Overview
Fieldwork is an essential element in our degree programmes, and here in Geography we have an outstanding reputation for providing students with high quality field training
Field courses are usually compulsory. Normally, students may only be exempted from a field course only on the grounds of illness (supporting documentation must be provided), or a death in the immediate family, or representing New Zealand in a cultural, sporting, educational or scientific event.
Field Courses in 2024
GEOG280 Engaging with People and Place: Doing Geographical Research
A one-day field trip will take place on Friday early in first semester. Dates and location are to be confirmed.
The purpose of the field trip is to explore key concepts in human geography that will be relevant to the research projects that you will work on as you learn to "do" human geography research.
The field trip is also an opportunity to get to know your group, the staff, and the wider GEOG280 class.
GEOG201 – Field Research Methods
There is a compulsory field course from Monday 15 April until Saturday 20 April.
The field course will be held in the Twizel area, staying at the Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park.
Holiday Park Website
The field course is a great opportunity to undertake scientific investigation with class colleagues in the outdoors under the supervision of academic staff. During the field course you will be expected to complete some pieces of assessment that will contribute 45% of your final grade for GEOG290.
GEOG380 - Field Research Methods (Arts)
There is a compulsory week long residential field course, from Monday 6 May to Friday 10 May, location to be confirmed.
The main aim of the field course is to develop experience in direct field research and each group will plan its programme of field work. Once in the field, much of the time will be spent collection primary data through activities such as observation, interviewing, distributing and collecting questionnaire surveys, and making use of local data sources. The field course will conclude with each group giving oral presentations of their research project and preliminary findings derived from the field work.
Find out more about GEOG380 (Arts)
Field Courses: What to expect
You must attend a Health and Safety briefing before you go on any departmental field trip. For field work in general, you must be fit and physically agile/ able enough to walk unaided for some kilometres on rough ground which may include narrow tracks, gravel banks, river beds and rocky shores - all typical of New Zealand outdoors. If you require more details in advance of the start of classes, please contact the teaching staff. More information is generally available on Blackboard.
Field Course costs
The costs of travel and accommodation on compulsory field courses will be covered by the Department.
Students pay or bring their own food for one day trips. Trips longer than one day have a compulsory charge for food and drink – approximately (for most field trips) $20 per day.