BSc Physical Geography (Placement Year)
About this course
BSc Hons Physical Geography (Placement Year) is a geography degree focused on the physical processes, environmental systems, and human-landscape interactions shaping our planet. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Environmental Analysis, Communication & Writing, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Entrepreneurship, and Human Behaviour. The course includes a dedicated third-year industry placement and a final-year independent research dissertation. The first year establishes fundamental knowledge through compulsory modules such as Atmosphere, Weather and Climate, Biodiversity and Global Change, Foundation Skills for LEC, Introducing Research in Geography, and Reading the Landscape, alongside optional choices in practical environmental science and geology. The second year advances core competencies through Geographical Data Science, Living with the Landscape, and Physical Geography in Practice, while offering optional modules covering atmospheric science, ecology, glaciology, hydrology, geoscience, soil science, and field courses. The third year consists of a professional placement role in industry or the public sector. The final year centres on the Dissertation module, accompanied by specialized optional modules spanning climate change, cryosphere dynamics, eco-innovation, pollution management, geological hazards, conservation science, energy transition, spatial analysis, sustainable agriculture, Earth's interior, volcanic processes, public engagement, and water resources management.
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: BBB. 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: 30 points overall with 15 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 →
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 100%: 5 offers from 5 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
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
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 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
- Placement
- Dissertation
- Climate Change
- Cryosphere in a Changing Climate
- Eco-Innovation for Sustainable Development
- Environmental Pollution: Management and Remediation
- Geological Hazards
- Interdisciplinary Conservation Science
- Managing the Energy Transition
- Spatial Data Analysis
- Sustainable Agriculture
- The Earth's Interior
- Volcanic Processes Field Course
- Teaching, Outreach and Public Engagement
- Water Resources Management
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Physical Geography (Placement Year) 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 BSc Physical Geography (Placement Year) 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 BSc Physical Geography (Placement Year) 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 BSc Physical Geography (Placement Year) at Lancaster University?
The typical offer is BBB at A level, or 30 points in the IB. The average entrant had 142 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc Physical Geography (Placement Year) at Lancaster University?
100% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 5 offers from 5 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BSc Physical Geography (Placement Year) at Lancaster University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Physical Geography (Placement Year) at Lancaster University?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.