MSci (Hons) Physical Geography Integrated Master's degree at Lancaster University

This module introduces atmospheric and climate science, combining theory with observations, to help you develop an understanding of the physical behaviour of the atmosphere and the Earth’s climate system. You’ll explore the structure and characteristics of the atmosphere, the physical principles that govern its behaviour and how these lead to the everyday weather we observe. The module also covers the broader role of the atmosphere and the greenhouse effect in regulating Earth’s climate. You’ll gain an overview of the different components of the climate system, their interactions and feedback, explore evidence of past climates and consider how human activities may influence future climate.

Conservation of biodiversity is crucial in a rapidly changing world. This module explores how biodiversity is generated, maintained and distributed across the planet, providing a foundation in biodiversity patterns and processes. You'll examine ecological and evolutionary drivers of biodiversity, from speciation and extinction to ecosystem dynamics. In the ‘threats and responses’ part, you’ll assess human-induced pressures such as climate change, habitat loss, pollution and overexploitation, alongside species’ ecological and evolutionary adaptations to these challenges. Finally, the solution section explores conservation strategies, including habitat restoration, species management, sustaina

Whether studying climate change, habitat loss, or sustainable development, these fields require the ability to identify relevant information, organise data, draw meaningful inferences and communicate findings effectively. This module introduces you to some of the essential skills that you will need to support your studies, including how to access and critique existing information, present findings to a variety of audiences and consider ethical issues related to research design. We introduce you to key software programs that can be used to store and process information, produce figures and summaries from datasets and map spatial data. Mastering these skills will help you to maximise your lear

Roll up your sleeves and carry out your own geographical research with a residential trip to Cumbria! Together, we’ll look at how to design good research and explore different methods used in human and physical geography. You’ll investigate the controversial project of rewilding, thinking about the benefits and challenges of returning land to nature. You’ll use research methods from both human and physical geography to deepen your understanding. Back in Lancaster, you’ll learn different ways to analyse, visualise and communicate geographical data.

Gain the skills and knowledge needed to understand how our landscape and environment have developed, what’s happening with them now and how they might change in the future. The module starts with a field trip that teaches you how to ‘read’ the landscape, helping you identify different scales of forms and their connections across time and space. You’ll build on these insights to explore landscape evolution, starting with the underlying geology and climate. Then, we’ll look at geomorphic, biotic, pedological, sedimentary, aquatic and glacial processes. By the end of the module, you’ll be able to view landscapes and environments in a new, process-based way and interpret their features in terms

Gain the practical environmental skills needed to make the transition from school or employment to studying environmental science or Earth science at university. You’ll learn how to accurately record both qualitative and quantitative observations when working in laboratory, field and computer-based settings. Numerical aptitude, scientific proficiency and visualisation techniques will then help you interpret your observations for assessment and other purposes.

Study the dynamic way in which the Earth works and gain the tools to interpret the Earth processes that have formed the planet on which we live. This module gives you an understanding of the processes that create the solid outer surface of our planet. Minerals, rocks and sediments are critical natural resources that underpin the resilience and survival of the human population and we consider these in the context of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The way in which minerals, rocks, sediments, landforms and fossils are initially created and subsequently change or deform, is taught in the framework of the geological timescale, plate tectonics and igneous, metamorphic, and sedi

The world can appear infinitely complex, but when details are represented digitally it becomes easier to draw back, take new perspectives, simplify patterns and learn more about their underlying causes. Organisations of all kinds are interested in how spatial information can drive decisions, operations and policy; and the volume and variety of information captured about people, their surroundings and the planet is increasing rapidly. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) provide us with the environment and tools to explore and interact with socioeconomic, environmental, topographic and remotely sensed data in order to generate understanding. At the end of this module, you will be able to qu

Explore the dynamic relationships between natural and human processes in landscapes from uplands through lowlands to coastal zones. You will examine how water, sediment and nutrients flow across landscapes, how changes in land use and climate can impact these flows and how disruptions to them can have cascading effects across space and time. You will consider how these interactions shape ecosystems and influence their health, resilience and services to humanity. The module will emphasise the importance of this understanding for developing sustainable land-use practices and natural resource management. Integrated approaches to landscape management will be explored through case studies address

