3-Term Pathway - International Foundation Year in Life Sciences - Continue to Integrated Masters - Master of Science (Honours) - Pharmacology

This program will prepare students for entry to Year 1 of an undergraduate degree in a wide range of subjects, including many based at the £10m LICA building. Popular subjects include law, film studies, sociology, linguistics and politics.

Students won’t just be sat in lectures at Lancaster, they'll study in outstanding practical facilities; explore beautiful surroundings; take part in international field trips; and learn from world-renowned lecturers. They'll benefit from support to secure a paid placement enabling them to experience twelve months working in the type of organisation that they might aspire to join when they graduate.

Geography is a distinctive subject. Students will learn about the Earth’s landscapes, species, places and environment in a unique discipline that merges social science (human geography) with the natural (physical geography).

Situated between the rural settings of the north and the bustling cities of Liverpool and Manchester, Lancaster’s position enables exploration of some of the UK’s most unique areas of geographic interest. Students will gain a wealth of hands-on experience with field trips to places such as the Yorkshire Dales, Cumbrian coast and Lake District, as well as international locations such as Switzerland and Croatia.

Students will develop a fundamental understanding of human, physical and environmental geography in the first year Geography modules. These modules equip students with a well-rounded introduction to some of the key themes in geography, as well as providing them with key skills used by geographers to analyse problems in both the human and physical aspects of the discipline.

To prepare students for their work placement year, the Careers and Placements Team will provide advice and guidance on: the skills required to create effective CVs, cover letters and applications; tips and techniques on how to make an impact at interviews and assessment centres; how to create a relevant digital profile; and how to research employers and career sectors of interest. In addition, there is great emphasis placed upon developing self-awareness and on how to present oneself in a professional manner to employers. This optional provision will be delivered via a blend of traditional and digital methods including face-to-face workshops, online webinars, e-courses and 1:1 appointments.

Specialisation begins in second year, enabling students to choose topics that match their interests. Core modules will focus on practical work, giving students a range of analytical and research project skills, while optional modules feature an exciting field trip to Spain.

Students will spend the third year on an industrial placement, before returning to Lancaster for the fourth year where students will continue in their chosen specialties. The University will use all reasonable effort to support them to find a suitable placement for their studies. While a placement role may not be available in a field or organisation that is directly related to their academic studies or career aspirations, all placement roles offer valuable experience of working at a graduate level and gaining a range of professional skills. If students are unsuccessful in securing a suitable placement for the third year, they will be able to transfer to the equivalent non-placement degree scheme and continue with their studies at Lancaster, finishing the degree after the third year.

In the final (fourth) year, students will undertake a dissertation project, guided by their academic supervisor, which offers a chance to perform original geographical research on a topic of their choice. While completing the dissertation, students will use the key research, analytical and academic writing skills they have learnt throughout the degree. Students will be offered further optional module choices, and there will be fieldwork opportunities in locations such as Croatia and Switzerland. Topics may include the study of Global Consumption, Urban Infrastructure in a Changing World, and the Geographies of Health, but could also include elements of physical geography such as Natural Hazards, Glacial Systems or Water Resource Management.

In addition to their subject knowledge, students will gain communication and information technology skills and will become familiar with data handling and environmental sampling and analysis. Throughout the degree, considerable weight is placed upon enhancing employability and such skills are greatly valued by potential employers.