Geography and Economics (Placement Year)

Given the pace at which our planet and society is changing, there has never been a more important time to study geography and economics. Geographers study the most pressing social and environmental challenges of our time, whilst economists seek to understand how to maximise our use of limited global resources.

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, financial management, environmental consultancy, local and national government, urban planning and landscape architecture. Explore the full range of human and environmental issues tackled by modern geographers, including the economic impact on human society and the impact on the modern world.

What to expect

With our four-year BA Hons Geography and Economics (Placement Year) degree you will begin by developing a fundamental understanding of both disciplines. You will undertake a range of modules that will introduce you to key themes in geography, bridging both the human and physical elements.

In Year 2, you will build upon the principles explored in Year 1 and undertake practical work to gain analytical and research project skills, including developing familiarity with geoinformatics. There will be the opportunity to tailor your interests through a range of optional modules, some of which cover topics such as cultural, developmental, and economic geography.

As you progress into Year 4, you will complete further optional modules in advanced topics such as global consumption, urban infrastructure, environmental economics, and geographies of health, alongside embarking on national and international residential field trips.

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.

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 data generation through qualitative techniques, as well as data handling, environmental sampling, and analysis.

3 things our Geography students want you to know:

• Lancaster Environment Centre’s large atrium offers a refreshing place to work, where you will be surrounded by active researchers shaping current thinking. We have an open-door policy and assign you an academic tutor at the beginning of your degree, meaning there’s plenty of ways to receive support.

• The theme of sustainability is woven throughout the degree and life on campus. Many students are part of LUSU Green, a group run by the Students’ Union that is driving change across the campus and beyond to create a thriving natural environment, reduce carbon emissions, and train the sustainability leaders of the future.

• Our degree programme focuses on helping you prepare for your future career, with modules that prioritise the development of essential skills and opportunities to undertake enriching hands-on experience in real-world environments.