You’ll explore and gain experience in a connected set of methods for addressing environmental questions. Starting with simple observation, you’ll move on to making field measurements, carrying out field experiments, analysing field samples in the lab, simulating the environment with laboratory or computer models and working with ‘big data’ gathered by global instrument networks. The data sets generated by each approach will allow you to practise data handling and inferential statistics. Reporting your work will also help develop your scientific report writing and communication skills. Throughout, you’ll reflect on the types of questions and challenges each method is best suited to, equipping

Deepen your understanding of the atmospheric physics and chemistry that govern weather systems, atmospheric composition and air pollution. You will explore the physical and dynamic properties of the atmosphere and how they influence air movement - from small-scale flows to global circulation patterns such as monsoons and El Niño. You will examine the factors affecting important atmospheric trace gases and study the key chemical processes behind urban air pollution, acid rain and stratospheric ozone depletion. Practical sessions and a field trip to our Hazelrigg meteorological station will introduce you to observing and reporting atmospheric conditions. You will also learn how these observati

Explore the scientific foundations of conservation biology and ecosystem ecology by examining how species, communities and environments interact. You'll develop an understanding of the significant threats to global biodiversity, such as habitat loss, climate change, invasive species and overexploitation and learn the ecological reasons why conservation is vital. Through a mix of theory, real-world case studies and practical work, you'll learn how to quantify biodiversity, assess population sizes and threats and apply conservation strategies at the genetic, species and ecosystem levels. Key topics include ecosystem resilience, habitat connectivity, conservation prioritisation and designing pr

Building on your earlier introduction to glacial systems, this module takes a deeper dive into how glaciers shape landscapes and interact with people and ecosystems. You’ll explore glacial processes in greater detail and begin to see how they connect across space and time. As you progress, you’ll be encouraged to critically engage with current research and understand how physical geographers interpret and contribute to this growing body of knowledge. By the end, you’ll be better equipped to identify how glaciology can inform environmental management and benefit both society and the natural environment.

Employers in the UK and internationally are increasingly looking for graduates with professional skills in hydrology and water quality. These include environmental consultancies, water companies, government regulators and environmental or humanitarian charities. In this module, you'll learn how water and pollutants move through surface and subsurface environments. You'll also explore the latest theories and technologies professionals use, including monitoring tools and modelling techniques. Real-world examples show how these approaches are applied. Topics include the impact of climate change on water resources, flood mitigation through natural methods and the nitrate time bomb in groundwater

This hands-on module introduces the theory behind key geological processes. You’ll also gain practical laboratory and field skills to help you interpret geological data and understand the geological evolution of the Earth. You’ll explore how natural resources form through geological processes. You’ll also consider how these resources are extracted and the impact this has on the environment and sustainability. Teaching takes place through lectures, laboratory practicals and field trips. You’ll develop core practical skills and learn how to apply theoretical knowledge to interpret geological processes. You’ll also collect and analyse field data. This data will be integrated with geological map

Soils are one of the most important, yet often overlooked, resources on the planet. Almost all our food relies on soil - it is the largest active store of carbon. The water we drink is stored and filtered through soils and they support over half of the planet’s biodiversity. In this module you will explore how soils are formed and the underpinning chemical, physical and biological processes that support the major biogeochemical cycles and life itself. We go on to explore some of the threats to soils, including soil erosion and salinisation and what we might do to mitigate them and then consider how soils are linked to the wider environment. You will be taught through a combination of lecture

Travel to the Scottish Hebrides to broaden your understanding of sustainability as a social, economic and environmental concern. We will challenge you to think about sustainability as an interdisciplinary issue and consider the future of the planet. You will deepen your understanding of what sustainability means in an island context, learning about the culture, landscape and economy of the Scottish Hebrides. There is the opportunity to travel by ferry between Hebridean islands, considering the ways in which islanders, alongside the local authority and Scottish Government, have sought to promote sustainable practice. You will see examples of progressive and alternative approaches to issues su

Conduct an independent research project on a specific topic within your field of study and present your findings in an extensive report. Throughout your project, you will receive one-to-one support from a member of academic staff. This is the largest piece of work that you will complete during your degree and, depending on your subject area, it will enable you to develop skills including formulating a research question; contextualising it within research literature; identifying and using appropriate research methods and techniques with which to address your question; collecting and analysing data; and interpreting your findings. Overall, the aim is to demonstrate your ability to conduct rigo

