Field classes

Landscape with Ardvreck Castle, with beach and mountain in background

Field classes are integral to the experience of studying Geographical & Earth Sciences at the University of Glasgow. We are passionate about providing our students with enriching and diverse experiences to complement their studies. Field classes are a superb way to put classroom learning into practice, and our students do so in a host of exciting destinations locally and globally, from short day trips to extensive expeditions. The atmosphere of our field classes is friendly, supportive, and intellectually stimulating. While there’s lots of outdoor learning involved, it’s also a unique opportunity to socialise with your classmates and staff.

Our location - a culturally and historically significant city, close to some of the most the spectacular landscapes in the world - gives us an unparalleled advantage, as well as access to outstanding global destinations.

Useful links

Where do we go?

Geography

  • In year 2, students visit Inverness, situated in the Scottish Highlands, among some truly spectacular scenery. The field class is a great chance to put some of your learning in geography into practice here in Scotland. You will work in small groups, doing human, physical, and environmental projects where you are introduced to a range of research methodologies.
  • In year 3, students undertake a week-long residential field course in Mallorca. The course is a great opportunity to visit another country and exercise collective geographical imaginations in an array of exciting projects. The experience of travelling with staff and fellow students is often one of the most memorable of your degree studies. You get the opportunity to develop research skills - an experience invaluable for your dissertation (completed across 3rd and 4th year) and broader career aspirations.

Find out more about the Geography programme.

Environmental Geosciences

  • In the first year, students explore course themes and fieldwork skills through a day field class to Holyrood Park in Edinburgh.
  • In semester 1 of year 2, there is a day field class to Spireslack (a disused open cast mine) in Ayrshire, and in semester 2 a one-week residential field course based in Fife. This field course trains students in field skills such mapping, logging and environmental reconstruction, and provides insights from industry.
  • In the third year there are further day field classes, and a week-long UK-based residential field class. These classes develop skills from core courses and your independent research skills. Additional day field classes are dependent on which optional subjects are taken.
  • In the fourth year, students take part in a UK-based residential field class building independent research skills. Additional day field classes are dependent on which optional subjects are taken.
  • Typically costs for accommodation and transport are covered but this is subject to change, and student contributions may be required.  Typically costs for subsistence on field classes, and occasionally public transport to local field classes, are met by the student.  Essential field equipment is required to be purchased at the start of Year 2, and is typically £80-100.

Find out more about the Environmental Geosciences programme.

Geology

  • In the first year, students explore course themes and fieldwork skills through a day field class to Holyrood Park in Edinburgh.
  • In semester 1 of year 2, there is a day field class to Spireslack (a disused open cast mine) in Ayrshire, and in semester 2 a one-week residential field course based in Fife. This field course trains students in field skills such as mapping, logging and environmental reconstruction, and provides insights from industry.
  • In the third year, there are several local day classes, and three residential field courses around Scotland. These classes develop skills from core courses and your independent research skills.
  • In the fourth year, students take part in a UK-based residential field class building independent research skills. Additional day field classes are dependent on which optional subjects are taken.
  • Typically costs for accommodation and transport are covered but this is subject to change, and student contributions may be required.  Typically costs for subsistence on field classes, and occasionally public transport to local field classes, are met by the student.  Essential field equipment is required to be purchased at the start of Year 2, and is typically £80-100.

Find out more about the Geology programme.