Physical Geography (Placement Year)

Given the pace at which our planet is changing, there has never been a more important time to study physical geography. Learn to make sense of the complex processes that shape our natural and physical 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 modern geographers, with an emphasis on natural world.

What to expect

At the beginning of our four-year BSc Hons Physical Geography (Placement Year) degree you will be introduced to the key themes that define physical and environmental geography, as well as the cultural, developmental, and economic factors that interact and influence the environment. You will develop the skills geographers use to analyse major issues and global concerns through practical project work.

In Year 2, you will deepen your knowledge of physical geography and skills in spatial analysis and geographic information systems. You may also tailor your interests around a range of environment-centric optional modules. As you specialise, you will undertake further practical work that aims to enhance your understanding of key topics while developing your analytic and research skills, alongside your ability to analyse research data, including data visualisation and modelling.

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.

Getting out in the field

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 fieldwork. This may include studying the use of salt marshes and sand dunes for coastal flood defence around Morecambe Bay; studying rural communities built around renewable energy projects; exploring inter-connections along Lancaster’s River Lune, from source to sea; and examining glacially carved landscapes and cave systems. Other opportunities include optional overseas trips, such as to Bali.

Your placement

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.

Personal development

In addition to subject knowledge and field experience, you will gain essential communication and geographic information systems skills. You will become familiar with reliable data generation through different measurement techniques, as well as data handling, environmental sampling and analysis.