Human Geography (Placement Year) Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Given the pace at which our planet is changing, there has never been a more important time to study Human Geography. With a unique blend of social sciences and geography, gain first-hand experience of the ways in which people interact with their environment and how they form communities, cultures, and economies. Learn to make sense of the complex interactions between humanity and our planetary 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 the relationships within society and the lasting impacts of complex issues such as slavery.

What to expect

At the beginning of our four-year BA Hons Human Geography (Placement Year) degree you will be introduced to key themes in human geography and will undertake practical work to gain the analytical and research skills used by geographers.

In Year 2, you will have the opportunity to tailor your interests around a range of human-centric options covering cultural, developmental, and economic geography. As you specialise, you will continue to enhance your understanding of key topics and reinforce your research skills through lectures and practical work.

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, including national and international residential field trips. Topics you may choose include global consumption, urban infrastructure, and geographies of health.

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 data generation through qualitative techniques, as well as data handling, environmental sampling, and analysis. With a year’s experience added to your CV, you will be a standout graduate.