Geography (Placement Year)

Lancaster University

Given the pace at which our planet is changing, there has never been a more important time to study geography. Learn to make sense of the complex interactions between humanity and our planetary environment and discover how you can make a positive difference.Develop the skills and knowledge needed to help you advance professionally in a range of sectors, including but not limited to energy, food and agriculture, construction and housing, hazard mitigation, environmental consultancy, local and national government, urban planning and landscape architecture, geospatial analysis, and emergency planning. Explore the full range of human and environmental issues tackled by geographers, with an emphasis on natural world.

At the start of your studies you will be introduced to human, physical, and environmental geography. You will develop the skills geographers use to analyse major issues and global concerns.In Year 2, you will deepen your knowledge of human and physical geography, with the opportunity to tailor your interests around a range of environment-centric optional modules. As you specialise, you will undertake practical work that aims to enhance your understanding of key topics while developing your analytic and research skills. You may choose to develop your understanding of energy, hydrology, soils, and landscape geomorphology.As you progress into Year 4, you will tailor your studies even further with a dissertation. Here, you will be guided by an academic advisor to deliver an independent research topic of your choice. This can be completed in collaboration with a regional organisation such as Lancaster City Council, where you will gain valuable work experience in a real-world environment. Alongside your research project, you will complete further optional modules, including national and international residential field trips. Topics you may choose include natural hazards, glacial systems, water resource management, global consumption, urban infrastructure, or geographies of health.

With our location near major urban centres, rivers, coasts, and the Lake District World Heritage Site, you will be able to explore beyond the campus and gain hands-on experience through field work. Opportunities include studying the use of salt marshes and sand dunes for coastal flood defence around Morecambe Bay, exploring inter-connections along Lancaster’s River Lune, from source to sea, and examining glacially carved landscapes and cave systems.

In Year 3, you will undertake a placement that will enable you to apply the knowledge and skills learnt so far and gain invaluable experience that will then inform your studies in Year 4 and your career beyond.Although it’s up to you to find your placement, we will support you all the way. Our Careers Service will provide guidance on CVs, applications, interview techniques and creating a digital profile.