaching Approach page.
Assessment Methods
We offer you a variety of stimulating and effective approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. This enables you and your tutors to explore the very latest thinking within your subject and develops your skills in problem solving, analysis and critical reflection, communication, application of knowledge and modern technologies.
As a University, we commit to providing all our undergraduates with a minimum number of contact hours per week, providing you with timely feedback on your work and a maximum number of 15 students per seminar group.
Funding
Lancaster University has committed £2.7m in scholarships and bursaries to help with your fees and living costs. Our financial support depends on your circumstances and how well you do in your A-levels (or equivalent academic qualifications) before starting study with us.
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. For students starting their study with us in 2013, over 600 each year will be entitled to bursaries and/or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses. For UK students entering in 2013 we will have the following financial support available:
- An Academic Scholarship of £2,000 for the first year of study to any student from the UK entering with A*, A*, A or equivalent academic qualifications
- An Access Scholarship of £1,000 per year for all UK students from households with an income of less than £42,600 who achieve grades of A*, A, A or the equivalent academic qualifications
- A Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 per annum for all students from England with a household income of more than £25,000 but less than £42,600
- As part of the National Scholarship Programme, a £1,000 Bursary, a £1,000 Fee Waiver and a £1,000 Accommodation Discount in the first year of study, for students from England with a household income of less than £25,000. Plus a Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 in subsequent years.
*All of the financial awards above are subject to approval by the Office for Fair Access July 2012.
For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page
View details of our current Undergraduate fees.
