Fieldstudies in Ireland

Fieldwork is where Geographers learn to “do” Geography (France and Haigh, 2017). It is a form of learning through experience that builds a bridge between concepts and ideas introduced in the classroom and the “real” world (Fuller, Edmondson, France, Higgitt, & Ratinen, 2006; Hovorka & Wolf, 2009). Fieldwork is an important part of a holistic geography education as it also builds skills in observation, comprehension and problem solving (Maskall & Stokes, 2008). This core module develops fieldwork skills and provides an opportunity to apply them in a particular region of Ireland - this year our focus will be on the northwest border region. Preparatory lectures and tutorials hone your skills and knowledge, before a three-day (two-night) residential fieldcourse over the October fieldwork/study break. A range of themes will be covered which may include urban and rural sustainable development; political geographies; geoheritage; and landscape evolution and change. There will be a cost associated with the fieldwork that should not exceed €275 and the provisional dates for the fieldtrip are Wed 28th Oct - Fri 30th Oct.