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Geography Fieldwork

Geography is all about studying physical and social dynamics in real-world contexts. By studying for a Geography degree at Durham you will have the opportunity to go on a range of compulsory and optional fieldtrips. These range from an introduction to the Durham and Newcastle region in your first week, to designing team research projects for overseas fieldwork in your final year.

Hand holding a small globe

Your knowledge, skills, and understanding will expand as you apply theory to real problems in interesting locations, both in the UK and abroad.

 

students sitting in the arctic near a glacier

Student Voices

Our fieldtrips are an exciting opportunity which our students love to do. See some recent student experiences in video and blog formats through Student Voices.

Student Voices

 

We currently run field trips to: 

BA Geography

  • Year 1: Newcastle and Durham coast
  • Year 2: Bristol, Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester
  • Year 3: Rotterdam, Jerusalem, Chicago, Berlin, the Arctic

BSc Geography

  • Year 1: Newcastle and Durham coast, Portugal
  • Year 2: Isle of Skye, Lake District, Whitby, Keswick
  • Year 3: Switzerland, Iceland, Nepal, Mallorca, Norway

In addition to these organised fieldtrips, you can also pursue your own independent fieldwork and research in your dissertation. Some of the colleges even offer generous scholarships to support dissertation fieldwork. You can find out more by visiting the College websites and coming to an Undergraduate Open Day.

 

Fieldtrip Photo Gallery

Here we present a selection of photographs from recent fieldtrips, showing the breadth of experiences afford to our undergraduate students.

 

students standing on arctic

Dave Evans brings students to Iceland for a field trip

students sitting in the arctic near a glacier

Students gain hands on experience from Dave Evans in Iceland

Jerusalem 2015 Fieldtrip Photo Credit Grueneisl Katharina

BA students visit Jerusalem on a level 3 fieldtrip

Berlin Field Trip 2015

BA students visit Berlin for fieldwork

Our fieldtrips are not only about observing the social and natural world, they are about you doing research. Every fieldtrip supports you with thorough training before departure, support in data collection and analysis, and skills to interpret and communicate high-quality research.

We also expect you to enjoy yourself through these unique experiences as part of the Durham Geography community.

 

A picture of two female students looking at a laptop.

Undergraduate Study

When you study Geography at Durham University, you join one of the world's best geography departments. We offer BA and BSc degrees tailored to your interests and career goals. Our vibrant student community is right there with you.

Discover our undergraduate courses

You can also opt to Study Abroad

We offer a range of activities, options and funding for students from all backgrounds and degrees to gain an international experience during their studies through shorter internships and summer schools to a full year abroad between your 2nd and 3rd years of study.

Study Abroad

Contact Us

Founded in 1928, the Department of Geography at Durham University is one of the leading centres of geographical research and education in the world.

Department of Geography

Durham University
Lower Mountjoy
South Road, Durham
DH1 3LE, UK

Tel: +44 (0)191 3341800