Field classes

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.

A valley on the isle of Arran

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. You get the opportunity to develop research skills and experience invaluable for your dissertation in your third year and wider career aspirations.
  • 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.
  • To provide these trips, students will be asked to cover the costs of transport, accommodation and any personal expenses. Students studying on our Geography degree programme can expect to cover field trip costs of approximately £750 over the duration of the four-year honours degree. Students may be eligible to apply for financial support from the University Discretionary Fund.

Find out more about the Geography programme.

Environmental Geosciences

  • In the first year, students explore the local geological environment through a day field class to Holyrood
  • In semester 1 of year 2, there is a day field class to Spireslack, Ayrshire, and in semester 2 a one-week residential field course on Arran. Based in Brodick, this course trains students in field skills such mapping and logging
  • In the third year there are further day field classes, and a week-long residential field class
  • In the fourth year, day field classes are dependent on which options are taken
  • In order to provide these trips, students will be asked to cover the costs of transport, accommodation and any personal expenses. Students studying on our Environmental Geosciences degree programme can expect to cover field trip costs of approximately £1,200 over the duration of the four-year honours degree. Students may be eligible to apply for financial support from the University Discretionary Fund.

Find out more about the Environmental Geosciences programme.

Geology

  • In the first year, students explore the local geological environment through a day field class to Holyrood
  • In semester 1 of year 2, there is a day field class to Spireslack, Ayrshire, and in semester 2 a one-week residential field course on Arran. Based in Brodick, this course trains students in field skills such as mapping and logging
  • In the third year, there are several local day classes, and three residential field courses around Scotland
  • In the fourth year, day field classes are available in core and options courses
  • To provide these trips, students will be asked to cover the costs of transport, accommodation and any personal expenses. Students studying on our Geology degree programme can expect to cover field trip costs of approximately £1,200 over the duration of the four-year honours degree. Students may be eligible to apply for financial support from the University Discretionary Fund.

Find out more about the Geology programme.