The science and policy landscape around climate change, widely regarded as humanity’s biggest challenge, is rapidly evolving. This module covers climate change causes and effects, equipping you with a rounded understanding of underpinning processes and the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate and debate key contemporary issues. Fundamental carbon and energy balance concepts are introduced to explore how natural and anthropogenic forces (e.g. greenhouse gases) have shaped Earth’s climate since the industrial revolution and throughout geological time. Using real data, you will learn how changes to Earth’s climate are observed and modelled, appreciating uncertainties and how research

The cryosphere holds a significant portion of Earth's fresh water, yet it faces growing threats from a warming climate. In this module, you'll explore the cryosphere as part of a wider environmental system, drawing on current research to understand how these frozen regions function and why they matter. Starting with the physical processes that influence the behaviour of ice masses, such as meltwater production and its effect on ice flow, you'll then examine the cryosphere's far-reaching impacts on downstream environments. By viewing glaciers as ecosystems, you'll uncover their role in sea-level changes, ecological interactions and climate feedbacks. You'll also gain insight into how scientis

Environmental pollution from metals, nutrients, radionuclides and emerging organic contaminants such as pharmaceuticals and microplastics has received a lot of attention across the media. Their effects on humans, wildlife and the environment are the subject of exciting and novel research. However, the sources of pollution and their pathways through the environment are still poorly understood. In this module, you’ll take a case study approach to explore where different pollutants come from, how they move through and impact the environment, and what this means for the world around you. But understanding the impacts is only half the story, you’ll also investigate how to monitor, manage and reme

Geological hazards, especially earthquakes, landslides and volcanic eruptions, endanger lives and livelihoods – disproportionately in vulnerable areas – and cause economic losses and infrastructure damage. Effective hazard management requires detailed understanding of the underlying physical processes, use of appropriate monitoring techniques to assess hazards and rigorous policymaking. In this module you’ll learn, via numerous case studies, how the boundaries of our knowledge of geological hazards are advanced by ongoing research. You’ll gain understanding of why landslides occur and the geomechanical models underpinning slope failure analysis and why faults slip. You will look at the proba

Conservation is as much about human behaviours and values as it is about species and biological diversity. As a field, conservation science has come to recognise the complex nature of environmental challenges, requiring a blend of knowledge from various disciplines. While the foundations of conservation are still in traditional biology, the incorporation of social sciences, economics and law are increasing. This module introduces you to the increasingly holistic approach to conservation, emphasising the interplay between ecological and social systems, that recognises human behaviours, economic pressures and cultural values alongside biological factors. The need for collaboration across diver

How are we transforming the way we supply and use energy to achieve our climate targets? In this cross-disciplinary module you will look at the major changes underway within our energy system. You will examine decarbonisation pathways in electricity, transport and heat, whilst considering supply and demand dynamics and carbon removal. Investigate real-world challenges including how to govern the energy system, economics, societal engagement and energy security. Through a combination of lecture, workshop and field-based activities, you will gain a ‘whole system view’ cutting across disciplines, enabling you to refine your critical thinking skills and ability to weigh up the opportunities and

Our planet is shaped by ongoing geological, climatic and ecological processes that are increasingly dominated by mankind. Everywhere you look you will find change, but not all changes are important. To make informed decisions, we need to know how to test ideas and identify reliable trends. This module will teach you how to overlay spatial layers to answer increasingly complex questions about when and where changes are happening, whether they are connected, what is occurring in locations with incomplete data and to predict the magnitude and distribution of impacts? As more and more data is collected and shared by networked devices, corporations and remote sensing technologies, understanding s

Despite delivering abundant cheap food, farmers and society have economic, environmental and social concerns about our modern resource-intensive agricultural systems. Explore the strengths and weaknesses of current intensive and proposed extensive agricultural systems by examining their food production, resource use, efficiency and environmental impacts. You’ll be introduced to key sustainability metrics such as carbon and water footprints and delve into the biological mechanisms behind a range of agronomic techniques. The module also looks at how agriculture contributes to ecosystem services. Through hands-on workshop sessions, you’ll compare microbial inoculants (bio-fertilisers) with synt

We inhabit a wafer-thin veneer that floats on a dynamic planetary interior. Explore the structure and evolution of the Earth's interior and how internal processes such as convection of the outer core and mantle have influenced the Earth system, including plate tectonics, climate and life. You will learn about seismology and other techniques that are used to study the Earth's deep interior, how Earth cools, the geomagnetic field and understand how volcanism is produced by partial melting of the upper mantle. Learn how the behaviour of the Earth’s interior determines the stability of Earth’s atmosphere and oceans and consequently the ecosphere we depend upon; however, the Earth’s interior can

