Course summary

Discover the natural environment in our exciting Study Abroad programme. With a strong emphasis on fieldwork, you’ll gain a wealth of knowledge and skills from our world-renowned lecturers. Physical geography addresses the major components that make up the Earth-system, such as the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and geosphere. In this programme, you will benefit from working with state-of-the-art equipment at Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC), and will spend one year of your study gaining hands-on experience in the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. You will receive world-class teaching throughout your degree. First year modules equip you with a well-rounded introduction to some of the key themes of physical geography. In addition to the Physical Geography modules, you will be given the opportunity to take two other subjects alongside your first year studies. You will further develop your understanding of environmental processes by studying another subject from within LEC, such as Environmental Science, as well as undertaking a third subject from either within LEC or the wider University, such as Biology or Maths, to enhance your transferable skills. In the second year, you will learn a variety of physical geography skills and concepts. Modules include Spatial Analysis and Geographic Information Systems, and you will develop valuable research project skills in preparation for your final year of study. Optional choices include a field trip to Spain, where you will study environmental problems in Mediterranean environments, and modules that address individual topics in hydrology, soil science, and glaciology. You will spend your third year at one of our overseas partner universities building your global outlook and connectivity. In your final year, you will complete a dissertation project, guided by your academic supervisor which offers a chance to perform original geographical research on a topic of your choice. While working on the dissertation, you will use the key research, analytical and academic writing skills you have learnt throughout your degree. You will also have a wide range of modules to choose from. These include exciting fieldwork projects that will allow you to apply your practical knowledge in locations such as Croatia or Switzerland, and also cover topics such as Glacial Systems, Water Resource Management and Coastal Processes. Lancaster University will make reasonable endeavours to place students at an approved overseas partner university that offers appropriate modules which contribute credit to your Lancaster degree. Occasionally places overseas may not be available for all students who want to study abroad or the place at the partner university may be withdrawn if core modules are unavailable. If you are not offered a place to study overseas, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent standard degree scheme and would complete your studies at Lancaster. Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of the year or term abroad.