The BSc (Hons) Geography degree at Lincoln explores scientific perspectives on issues of environmental change and sustainability from local to global scales. It encourages students to develop the analytical, critical, and collaborative skills needed to work across broad interdisciplinary issues. Physical Geography at Lincoln focuses on understanding the Earth system, developing skills relevant to managing environmental challenges and hazards such as floods and droughts, as well assisting decision-makers in government and the environmental sector.
Geography is an integrative subject that aims to provide the intellectual tools necessary to understand the relationship between human society and its environment, and the issues that challenge our future.
This course is designed to develop subject understanding and geographical skills progressively in the context of real-world problems, enabling students to apply their learning to contemporary global challenges. With Lincoln’s unique focus on the ‘safety and health of the inhabited Earth,’ our mission is to deliver a degree that is relevant for environmental and societal challenges in the 21st century.
A belief in the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge to address major issues is at the heart of our approach. Our academics are experienced researchers investigating key issues in global development across a spectrum of physical geography, in collaboration with academics in other disciplines, including human geography.
Students will be encouraged to engage in research and project work that builds on the expertise of the staff. This includes the ‘Student as Producer’ initiative that encourages academics and undergraduates to collaborate on research activities.
How You Study
BSc and BA Geography students at Lincoln follow a common central thread of concept lectures, seminars, small group tutorials, practical teaching of analytical skills through field and laboratory classes, as well as group project work under close personal supervision.
In the first year, a series of core modules are designed to integrate both physical and human geography skills and concepts. This approach aims to provide a foundation for students to become “geographers” in the true, interdisciplinary sense.
The first year consists of a range of physical and human geography modules which include both fieldwork and practical sessions, and provide the necessary groundwork for further study. In the second and third years, students will focus primarily on the physical geography pathway but also have the opportunity to study elements of human geography within the context of a broad interdisciplinary approach. Both years comprise a mixture of core modules covering research skills, laboratory techniques, fieldwork, and modeling, as well as optional modules, designed to enable students to follow their interests.
Students will also be able to select optional modules from the BSc Geography programme as part of their course. Detailed information on all modules can be found within the module section.
Core skills students learn in gathering, collating, and analysing data can be developed in extensive projects and fieldwork, in the UK and overseas. Students will also have the opportunity to develop skills in residential fieldwork, through placements and other activities, providing the chance to apply geographical knowledge in real-world settings, and put theory into practice.
The travel and accommodation costs of compulsory first and second-year field trips are covered by the University. Students who choose to participate in any optional field trips, internships, or work experience are responsible for covering their travel, accommodation, and general living costs.
Contact Hours
Contact hours vary by course and can take many forms, including lectures, seminars, and workshops. A full-time undergraduate student should expect to undertake a minimum of 37 hours of study each week during term-time, supplementing contact hours with independent study. This is an important aspect of university-level education. As a general rule, you will be expected to spend two to three hours working independently for every hour in class.
Methods of Assessment
The way in which you will be assessed will depend on your chosen course. It may include coursework, written and practical exams, portfolio development, group work, or presentations. A full breakdown of current assessment methods can be found on the individual course pages of this website. The University of Lincoln’s policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.
Modules
First Year
A Sustainable Lincolnshire (Core)
Challenges of Rural & Urban Living (Core)
Earth Observation & GIS (Core)
Earth’s Changing Surface and the Anthropocene (Core)
Environmental Data Monitoring & Analysis (Core)
People, Places, Patterns and Processes (Core)
Sustainable Environments & Ecosystems (Core)
The Earth System: Processes & Hazards (Core)
Second Year
Earth Observation, Modelling & Visualisation: Representing Reality & Understanding Change (Core)
Geographical Research: Theory & Practice (Core)
Quantitative & Qualitative Geographical Analysis Methods (Core)
Biogeography & Planetary Health (Option)†
Climatology & Hydrology (Option)†
Cultural & Historical Geography (Option)†
Development Studies & the Global South (Option)†
Placement (Level 2) (Option)†
Political & Social Geography (Option)†
Quaternary Science (Option)†
River & Coastal Systems: Science & Management (Option)†
Urban & Regional Economic Geography (Option)†
Third Year
Dissertation Research Project (Physical) (Core)
Advanced Earth Observation GIS (Option)†
Coastal Ecosystems: processes and management (Option)†
Contemporary Climate Change & Processes (Option)†
Environmental Histories of the New & Old World (Option)†
Environmental Management (Option)†
Geochemistry: contaminants, resources and global carbon (Option)†
Geographies of Health & Wellbeing (Option)†
Geographies of Power, Conflict & Discrimination (Option)†
Geography Pedagogy (Option)†
Global Systems & Societies: Ageing, Migration & Mobility (Option)†
Human Impacts on Ecosystems, the Environment and Planetary Health (Option)†
Natural Hazards (Option)†
Overseas Fieldwork (Option)†
Placement (Level 3) (Option)†
Policy and Politics of Climate Change (Option)†
Project Essay (Option)†
River Systems & Global Environmental Change (Option)†
Rural Geography (Option)†
Urban and Regional Political Ecology: Environment, Development and the City (Option)†
How You Are Assessed
Students are assessed using multiple, diverse methods including coursework such as written assignments, blogs, reports or dissertations; practical tasks, fieldwork, and presentations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests. Both group and individual assessments are commonly used. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year.