Do you want to entertain and inspire children and the public in STEM? With an introduction to teaching as well as wider engagement opportunities, learn how to understand your audience and how to engage and enliven them. You will also learn how to balance this with educating them and presenting science in a way that’s appropriate to your audience. We include an introduction to pedagogy, how to inspire school pupils and how to use traditional and new media for science communication. You will deliver an activity of your choosing to an audience. This could be a lesson at school, engaging with children at a large outreach event or delivering a public lecture. In addition, you will also reflect on

Water is a critical natural resource for you and for all ecosystems. Successfully managing water resources is one of the most fundamental challenges facing society today. If you're aiming for a career in the water sector, you'll need to understand the policy and regulatory frameworks, technologies, and monitoring and classification approaches used to develop, conserve and restore water resources. This module gives you that understanding, drawing primarily on core material from the UK water sector and supported by global case studies where relevant. You’ll explore the management of both surface water and groundwater, tackling issues related to water quality and water availability. Your learni

This module takes a critical and yet hands-on approach to exploring the role of eco-innovation as a pathway towards sustainable development. Through action-learning, you will identify and address real-world sustainability challenges by developing your own eco-innovation proposals – viable ideas with the potential to reduce human impact on the environment whilst simultaneously delivering to the economic and social ambitions of global sustainable development. You will work in small teams, while being introduced to key sustainability concepts and business planning approaches that can be combined to develop effective eco-innovations. Gain valuable transferable skills including team working, prob

Develop your theoretical and practical knowledge of volcanic processes by studying the evolution of a basaltic volcano. Pre-trip classroom sessions are used to support the main residential field trip component of the module. The module covers the intricate volcanic processes occurring both on the surface and beneath the Earth’s crust, examining geological evidence of both constructional events (like eruptions and intrusions) and destructive events (such as collapses). Through fieldwork, you’ll interpret observations across scales, from millimetres to kilometres, linking them to the volcanic processes that drive them. By taking a problem-based learning approach, you'll tackle large-scale chal

Conduct an independent research project on a specific topic within your field of study and present your findings in an extensive report. Throughout your project, you will receive one-to-one support from a member of academic staff. This is the largest piece of work that you will complete during your degree and, depending on your subject area, it will enable you to develop skills including formulating a research question; contextualising it within research literature; identifying and using appropriate research methods and techniques with which to address your question; collecting and analysing data; and interpreting your findings. Overall, the aim is to demonstrate your ability to conduct rigo

Groundwater is the largest freshwater reservoir on the planet; in many parts of the world it is the main (or only) source of freshwater. Groundwater is not only a major source of drinking water, it sustains river flow, plays a critical role in food security and can also influence the structural properties of the ground. In this module you will learn how we can access this water reservoir and how natural and human-influenced disturbances can impact on the availability of groundwater and its quality. You will also be given in-field training on groundwater investigation techniques and gain hands-on experience of using groundwater models to tackle practical problems. You will also learn about so

Build a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the data analysis and programming techniques that increasingly underpin environmental and Earth sciences and are equally relevant to research and employment. To begin, you will be introduced to methods for using computer programming for analysis and visualisation of environmental science data. Using a modern programming language (e.g. Python) and interactive development environments (e.g. Jupyter Notebook), you will then develop the skills necessary to use programming in conjunction with large datasets and modelling systems that feature throughout environmental science. You will explore the fundamental tools of programming, running code i

How do we make the decisions that will stop climate change, reverse the biodiversity crisis, keep our rivers clean and cope with a host of other environmental issues while providing the jobs, houses, renewable energy and other things we need for a high quality of life? This module will introduce you to the fast-moving world of environmental decision making through Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and the new approach of Environmental Outcome Reports (EORs). We take a practical approach, including site visits, to see how information is gathered and processed on plans, programmes and projects that may have a significant effect on the environment, and we explain the process, law, and key

We introduce you to the fundamental principles of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing and demonstrate how these complementary technologies may be used to capture/derive, manipulate, integrate, analyse and display different forms of spatially-referenced environmental data. We blend theory-led lectures with hands-on practical sessions using state-of-the-art software. Alongside core subject knowledge, you'll build transferable skills in synthesising geographical data, developing problem-solving strategies, managing your time effectively and presenting analysis through innovative graphical formats.