Lancaster University

Language is at the heart of human behaviour, human societies and human creativity. Understanding how language works is therefore key to unlocking what it means to be human.

In this fascinating subject you will explore fundamental questions such as:

Where does language come from and what is it made of?
How is language represented in the mind/brain and how is it related to culture and society?
How do the world’s languages vary and how does the language you speak shape your experiences?
How is language learned and how can it be impaired?
How can technology be harnessed to study patterns in the way language is used?

Our extensive range of optional modules also gives you the chance to look at how language functions across a broad range of contexts, including business, law, politics, health and literature. You can also explore how language works in non-human systems such as speech technologies and what is required to develop these.

Linguistics is not just a fascinating area of study, you will gain a skillset that opens doors to a range of exciting and rewarding careers. Transferable skills include a capacity for critical thinking, an ability to gather, organise and analyse large quantities of data, and an aptitude for developing new and innovative ideas. You’ll have the chance to develop specialist skills including in the lexical and grammatical analysis of real and constructed languages, the acoustic analysis of speech, and computer programming for language technologies.

This is our flagship degree programme that offers you the flexibility to study the areas of physics that interest you the most, including Particle Physics and Quantum Technology. Physics is an exciting subject that underpins much of modern society, and you’ll find yourself exploring matter, forces, and the universe around you. Our courses combine studying fundamental concepts with cutting-edge topics, ranging from understanding sub-atomic particles like the Higgs Boson to exploring how superfluids behave at the lowest temperatures.

We want your degree to work for you! That is why we offer you the flexibility to build your own physics degree by choosing from the broad range of modules that we teach.

How does this take shape?

There are two options:

Option 1

Keep your horizons open and explore your interests by selecting optional modules from across our broad spectrum of topics, subject to prerequisites in later years.

Option 2

We have grouped together a selection of modules to create ‘pathways’ that help guide your choices so that you can focus on your specific area of interest. These pathways are:

Quantum Technology
Particle Physics
Particle Physics with Theoretical Cosmology

We’ll ask you to indicate your preference for one of our pathways from Option 2 near the end of Year 1. The modules recommended for each pathway can be found in our subject brochure.

Geoscientists are increasingly recognised as playing a crucial role in meeting global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, resource provision, and natural hazards. By placing your geoscience training within the broader context of the environment, you will gain knowledge of both the challenges and the potential solutions.

Within your degree, you will consider both natural and man-made environments, to explore the main factors and processes that control today’s environment, how the environment has evolved to its current state and how environmental conditions may change in the future.

In addition, your degree will draw upon the expertise of a number of our staff who specialise in Earth science including volcanology, geophysics, hydrogeology and glaciology, who deliver an exciting range of specialist topics to choose from.

Your first year will address many of the fundamental themes of the Earth and environmental sciences, from understanding geology to learning about the atmosphere, weather and climate. Specialisation begins in the second year when we introduce Earth science-focused topics, and this degree gives you the flexibility to focus on a specific topic area, for example, geological hazards, soil science, environmental radioactivity or glacial systems.

In your second year, core modules will prepare you for your third year dissertation project, which is an opportunity to research a subject that really interests you. You may choose a project with a substantial fieldwork component or, alternatively, conduct laboratory-based research or computer modelling.

For your second and third year, modules will build upon the themes from year one, and you will have the opportunity to take part in popular field courses, including to Mount Etna in Sicily. There, you will study volcanic processes and learn how the local population can manage the impacts of volcanic phenomena. You will also have the opportunity to engage in fieldwork at Carrock Fell in the scenic Lake District World Heritage Site and take further optional residential modules, from studying glacial processes in Switzerland to environmental challenges in Croatia.

Throughout your degree, considerable weight is placed upon the transferable skills that are highly valued by potential employers. For example, in addition to your subject knowledge, you will also gain communication and information technology skills and will become familiar with data handling and environmental sampling and analysis.

Why Lancaster?

Design your own study experience, choosing from many fascinating modules throughout your degree
Benefit from a focus on employability at every stage of your degree, including an optional heritage placement
Be inspired by our world-class academics whose research expertise informs specialist modules
Study with a History Department that prioritises student contact – we keep class sizes small so we can offer personal support and feedback
Enrich your learning with history right on your doorstep, including Lancaster Castle
Keep your careers options open by developing a wide range of professional skills

Journey through time at Lancaster – a city rich in history. Gain knowledge about different periods and cultures while developing skills employers want. In your second year, you can boost your employability with a specialist placement.

Freedom of choice

Our specialised modules allow students to develop a breadth of chronological and geographical knowledge – from Inventing Human Rights (1776-2001) and The Transatlantic Slave Trade (1500-1865) to The Origins and Rise of Islam (600-1250).

You’ll study diverse periods from ancient Rome to the 21st century, as well as specific regions in global, national and regional history. How about discovering more about Lancaster itself with our module ‘Witches’, Warriors and Slavers?

There is an extensive choice of modules throughout your degree, so that you can personalise your studies to suit your own interests and passions. For example, in your second year, you can apply to take part in our heritage placement module and gain invaluable work experience. Past students have worked with The National Trust, Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives and the Duchy of Lancaster.

You may wish to take a History degree with us and include either a study abroad or a placement year.

