Field trips and fieldwork are at the heart of our programmes. We know that getting out into the world is essential for understanding how it works. Taking learning beyond the classroom Experience landscapes, environments and communities first-hand through field trips that build your skills, confidence and career readiness. Residential Scottish & European field locations Hands-on learning with specialist equipment from the start Embedded throughout your degree All compulsory field trips fully funded Fieldwork is where theory becomes practice. From mountains to coastlines, cities to ecosystems, you’ll apply academic ideas in real environments and develop skills that last long after graduation.On one of our field trips, you may:splash through rivers, counting insectsexplore approaches to mental health in rural areasphotograph rugged coastlines and cliffs with airborne dronesdetermine how rivers transport sediment and how this impacts the frequency of flooding Theory and practiceWhat do our staff and students think about the importance of field work? Build skills employers actively look for Data & analysis Turn real-world observations into meaningful insights Independent research Develop independent research skills Field techniques Use industry-standard tools and scientific methods Collaboration Work in teams on real-world research questions Problem solving Adapt to real environmental and logistical challenges Communication Communicate findings through reports and presentations Where learning could take you Living Labs ‘Ecological Measurement’ students experienced the benefit of a Living Lab by working at Barvick Burn Wood. Students collected valuable baseline plant survey data from the area, where woodland creation is soon to take place. Scotland Futures field trip to the Highlands Student Alice shares her field work experience during the Scotland Futures course in the Scottish Highlands where she explored rewilding, community-led change and Scotland’s future landscapes. Geological mapping in the field What does a geological mapping assessment look like? During this trip to the Scottish Highlands, students combine an understanding of the subsurface geology with surface geomorphology. Soundscapes and connections on Fala Moor MA Geography students travelled to Fala Moor for a unique field trip blending creativity with the art of geographical writing, exploring the connection between landscapes, soundscapes, and storytelling. Explore more student field trip storiesOur students are sharing their field trip experiences on our blog and social - from field trip highlights to lessons learned. Watch YouTube playlist Read student blogs Watch our field trip video playlists Earth Sciences and Environment Field Work Ecological and Environmental Sciences Field Work Geography Field Work What our students say "As a Geography student having the ability to attend the field trips creates a unique experience to apply our knowledge to real life situations. The opportunity to learn in a different environment provides a space for us to develop our understanding of the course whilst also getting experience in what could be a future career."AbbyBSc Geography, Year 2 student "Because of our cohort size and the amount of field trips we go on, I have developed strong relationships with my course mates and had the opportunity to learn about their specific niches, which makes our course so unique."UnnabhBSc (Hons) Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Year 3 student "Whether it is helping each other with data collection, travelling together or simply unwinding after a long day of learning, field trips create friendships and shared experiences that strengthen the School community in a way that classroom teaching alone cannot."EllisMA Geography, alumni Field trip costsWe do not charge extra fees for compulsory field trips or field courses. Due to the continued support of our generous alumni community, all costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence on compulsory field trips are covered by the programme, however, incidental/ personal expenses are to be met by the student. Our degrees involve a significant element of field study, and we are pleased to be able to support our students as they learn practical and highly prized skills. Ready to explore the world through field work? Explore our degrees: Earth Sciences and Environment Ecological and Environmental Sciences Geography This article was published on Wednesday 8 July 2026
