Course summary

Gain first-hand experience of the ways people interact with their environment and how they form communities, cultures and economies. With a strong emphasis on fieldwork, you’ll gain a wealth of knowledge and skills from world-renowned lecturers. In this programme, you will benefit from studying at the multidisciplinary Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC). You will study a diverse range of modules that are developed and taught by our world-class academics who are leading experts in human, environmental and political geography, development studies and Anthropology, political economy and science and technology studies. First year modules equip you with a well-rounded introduction to some of the key themes of human geography, as well as helping you to develop skills used by geographers to analyse problems within the discipline. In addition to the Human Geography modules, you will be given the opportunity to take two other subjects alongside your first year studies. You may use this opportunity to explore some of the many subjects offered within the Lancaster Environment Centre, study further social sciences such as Sociology or Politics, or gain transferable skills in Economics or Marketing, for example. In the second year, you will undertake a series of core modules that focus on human geography skills and concepts and research project skills. Optional choices include our Communicating Geography module in which you can help teach the subject in a local school, gaining valuable classroom experience. You will spend your third year studying at on of our overseas partner universities building your global outlook and connectivity. In your final year you will undertake a dissertation project, guided by your academic supervisor, researching a topic of your choice. While completing the dissertation, you will use the key research, analytical and academic writing skills you have learnt throughout your degree. In addition, you may select from a range of optional modules which cover topics such as food and agriculture, health, enterprise and global consumption, as well as field courses to Croatia. Study abroad The study abroad option is an exciting opportunity for anyone who is thinking of working abroad during their career or who simply wants the experience of living and studying overseas as part of their degree. Often study abroad students describe the year abroad as a “transformative experience”, as it can shape your future career path as well as having a positive impact on your personal development. Experience and skills You will study in your third year at one of our international partner universities. This will help you to • develop your global outlook • expand your professional network • increase your cultural awareness • develop your personal skills Host universities During your year abroad, you will choose specialist modules relating to your degree and potentially other modules offered by the host university that are specialisms of that university and country. The places available at our overseas partners vary each year, but destinations have previously included Australia, USA, Canada, Europe and Asia. Alternative option We will make reasonable endeavours to place students at an approved overseas partner university that offers appropriate modules. 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 3-year degree scheme and would complete your studies at Lancaster. Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of the year abroad.