Our History graduates are highly sought after by leading companies and organisations. Employers know that our graduates possess skills in problem solving and analysis combined with the intellectual rigour they bring to decision-making and strategy.

You’re more than a number

We are a closely knit department with a strong sense of community. You’ll get to know your lecturers and benefit from quality contact time each week.

Our academics are leaders in their fields and provide teaching of the highest quality – via lectures, seminars and small tutorial groups. Your academic tutor will provide individual academic support.

Why Lancaster?

Study in a department that combines expertise in Politics and Philosophy, as well as the Department of Economics in our quadruple accredited Management School

Study philosophical ideas with experts in both Western and non-Western traditions
Learn from inspiring academics who research challenges such as the politics and economics of climate change, global health, peace and conflict
Expand your experience with an internship or join an overseas study trip to the US, India or China
This degree can lead to a career in many areas, including the Civil and Diplomatic Services, international development work, journalism and the media

Our BA (Hons) Philosophy, Politics and Economics lets you explore the events and ideas that make up our world today. How are societies and political institutions influenced by economic forces? What difference do ideas and ideologies make? How do international treaties and conflicts shape people’s lives?

Three ways to explore the world

In this course, you’ll explore philosophical arguments, analyse political structures, and engage with economic models. You’ll gain a better understanding of our world, as well as developing your critical and reasoning skills and abilities to communicate clearly and articulately.

The broad scope of our department means you can study ethics and society, political institutions and financial markets. You can explore Indian philosophical thought as well as Western approaches. You also have the option of adding an International Relations element to your politics studies to develop a truly global perspective.

Tailor your degree

With the support of your supervisor, you’ll have the freedom to define the topic of your dissertation in your third year. Previous students have researched a range of subjects including bitcoin and crypto currencies, long-termism and sustainability, and the justification of war.

Want to add experience to your CV? Apply for one of the internships offered every year by the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies, based in our department. These are research projects in external organisations such as NGOs, think tanks, charities and faith-based organisations. We’ll also support you in finding placement opportunities in a range of organisations, from roles in arts and heritage organisations, to media and marketing agencies.

The University usually runs short, overseas study trips to give you the chance to experience a different culture. In the past these have included Malaysia, India, Ghana, China and the US, where we visited the J.F.K Presidential library, the United Nations and the 9/11 Memorial Museum.

Study Abroad and Placement Year options

You can apply to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics with a year abroad for the whole of your third year. In the past, destinations have included Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Netherlands and the USA. Another option is to study for a placement year in Year 3, before returning to Lancaster for Year 4. Students have worked with major businesses, public sector bodies, charities and NGOs.

Why Lancaster?

Receive editorial feedback from tutors who are celebrated authors, and also learn to give feedback on the work of fellow students.
Enhance your writing through both text-based writing experiments and workshops focusing on your own writing
Explore the professional dimensions of creative writing, such as reading or performing your work, publishing and marketing
Get involved with our four student-run literary journals: Cake, Lux, Flash, and Errant
Be inspired by our rich programme of literary events on campus, online, and in the city’s historic Castle Quarter

Lancaster was one of the very first universities to teach creative writing. Today we continue to lead the way in the discipline with our celebrated novelists, poets and playwrights.

From poetry to digital media

Creative Writing at Lancaster began in 1970, with a radical move to student-centred learning. This emphasis continues so that the focus in all your creative modules will be on developing your own writing.

You’ll pick from a wide range of modules and spend half your time on creative writing. You’ll explore traditional forms such as the short story, the novel, poetry, or theatre, as well as non-traditional forms such as digital media, life-writing, fantasy, rom-com, place-writing, and writing for young adults.

Supportive community

Your lectures will be supplemented by regular small-group workshops, and we encourage you to meet one-to-one with your tutor to discuss your work. You will also have an academic advisor who will provide one-to-one advice.

Many of our evening literary events, such as readings by visiting authors, take place close to the campus in historic Lancaster. Some modules involve fieldwork, for example, at Lancaster’s Duke’s Theatre and in the Lake District.

You may be able to go on one of Lancaster University's short-study trips - popular destinations previously have included New York and Boston. Or you might be interested in studying English Literature and Creative Writing with a Study Abroad Year.

Our admissions requirements depend on the degree you are interested in, some will require a portfolio or an interview. We’d recommend looking through our degree pages before you apply.

We will consider your application as a whole, which means we will review all aspects of your application, including your personal statement, academic reference, current and previous qualifications and the grades you achieved so far.

Once we receive your application, we may request some additional details or offer you the opportunity to attend an online interview.

Applying from High School

If you are studying the US high school curriculum or an accredited US high school diploma, our conditional offers are typically based on your High School Graduation Diploma with GPA 3.2 to 3.4, plus three APs with scores ranging between 5,4,4 to 5,5,5 depending on the degree and subject requirements.

If you haven’t taken AP exams, a number of our departments* would be happy to consider your application, just make sure you include as much detail as possible about any honours/advanced/college-level classes you have taken or plan to take within your UCAS application.

*The departments participating include Linguistics and English Language, English Literature and Creative Writing, History, Lancaster Institute of Creative Arts, Politics, Philosophy and Religion, and Economics.

Other qualifications

For advice regarding any other USA qualifications please contact ugadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk. The team are here to help you, so please get in touch if you need any additional information or support with the UCAS application process.