From climate change to health inequalities, and from food security to natural hazards and disasters, geography is at the heart of many of humanity's greatest challenges. At Lincoln, we believe that meeting these challenges requires a focus on the unity of geography to understand the links between humanity and the environments we inhabit - a theme that runs through our teaching and research.
MGeog Physical Geography explores environmental change and sustainability from local to global scales. We encourage students to develop the analytical, critical, and collaborative skills needed to work across broad interdisciplinary issues. We focus on the unity of geography emphasising the links between human and physical geography as an integrative subject. Physical geography provides 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 deepen students' understanding and appreciation of geography. Students can develop a cutting-edge skill set by using the latest geographical technologies to tackle real-world problems and by applying their learning to contemporary global challenges. A belief in the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge to address major issues is at the heart of our approach.
This MGeog programme allows students to further their expertise in a chosen area of Geography and to develop their understanding of geographical debates in the context of other disciplines. It focuses on advanced geographical skills, exposing students to contemporary interdisciplinary debates at the cutting-edge of the field, and enables students to pursue their research interests by completing an original research project that they report in a journal-style article.
Subject area ranked top 20 overall in the UK*
A range of optional modules
Complete an original research project
Placement opportunities with leading public and private sector organisations
Opportunities to undertake field work in the UK and abroad
Links with local industry and environmental regulatory agencies
*Guardian University Guide 2024 (out of 66 ranking institutions)
At Lincoln we believe in the 'Student as Producer' ethos, which encourages a collaborative approach between academics and undergraduates in all aspects of learning. Many of our Department of Geography academics are highly experienced researchers and lecturers investigating key issues in development and change across the spectrum of human, environmental, and physical geography.
In the first year, BA and BSc Geography students follow the same curriculum. This introduces the key concepts and skills required for a 21st Century geographer, creating an interdisciplinary foundation upon which they can build.
In the second- and third-years, students may have the opportunity to study a range of exciting topics including development studies, health geography, rural societies, and environmental management, alongside elements of physical geography within the context of a broad interdisciplinary approach.
Our modules enable students to develop skills in research, fieldwork, modelling, and data analysis. Our students may have opportunities to practice and refine their skills through projects, fieldwork in both domestic and overseas locations, and work placement activities.
During the degree students will be taught in many different formats, including lectures, seminars, small group tutorials, practical teaching of data collection and analytical techniques through field classes, as well as group project work under close supervision.
The fourth year supports students to take ownership of their studies and develop their own unique approach to geography. The year is heavily research-focused and designed to allow students to produce research that they carry out under staff supervision alongside taught modules to further develop as a postgraduate geographer. Taught modules currently focus on advanced research methods, contemporary interdisciplinary debates in geography, and foundational stages of research. Students will also be expected to develop presentation and communication skills related to research dissemination and public understanding, leading to enhanced understanding of social and environmental challenges.
During the degree students develop many core transferable skills including data analysis, field and laboratory work, working with practitioners in placements, undertaking and presenting research, and working with Geographical Information Systems (GIS). This aims to help students apply geographical knowledge to real-world settings and put theory into practice to address today's global challenges.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.
Students are able to develop workplace-relevant skills through a diverse range of assessments including reports, policy briefs, short and long essays, presentations, blogs, field diaries, and podcasts alongside in-class tests and examinations.
Group and individual assessments are used throughout the programme. Students are given feedback in all of their assessments which are graded using pre-defined marking criteria available to all students. The Department of Geography provides individual and small group support to students through our tutorial system and scheduled 'open office hours'.
Our students benefit from a wide range of fieldwork destinations both in the UK and overseas to support the development of key skills in gathering, collating, and analysing quantitative and qualitative data. In the first and second-year, fieldwork is a core subject and has been previously conducted at the coast of Lincolnshire and the Greek island of Crete. Costs of these compulsory trips are covered by the University. In the third year, we offer an optional trip that in previous years took place in central and southern Chile, and should students choose to participate, they may be responsible for covering their travel, accommodation, and general living costs.
Research is essential in informing our teaching and each of our academics is passionate about research. The College of Health and Science hosts the Lincoln Centre for Water and Planetary Health (LCWPH), and the Development, Inequality, Resilience and Environments (DIRE), Lincoln Climate, and Catchments and Coasts (CCRG) research groups.
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. 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 Department of Geography.
Geography is an ideal subject to study for understanding how to address major environmental and social challenges such as the climate crisis, and also for picking up vital work skills.
Professor Edward Hanna
Professor of Climate Science and Meteorology
The Department of Geography offers opportunities to gain valuable work experience with partners in industry, schools, and public sector organisations. These include a placement module in the second year and a consultancy module in the third year, enabling students to practice and develop a wide range of skills and expertise of relevance to the workplace whilst also building invaluable career networks. The Department works with a dedicated placement officer to support students in placement and consultancy opportunities.
Students can also elect to work for a full year placement as part of a sandwich year programme. A Placement Year Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. Students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs.
We also have exchange agreements with selected overseas universities to enable students to spend a full year study abroad as part of their degree. A Study Abroad Tuition Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. No extra tuition fee is payable to the host university, but students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs.
From the first year, there may be opportunities to attend lectures from people whose careers are built on geographical skills and knowledge. The Department of Geography also works closely with the University Careers and Employability Team to promote the Lincoln Award, an initiative designed to enhance employability skills.
Geography graduates are in high demand across a wide range of professions and organisations. Our graduates can progress onto careers in areas including local government, health and social care planning, urban planning, teaching, environmental consultancy, and environmental management. The Department's links with industry, business, and environmental regulatory agencies provide valuable opportunities for internships and work experience.
104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent qualifications to include 40 points in a Geography or related subject. History, English, Economics, Sociology, a modern Language,
Psychology, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Geology are accepted.
BTEC Extended Diploma in Geography or related subjects: Distinction, Merit, Merit.
Applied Science, Computing, Engineering, Environmental Sustainability, Information Technology, Pharmaceutical Science.
T Level in Science, Agriculture, Land Management and Production are accepted: Merit
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points including 40 points from 15 credits in Geography or a related subject from the fields of History, Philosophy, Theology, Languages, Literature, Culture or Social Sciences, Information, Communications and Technology, Science and Mathematics or Agriculture, Horticultures, and Animal Care.
International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall to include a Higher Level 5 in Geography or related subject: (from the fields of the Arts, studies in Language and Literature, Sciences, Mathematics or Individuals and Societies).
GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English and Maths. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.
We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
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.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/
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.
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.
