There's no such thing as a free lunch; does the same apply to fieldwork? Some earth science departments claim to offer free fieldwork, but it is worth checking the details before you decide whether this is really as good a deal as it sounds

Does 'free fieldwork' mean all fieldwork is free? Just core field trips? What about the costs of fieldwork for independent projects? Make sure you take all the hidden costs into account when you are choosing between degrees.

Leicester is well-known for having one of the most varied and extensive fieldwork programmes on offer, with field courses led by experienced staff. This page tells you how we fund our fieldwork programme, what it costs, and what you get. We have also compiled a list of questions that will help you to work out whether 'free' fieldwork is right for you.

The Cost of Fieldwork

Many students considering applying for degree programmes in the geological sciences are concerned as to how much they will have to pay for fieldwork. There is even talk of 'free fieldwork' in connection with Geology, Earth Science, and various Geoscience degree programmes.  Free fieldwork? Sounds great, but exactly what does that mean?

Here we look at the costs involved in fieldwork modules, how at Leicester we minimise these costs or even remove them, and what this means for your education. We also explain why 'free fieldwork' isn't always what it seems, and how the quality and educational experience of a student is the most important aspect to consider when thinking about fieldwork. Lastly, we show how little a student at Leicester pays for a wide ranging and excellent programme of typical fieldwork modules. This description of excellence comes not from us but from our students!

"Fieldwork at Leicester was really enjoyable, I learnt so much every day in the field- it was one of the best aspects of the Geology course. Because it was so well-subsidised it meant we did lots of days in the field - making me a better and more experienced field geologist."
James Blight (graduated 2003)

Fieldwork training is vital for geoscientists, and employers look for graduates who can apply their classroom knowledge to real practical geological situations.

"As a geologist managing brown-field development projects, I believe it is of the utmost importance that graduate geologists entering the industry have a strong fieldwork background, given that site investigation data underpins many of the decisions made during the development process."
Dr Duncan Anderson BSc (Hons) PhD FGS; Senior Geo-Environmental Consultant, RAW Consulting (Geo-environmental Consultants)

Exactly What are Fieldwork Costs?

Fieldwork costs include several components:

• Travel to and from the field area; this could be by road (e.g. 1st year Arran trip), by air (e.g. volcanology trip to Tenerife), or by independent means (e.g. field based independent project work).
• Travel around the field area, which may not be included in the above.
• Accommodation (For example, Leicester 1st year undergraduates stay in a 3 star hotel in Arran; 2nd years stay in a specialist field centre in Spain).
• Subsistence (normally 3 meals a day).
• On top of these there are personal costs for fieldwork clothing, notebooks, maps, and safety equipment.

So does free fieldwork include all of these?
Or just some of these?

Dr Mike Norry explaining the geological map of the northwest-Scottish highlands. On residential fieldtrips it is important to have appropriate accommodation so that you can concentrate on learning and not on shopping for food, cooking or trying to dry out field gear.

It is important that you have clear information when making decisions. Here are some factors you should take into consideration.

Some modules are compulsory - often referred to as 'core' modules. Perhaps 'free fieldwork' only refers to those compulsory parts of a degree programme? That's the modules you have to take. What about the optional modules you can elect to take usually in your 3rd and 4th years? At Leicester we treat all our taught fieldwork modules the same- after all if you want to become a volcanologist then it is essential for you to go to Tenerife to study volcanic processes - this module is not optional where you're concerned. Finally does 'free fieldwork' apply to independent fieldwork too? As with all advertising there are different ways of presenting the information, so make sure you understand what's on offer.

Tom (1st year undergraduate) being shown how to measure cleavage in highly deformed rocks by his group leader Dr Sarah Gabbott. Typically in Arran - your first residential fieldtrip - each group would comprise around 12-14 students led by a lecturer and a PhD student demonstrator.This way you get excellent group and one-to-one teaching.

There are several ways of reducing fieldwork costs, for example, a department may cut the length of the fieldwork programme, stay at cheaper places with poorer facilities, or even camp, or simply remove some fieldwork modules from the curriculum, or limit how many an individual students can attend.

Have you asked about the quality of the fieldwork training, the facilities on offer, what exactly is included in the price and the length of each fieldwork module?
See our checklist of fieldwork questions.

So just how much would a student starting at Leicester in 2009 expect to pay at today's prices?

Free fieldwork at Leicester?

No, but extremely good value, excellent quality and no hidden extra costs.

For a student reading for a degree in The Department of Geology (BSc or MGeol) the typical costs, based on today's prices, are very small. The first year's fieldwork would cost less than £150 for a 12 day fieldtrip including full board at a 3* hotel- a cooked breakfast, a packed lunch, and a 3 course dinner each day; and this also includes all transport to and from the field area, and around the field area.  In other words there are no hidden extra costs.

Second Year Fieldwork, Spain

In the second year a week's specialist field training in Spain would cost less than £100, while in the third year our popular Volcanology field course to Tenerife would cost only £130.

We also subsidise all of our independent field-based project work with a significant contribution to your daily costs as well as to your travel costs to and from the field area. Remember, at Leicester we have one of the most varied and extensive fieldwork programmes on offer, with field courses led by experienced staff.

Concerned about free fieldwork? We are. So much so that at Leicester we don't offer fieldwork for free. Instead we provide significant financial support, while maintaining the highest standards. This provides you, the student, with a wide ranging and high quality fieldwork programme together with a great learning experience, all at the best price we can negotiate.

"It began with Precambrian life, on Leicester's doorstep in Charnwood Forest, took me through Wales and Scotland, with an excursion to the deserts of Spain, and ended with the Alpine orogeny in Switzerland and Italy. I thoroughly enjoyed this extensive fieldwork programme and learned so much in the field that I could not have visualized in the classroom."
Vince Williams (graduated 2004)

Free Fieldwork? Questions to consider

Once you know the answers, you will be in a position to judge how much field work will cost you. 

1. How many days in each year must I do fieldwork?

• How many of these are compulsory?
• Do you limit how many field modules I can do (is there a limit to the financial support I can receive)?

2. Is the same financial support provided for all field modules? Optional AND compulsory modules?

3. Does this support cover:

• Travel to and from the area.
• Accommodation
• Food (subsistence)
• Independent work

4. What kind of accommodation do residential courses use?

Hotels? YHA? Field centres? Camping?

Are there facilities for drying clothes (it rains even in Spain)?

Do I have to supply my own tent, sleeping bag, food etc.?

5. Have any fieldwork modules been removed from the curriculum in recent years?

How does the current number of fieldwork days compare to, say, 2002?