The object of the module is to develop undergraduate field investigations of specialised geographical themes in the context of a specific international field location. Field locations will be used that lend themselves to the exploration of a number of geographical and environmental themes. Examples of such themes include environmental issues, urban/community regeneration, economic and social planning, recreation and tourism, environmental quality, landform change/evolution, reconstruction of past environments, applied geomorphology and the impacts of human activity on the physical environment. Whilst the geographical setting and therefore, themes may vary between different field class locations all will be focused on student centred learning with students contributing to the development and execution of small group research investigations / projects. The introduction and exploration of themes will be a product of interactive discussion between students and tutors.

1. A 2000 word essay (30%) [learning outcomes 1, 4]
2. A portfolio of work (70%) [learning outcomes 2 - 6] – final assessment

Additional Assessment Details:

Students are required to complete and submit the essay before the field course itself, as the process of researching and writing the essay, based on the analysis of secondary sources, enables them to develop an understanding of a range of geographical and environmental issues specific to the field location.
The portfolio will normally include items such as a series of worksheets, a poster or photo-essay and an individual fieldwork report (2000 words).

Formative Assessment: There will be various opportunities for ongoing formative feedback during discussions in the preparatory and follow-up sessions and in the field, allowing students to self-evaluate their understanding of module materials. This will for example include completion of a group research proposal in advance of the field course. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to receive feedback on their essay and report plans.

The module will combine a period of fieldwork of between 5 to 7 days in length (a nominal allocation of 60 hours) during which students will participate in a series of both tutor-led and student-led group activities. The fieldwork will be supported by a series of staff-led preparatory and follow-up sessions (40 hours).

The remaining 200 hours will be used for independent individual / group work to research, design and write-up coursework assessments (50 hours to research and produce the essay; 50 hours to plan the group project and 100 hours to collate and analyse the fieldwork observations, complete worksheets associated with both preparatory and field activities and produce the fieldwork report). This will lead to a critical understanding of the process of research design, preparation and execution in the field.

The report and poster /photo-essay elements should be completed individually by students but worksheets associated with the planning, execution and collation of field observations will be group submissions.

Bell, J. & Waters, S. (2014) Doing Your Research Project (6th Edition). Open University Press, Buckingham

Clifford, N. et al. (2016) Key Methods in Geography (3rd edition). Sage Publications.

France, D. et al. (2015) Enhancing Fieldwork Learning Using Mobile Technologies,. Springer

Gomez, B. & Jones, J. P. (2010) Research Methods in Geography. Wiley-Blackwell

Hay, I. (2016) Qualitative Research Methods in Human Geography. Open University Press

Phillips, R. & Johns, J. (2012) Fieldwork for Human Geography. Sage

Robson, C.& McCarton, K. (2016) Real World Research (4th Edition) John Wiley & Sons

Laboratories and software appropriate to a range of analytical methods; maps and aerial photographs, and field equipment appropriate to the field location and themes to be explored on the field course. Tablets or other appropriate mobile devices for the recording, collating, analysis of observations in the field and accessing relevant information sources.

None.

1. DEMONSTRATE AN ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE & CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF COMPLEX 'REAL WORLD' GEOGRAPHICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHENOMENA
(Enquiry, Knowledge & Understanding)

2. MANAGE AND EXECUTE A FIELD-BASED GEOGRAPHICAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH PROJECT
(Enquiry, Problem Solving)

3. APPLY A RANGE OF ANALYTICAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE ACQUIRED FROM ALL THREE LEVELS OF THE AWARD TO SPECIFIC GEOGRAPHIC & ENVIRONMENTAL TOPICS
(Analysis, Application)

4. DEMONSTRATE AN ENGAGEMENT WITH INTELLECTUAL DISCOURSE ON GEOGRAPHICAL AND/OR ENVIRONMENTAL CONCEPTS APPROPRIATE TO GRADUATE STUDENTS
(Application, Reflection)

5. CRITICALLY REFLECT ON CHOSEN RESEARCH STRATEGIES AND ASSOCIATED OUTCOMES
(Learning, Reflection)

6. COMMUNICATE THE AIMS, METHODS, RESULTS AND FINDINGS OF THE RESEARCH TO A HIGH PROFESSIONAL STANDARD
(Communication)