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that all in-course assessments are returned to students promptly – usually within 15 working days after the submission date. The School of Geography aims to provide continuous feedback to students through our tutorial system and scheduled “open office hours”.
Scholarships
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.
"The range of physical and human modules allows you to make the degree your own and follow what you are interested in. The valuable opportunities to get involved with real-world research projects is fantastic and helps put your interests at the forefront."
Sophie Leggott, BSc (Hons) Geography student
Entry Requirements 2021-22
United Kingdom
GCE Advanced Levels: BBC including a B in Geography or a related subject. (Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics are accepted.
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall, with 5 at Higher Level in Geography or related subjects from the fields of Sciences, Mathematics or Individuals and Societies.
BTEC Extended Diploma in Geography or related subjects: Distinction, Merit, Merit (Applied Science, Computing, Engineering, Environmental Sustainability, Information Technology, Pharmaceutical Science are accepted).
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points, including 40 points from 15 credits in Geography or a related subject from the fields of Information, Communications and Technology, Science and Mathematics or Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care.
Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English and Maths. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
International
Non-UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
Teaching and Learning During Covid-19
At Lincoln, Covid-19 has encouraged us to review our practices and, as a result, to take the opportunity to find new ways to enhance the student experience. We have made changes to our teaching and learning approach and to our campus, to ensure that students and staff can enjoy a safe and positive learning experience. We will continue to follow Government guidance and work closely with the local Public Health experts as the situation progresses, and adapt our teaching and learning accordingly to keep our campus as safe as possible.
Accreditations and Memberships
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in geographical knowledge and skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of the world beyond higher education. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability, and transferable skills.
Field Work
We believe fieldwork is core to geography and we provide extensive projects and fieldwork in the UK and overseas to support the development of these core skills. The travel and accommodation costs of compulsory first and second-year field trips are covered by the University. Destinations have previously included the Lincolnshire Coast and Crete, Greece. We also offer optional trips in the third year and have previously visited Chile. Should students choose to participate in any optional field trips, internships, or work experience, they will be responsible for covering their travel, accommodation, and general living costs.
Learn From Experts
Research is essential in informing our teaching and each of our academics is passionate about research. The School of Geography hosts the Lincoln Centre for Water and Planetary Health, led by Professor Mark Macklin and Professor Chris Thomas; and the Development, Inequality, Resilience, and Environments (DIRE) group.
Our students have the chance to encounter authentic research at all levels - either through their own activities or through the teaching staff sharing experiences from their own research. The first year module Learning from Engagement requires students to prepare group blogs about cutting-edge research and practice in geography, reporting on a series of interdisciplinary seminars and lectures.
Wider opportunities to engage in research are provided through guest lectures within the course, working closely with the Lincoln branch of the Geographical Association externally, and engaging in research projects with staff. Two students have already completed UROS projects with the School of Geography.
Placement Opportunities
We provide credited placements as part of our degree. There are opportunities to work with industry partners, schools, and public organisations. These take place during the second and third years of study, as well as the option to take a placement year between the second and third years. The School of Geography works with a dedicated placement officer to support students in setting up placement opportunities.
When students are on an optional placement in the UK or overseas or studying abroad, they will be required to cover their own transport and accommodation and meal costs.
Career Opportunities
Geography can offer a broad range of career opportunities for its graduates. These include roles in geographical information systems, social environmental consultancy, planning and public policy, management, teaching, and the financial sector. The School’s links with industry, business, and environmental regulatory agencies provide opportunities for internships and work experience.
