Field classes are a critical part of your training, enabling you to develop skills in field techniques, observation skills, data analysis and presentation, and teamwork and life skills.
Hands-on experience
Compulsory
For the majority of our courses, in addition to the compulsory first-year field class in southern England, students undertake a second-year field class in Stirling, Scotland.
Optional
A significant number of students also choose to take an optional field class in their final year. These are currently Reykjavik (Iceland), Berlin (Germany), Nanjing (China) and a UK semi-residential field class. 
I would definitely recommend attending a field trip during your course at university as it gave us the opportunity to apply some of the theories we learnt while meeting new people and visiting historic places! The balance between studies/fieldwork and leisure was spot on, everyone got along perfectly
Aristides
BSc Geography and Economics (Regional Science)
Day field trips
Many of our optional modules also include one or more day field trips. The cost of these trips is included in your fees. We offer a range of interesting destinations in the Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ area and beyond (subject to change).
Chobham Common, Surrey
In collaboration with Surrey County Council and the Surrey Wildlife Trust, the Climate and Environmental Change module allows you to undertake plant ecological surveys, collect water chemistry data, and sample peatlands for laboratory analysis to examine their biological, physical, and chemical characteristics.
Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ, Berkshire
The Deathscapes and Dark Tourism module includes one or two cemetery-based field classes in Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ, exploring environmental and heritage conservation, green space uses, and/or inclusive cultural provision; activities drawing on Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Borough Council service-provider expert knowledge and small-group field observation and data collection.
Southern England
In this compulsory first-year semi-residential field class halfway through the first semester, you will study a range of social, cultural, economic and environmental issues.
The cost of this trip is included in your standard undergraduate fees.
Scotland
In your second year, you will take part in a compulsory seven-day field class in Stirling. Here you will expand your knowledge of geomorphology, environmental change, nature restoration, and social, cultural and economic geography.
The cost of this trip is included in your standard undergraduate fees.
Fieldwork is an increasingly important component of many modules, from GIS mapping on the University campus to exploring other settings in the UK and abroad.
All of our compulsory field classes are free, and the Department heavily subsidises our optional field classes.
Fieldwork enables you to get hands-on experience with specialist equipment, employing techniques used in industry. By the end of the Scotland field class, I'd enhanced my understanding and gained so many skills that will broaden my employment prospects
Joshua
BSc Geography (Physical)
Third-year optional field classes
Our final year field classes to Iceland, China and Germany are heavily subsidised by the Department, covering flights, local transport at the destination, B&B accommodation, entrance fees and guest speakers, as well as all staff costs. You will be responsible for contributing towards the price of the trip, including your own transport to the airport and all lunches and evening meals.
The third-year optional field trip in the UK is free, but you will need to cover the cost of your lunches and evening meals.
Iceland
Visit Reykjavik to study volcanic processes and glaciology, energy resources, and the history of the landscape.
China
Explore Nanjing and improve your understanding of approaches used to address a range of environmental issues.
Germany
On a trip to Berlin, explore social and economic changes in an urban context, including neighbourhood spaces and social history, food culture and globalisation.
United Kingdom
Learn about the inter-relationships between a range of social, economic and environmental problems in Hampshire, Berkshire and Powys.
A particular highlight of the Iceland trip was having the chance to ice-climb up a crevasse on a glacier, which was an experience we wouldn't have otherwise had the opportunity to do!
Sarah
BSc Geography (Human and Physical)
How you'll study
You'll learn from experts in the field through lectures, practical classes, fieldwork and small-group tutorials. We also offer a variety of placement opportunities where you can gain real-world experience.
Our courses
Our degree courses cover topics including climate change, sustainability, global justice and development.
Life in the Department
Join a welcoming, supportive community, where you'll have opportunities to get to know fellow students in field classes and group work, as well as at events hosted by the student-run GeogSoc.