Why Lancaster?
Geography Teaching at Lancaster is 'Excellent' as measured in the latest official inspection of UK Geography departments.
Our strong international reputation for our research is important in ensuring high quality teaching and provides us with fresh ideas and approaches for our degree programmes.
We offer stimulating, high-quality and innovative teaching that builds on students' diverse learning approaches.
Award-Winning Ideas
Our teaching is award winning - two members of staff have won national awards for excellence and innovation in teaching (Dr. Gordon Clark, who was awarded the Royal Geographical Society Taylor and Francis Award in 2006 and Dr. Andrew Folkard who won the Pilkington Prize for teaching in 2003 and a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship in 2006).
Great Facilities
Based in a purpose built section of the Lancaster Environment Centre, Geography at Lancaster offers students access to first-rate labs and teaching spaces. The Geography teaching lab is equipped to allow students to get firsthand experience of all the latest Geographical analysis techniques, including computer-based Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing.
In addition, the University maintains a large central library stocked with multiples copies of key geography texts, the latest journals and computers for access to a range of electronic resources. The University Virtual Learning Environment provides access to resources and materials to download, as well as a way of contacting other students and staff 24 hours a day.
Lancaster has modern and affordable campus accommodation and colleges (a room is offered to all first years who make Lancaster their Firm Choice), there is also a large list of the many student societies and clubs that Lancaster's Geographers participate. Lancaster also provides a wide range of sports facilities accross the campus.
Student Union services are also available to all students. Visit the Nuffield Theatre for live performances on campus and the Peter Scott Gallery for exhibitions throughout the year.
Flexible Degrees Schemes
Our degrees are flexible: You can study human, environmental and physical geography topics, or specialise in one area. You can combine geography with elements of other subjects and you can choose between classroom-based, practical or field-based modules.
Overseas Field Trips
LEC geography schemes allow you to gain practical experience of a range of environments through an extensive programme of field courses visiting cities like Amsterdam, New York and Paris, and challenging rural environments like northern and southern Spain and Croatia.
Extra Skills
Our second-year option course ('Communicating Geography') allows you to teach geography as a classroom assistant in a local school.
Study Abroad
We also offer North American and Australasian exchange schemes, an opportunity to master a different educational and cultural environment, and to develop intellectually, personally and socially.
National Teaching Fellowship Scheme Winner
Dr Andrew Folkard, a Lecturer in Physical Geography committed to teaching mathematical, statistical and quantitative skills to non-specialists, has been awarded a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy.
Andrew aims to effect a "revolution" in attitudes across all areas where students are required to engage with quantitative material, even though, he says, "many of them view it with fear, antipathy or boredom." In 2002, through a University grant, he worked with focus groups of students who had found his second year statistics course difficult. Through lengthy discussions with students he has now adopted an approach which focuses on what quantitative skills can do to help them.
Nationally, Andrew is actively involved with the Higher Education Academy's Subject Centre for Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES) for which he has produced a much valued resource briefing on Mathematics, Statistics and Quantitative Skills. In 2003, he was awarded Lancaster University's Pilkington Prize for excellence in teaching in recognition of his contribution.
Welcome from the SLUGS
The Society of Lancaster University Geography Students (SLUGS) aims to enhance your experience and enjoyment of Geography.
We organise a diverse range of both academic and non-academic activities which provide our members with the opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves, while at the same time developing their interest in their subject.
SLUGS also provide opportunities to enhance staff-student interactions through the events which we organise.
Examples of previous events include paintballing, walks, formal meals and a programme of guest lectures.
As a student of Geography, you are automatically enrolled in the society, which provides you with the opportunity to attend as many events as you wish.
We look forward to meeting and welcoming you to Geography and the SLUGS community!