4-Term Pathway - International Foundation Year in Social Sciences and Humanities - Continue to Bachelor of Arts - German Studies and Geography

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.

Gain an in-depth understanding of the German language, culture and society, while developing geographical skills, learning from world-renowned lecturers and taking part in exciting international fieldtrips.

This exciting programme will allow students to gain a detailed understanding of geography, while giving them the skills and knowledge to engage with the discipline in preparation for a placement year overseas in a German speaking country. During the four years, students will be able to draw on expertise from two specialist departments: Languages and Cultures; and Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC).

Situated between the idyllic rural settings of the north and the bustling cities of Liverpool and Manchester, Lancaster’s location enables us to explore some of the most unique areas of geographic interest in the UK. 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 Croatia.

Students will develop a fundamental understanding of human 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 the skills used by geographers to analyse problems in both the human and physical aspects of the discipline. In addition, students will take language classes, determined by their current level of ability.

Specialisation begins in second year, enabling students to choose topics that match their particular interests. Core modules will focus on practical work, equipping students with a range of analytical and research skills, while optional modules feature cultural and political geography. Students will also benefit from specialist German modules, which will develop their communication skills further and broaden their social, political and cultural understanding of Germany.

Additionally, students will also take a specialist module that will prepare them for their year abroad. This module will allow students to select what activities they will take part in, explain the British Council English Language Assistantship scheme, and introduce them to academia and work overseas. Students will also gain valuable employability skills, as well as advice on welfare and wellbeing.

Students will spend the third year working or at one of Lancaster's partner institutions in a German speaking country, where they will practise and develop their language abilities, while continuing to enhance their geographical skills and knowledge. This year, students will analyse the social, cultural, political and economic issues related to the area, complementing both your German and geography studies.

Returning to Lancaster for the fourth year, students will undertake an extended essay, guided by their academic supervisor, which offers a chance to investigate, in depth, a topic of their choice related to both aspects of their joint degree. While completing the essay, students will use the key research, analytical and academic writing skills they have learnt throughout their degree.

Students will also be offered further optional module choices, which could include the study of Global Consumption, Urban Infrastructure in a Changing World, and the Geographies of Health, and there will be fieldwork opportunities in locations such as Croatia.

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