MSci Physical Geography
About this course
MSci Hons in Physical Geography, a geography degree focused on the physical processes that shape natural and environmental systems. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, and Fieldwork. The course includes residential fieldwork in locations such as Cumbria, along with an independent dissertation project in the third year and a major master's-level research project in the fourth year. The first year covers core foundations through modules such as Atmosphere, Weather and Climate, Biodiversity and Global Change, Foundation Skills for LEC, Introducing Research in Geography, and Reading the Landscape. The second year advances spatial and practical methods through Geographical Data Science, Living with the Landscape, and Physical Geography in Practice. In the third year, students undertake a core Dissertation alongside advanced optional topics. The final fourth year centers on the MSci Dissertation and specialised master's modules covering areas such as environmental data analysis, hydrogeology, and volcanology.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: ABB. We recommend that this includes Geography, or alternatively you should have one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Environmental Studies, Mathematics or Physics. IB: 32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects including Geography or alternative cognate subject at HL grade 6
See the highest paying Geography & Environmental Science degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 18 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 75%
- Academic support: 97%
- Organisation and management: 82%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 6 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 90%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 75%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 210 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 34%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 12%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 8%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 14%
- South East: 9%
- South West: 8%
- Wales: 3%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Atmosphere, Weather and Climate
- Biodiversity and Global Change
- Foundation Skills for LEC
- Introducing Research in Geography
- Reading the Landscape
- Introduction to Practical Environmental Science
- Geology
- Geographical Data Science
- Living with the Landscape
- Physical Geography in Practice
- Atmospheric Science
- Ecology and Conservation
- Glaciology
- Hydrology and Water Quality
- Geoscience in Practice
- Soil Science
- Sustainable Hebrides: Field Course
- Dissertation
- Climate Change
- Cryosphere in a Changing Climate
- Environmental Pollution: Management and Remediation
- Geological Hazards
- Interdisciplinary Conservation Science
- Managing the Energy Transition
- Spatial Data Analysis
- Sustainable Agriculture
- The Earth's Interior
- Teaching, Outreach and Public Engagement
- Water Resources Management
- Eco-Innovation for Sustainable Development
- Volcanic Processes Field Course
- MSci Dissertation
- Groundwater Resources and Protection
- Environmental Data Analysis and Programming
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Geoinformatics
- Physical Volcanology
- Physical Volcanology Field Course
- Sustaining Soil Health
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Physical Geography at Lancaster University earn?
The median salary is £29,000 after 15 months, £26,000 after 3 years, £32,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,000 and £40,000. The £32,500 median after five years is £500 more than the UK median for Physical geographical sciences.
What do graduates of MSci Physical Geography at Lancaster University do next?
100% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Physical Geography at Lancaster University?
95% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Physical Geography at Lancaster University?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 142 UCAS points.
How many students continue on MSci Physical Geography at Lancaster University?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.