The degree involves studying courses to the value of 12 units over three years, plus LSE100. Please note that the format of the LSE100 course is under review. You will undertake a dissertation in your final year. Fieldwork is an important component of the programme and there is the option of an international fieldtrip as part of the second-year course Field Methods in Geography (see Fees and Funding section for details of costs). You should be undertaking a minimum of 27 hours of independent study across all your courses.
Language specialism
Students who have taken and passed at least one language course in each year of their degree (i.e. 25% of their overall programme of study) will receive a language specialism attached to their degree certificate and transcript. Students must take all courses in the same language (French, Spanish, German, Mandarin or Russian) in order to qualify for the specialism. The three courses must also be consecutively harder in level, for example: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Students who choose language courses in each year according to these rules will receive a language specialism. Degree certificates which include a language specialism will state the language in the title, for example: BA Geography with French.
First year
(* denotes a half unit)
You will take two compulsory courses, and choose one course from a choice of four. For your fourth course you can choose from a range of approved outside options, including a language course, or take one more of the four courses listed below. You will also take LSE100, which is taught in the Lent term only. Please note that the format of the LSE100 course is under review.
Introduction to Geography
This course provides students with an introduction to geography at LSE, including human, economic and environmental geography.
Introduction to Geographical Research
Introduces students to the production of geographical and environmental knowledge, and methodological approaches for conducting research.
Society, Culture and Place
Addresses the social, economic and political dimensions of urban geography by focusing on the intersection of people and place in London.
Courses to the value of one unit from a range of options
LSE100
Beginning in the Lent term of the first year and running through the Michaelmas term of the second year, LSE100 is compulsory for all LSE undergraduate students, and introduces you to the fundamental elements of thinking like a social scientist. Please note that the LSE100 course is under review.
Second year
The second year core courses provide a thorough grounding in geographical methods. You will also take further geography and environment options to the value of three units, one of which may be an approved language option, and will continue to take LSE100 in the Michaelmas Term only. Please note that the format of the LSE100 course is under review.
Quantitative Methods in Geography*
Provides students with an introduction to quantitative methods for geographical analysis, specifically regression analysis and Geographical Information Systems
Field Methods in Geography*
Examines methods used in field-based geographical research, and helps prepare students to undertake individual research projects.
Geography and environment options to the value of three units (one may be an approved language option)
LSE100
Beginning in the Lent term of the first year and running through the Michaelmas term of the second year, LSE100 is compulsory for all LSE undergraduate students, and introduces you to the fundamental elements of thinking like a social scientist.Please note that the LSE100 course is under review.
Third year
In the third year you will undertake a dissertation and take further geography and environment options of your choice to the value of three units.
Dissertation
You will undertake your own independent research project from start to finish on a geography topic of your choice, with guidance from your academic mentor.
Geography and environment options to the value of three units
For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page.
Where regulations permit, you may also be able to take a language, literature or linguistics option as part of your degree. Information can be found on the Language Centre webpages.
You must note however that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up-to-date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.
You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated undergraduate course and programme information page.