Course Summary

Geoscientists are increasingly recognised as playing a crucial role in meeting global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, resource provision, and natural hazards. By placing your geoscience training within the broader context of the environment, you will gain knowledge of both the challenges and the potential solutions. Within your degree, you will consider both natural and man-made environments, to explore the main factors and processes that control today’s environment, how the environment has evolved to its current state and how environmental conditions may change in the future. In addition, your degree will draw upon the expertise of a number of our staff who specialise in Earth science including volcanology, geophysics, hydrogeology and glaciology, who deliver an exciting range of specialist topics to choose from. Your first year will address many of the fundamental themes of the Earth and environmental sciences, from understanding geology to learning about the atmosphere, weather and climate. Specialisation begins in the second year when we introduce Earth science-focused topics, and this degree gives you the flexibility to focus on a specific topic area, for example, geological hazards, soil science, environmental radioactivity or glacial systems. Second year modules, taken abroad, will build on themes introduced in Year 1, whilst offering you a range of specialist Earth science modules to choose from. Many of our students benefit from studying at the University of Iceland in Reykjavik, which offers a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in volcanic or glacial processes. Lancaster University will make reasonable endeavours to place students at an approved overseas partner university that offers appropriate modules which contribute credit to your Lancaster degree. 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overseas may not be available for all students who want to study abroad or the place at the partner university may be withdrawn if core modules are unavailable.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 degree scheme and would complete your studies at Lancaster. Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of the year or term abroad. In your second year, core modules will prepare you for your third year dissertation project, which is an opportunity to research a subject that really interests you. You may choose a project with a substantial fieldwork component or, alternatively, conduct laboratory-based research or computer modelling. For your second and third year, modules will build upon the themes from year one, and you will have the opportunity to take part in popular field courses, including to Mount Etna in Sicily. There, you will study volcanic processes and learn how the local population can manage the impacts of volcanic phenomena. You will also have the opportunity to engage in fieldwork at Carrock Fell in the scenic Lake District World Heritage Site and take further optional residential modules, from studying glacial processes in Switzerland to environmental challenges in Croatia. Throughout your degree, considerable weight is placed upon the transferable skills that are highly valued by potential employers. For example, in addition to your subject knowledge, you will also gain communication and information technology skills and will become familiar with data handling and environmental sampling and analysis. This programme includes a fourth year of study which enables you to undertake an extended research project, and you will also be given an opportunity to choose from a range of Masters level modules.

Course Details - Modules

At Lancaster you can choose from a range of innovative and flexible degree programmes, and you also have the option of combining different subjects from across our faculties to create a unique, tailored degree. Lancaster's flexible degree structure also allows you to switch the focus of your degree as your interests evolve and as career opportunities develop. We distinguish between Part I (your first year, which is a preparatory course, and does not count towards your final degree) and Part II, the subsequent years. Part II is where you then begin to study your chosen subject in more depth, including a selection of advanced options. For more detailed information regarding the modules for each individual degree scheme at Lancaster University please visit Lancaster University’s website.

Course Details – Assessment Method

Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.

Course Details – Professional Bodies

Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.

How to Apply

26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application Codes

Course code: FF86

Institution code: L14

Campus Name: Main Site

Campus code:

Points of Entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)

Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.

International applicants

Standard Qualification Requirements

A level grade B in one science from the following; Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Human Biology, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.

In a science related subject. We require majority of Distinctions in science subjects. Please contact the Admissions Team for further advice.

Including 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects and one science subject at HL grade 6

To include sufficient science. We require Distinctions in majority of relevant science units. Please contact the Admissions Team for further advice.

GCSE Mathematics grade B or 5, English Language grade C or 4

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.

English language requirements

Test Grade AdditionalDetails
English Language Entry Requirement Information are not listed for this Course.

Unistats information

Student satisfaction : 90%

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs): 60%

Go onto work and study: 85%

Fees and funding

England 9250.0 Year 1
Northern Ireland 9250.0 Year 1
Scotland 9250.0 Year 1
Wales 9250.0 Year 1

Additional Fee Information

for details of the fees for Channel Islands and international students, please visit our website for details of the specific fees for the degree programme you wish to study.

Provider information

Bailrigg
Address2 are not listed for this Course.
Address3 are not listed for this Course.
Lancaster
LA1 4YW

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