School of Geographical & Earth Sciences

In geography we use field teaching and engagement beyond the academy throughout the degree. Field work is an excellent way to put ideas learned in both human and physical geography lectures into practice. Field classes are also a critical way of developing your skills as researchers who are able to work both individually and as part of a team. This is key to preparing for your dissertation research but also equips you with key skills and experiences which will enhance your employability.

• In the first year, you will have field visits in the west-end of Glasgow. These are designed to get you working together with your fellow students on both physical and human geography projects and to engage with key aspects of human and physical geography skills.

• In the second year, you will undertake a multi-day residential field class which is designed to train students in qualitative research methods and various techniques relevant for physical geography. Examples of where we have gone in the past include Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, Cardiff and York. This second-year trip a great chance to put some of your learning in geography into practice and you will work in small groups, doing human and physical geography projects. Our aim is to engage you with key issues where you are introduced to a range of research methodologies around cutting edge research questions.

• In the third year, there is a multi-day residential field class. Examples of where we have gone in the past include Mallorca and Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. Here, you get the opportunity to develop research skills, an experience invaluable for your dissertation (completed across 3rd and 4th year), and to find your broader career aspirations. Depending on your preference you will engage with a human or a physical facing project from a range of exciting options. Additional day field classes are dependent on which optional subjects are taken.

• In the fourth year, you will work in groups to develop projects based on fieldwork in and around Glasgow. Additional day field classes are dependent on which optional subjects are taken.

We strive to cover costs for field class accommodation and transport, but this is subject to change, and student contributions may be required. Typically, costs for subsistence on field classes, and occasionally public transport to field class venues, are met by the student.

Our field class locations can vary from year to year as we evolve to meet diverse needs. We design inclusive, safe field experiences and strive to offer low-carbon-footprint field classes. In our field classes, we are working in dynamic, changing landscapes, urban contexts and environments, and sometimes itineraries need to be adapted on the day. Find out more about the Geography programme.

Find out more about the Geography programme.

In Environmental Geoscience fieldwork, we put into practice what we have learned in the classroom. Being in the field gives you direct experience and allows you to visualise concepts on a much larger scale. Through individual and group activities we develop your practical skills but also grow your confidence and professionalism, which will enhance your employability.

• In the first year, students typically explore course themes and fieldwork skills in a single-day local field class.

• In the second year, we undertake a single-day field class and a multi-day residential field class. Examples of where we have gone in the past include Fife and Ayrshire in Central Scotland. These field classes train students in field skills such as 4D visualisation, environmental reconstruction and provide insights from industry.

• In the third year, there are several single-day field classes and a multi-day residential field class. Examples of where we have gone in the past include Cumbria, North-West England. These classes develop skills from core courses, your independent research skills, and applied practical skills. Additional day field classes are dependent on which optional subjects are taken.

• In the fourth year, students take part in an integrated field experience that combines day field classes and analytical work, both of which build independent research skills. Additional day field classes are dependent on which optional subjects are taken.

We strive to cover costs for field class accommodation and transport, but this is subject to change, and student contributions may be required. Typically, costs for subsistence on field classes, and occasionally public transport to field class venues, are met by the student. Essential field equipment should be purchased at the start of Year 2 (typically <£100).

Our field class locations vary from year to year as we evolve to meet diverse needs. We design inclusive, safe, field experiences, and we also strive to offer low-carbon footprint field classes. In field classes, we work in dynamic, changing landscapes and environments, and sometimes itineraries need to be adapted on the day.

Find out more about the Environmental Geosciences programme.

In Geology fieldwork we put into practice what you have learned in the classroom. Being in the field gives you direct experience and allows you to visualise concepts on a much larger scale. Through individual and group activities, we develop your practical skills and build your confidence and professionalism, which will enhance your employability.

• In the first year, students explore course themes and fieldwork skills on a single day local field class.

• In the second year, we undertake a single-day field class and a multi-day residential field class. Examples of where we have gone in the past include Fife and Ayrshire in Central Scotland. These classes train students in field skills such as 4D visualisation and environmental reconstruction and provide insights from industry.

• In the third year, there are several single day field classes and an extended multi-day residential field class. Examples of where we have gone in the past include the Central Highlands (Fort William) and the North-West Highlands (Ullapool) of Scotland. These classes build on core courses, your independent research skills, and applied practical skills.

• In the fourth year, students take part in a multi-day residential field class, building independent research skills and addressing applied and environmental problems. Additional day field classes are dependent on which optional subjects are taken.

We strive to cover costs for field class accommodation and transport, but this is subject to change, and student contributions may be required. Typically, costs for subsistence on field classes, and occasionally public transport to field class venues, are met by the student. Essential field equipment should be purchased at the start of Year 2 (typically <£100).

Our field class locations vary from year to year as we evolve to meet diverse needs. We design inclusive, safe field experiences, and we also strive to offer low-carbon footprint field classes. In field classes, we work in dynamic, changing landscapes and environments, and sometimes itineraries need to be adapted on the day.

Find out more about the Geology programme.