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ESC-20144 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

ESC-20144 - Lake District Field Course
Coordinator: Angela Turner Tel: +44 1782 7 34955
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

No specific entry requirements

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

Lake District field course provides you with hands-on experience in one of the UKs most iconic landscapes. This module involves a weeklong residential, intensive field study focusing on the regions unique physical geography, ecology, culture and built environment. You will conduct various fieldwork activities, including data collection, environmental analysis, and ethnographic observation. This immersive experience enhances practical skills in geographical and environmental research and fosters a deeper understanding of the interactions between natural environments and human activities within the Lake District.

Aims
The module aims to develop students fieldwork research skills applicable to the fields of geography, environmental science, sustainability and ecology and conservation. Students will gain experience of planning and executing fieldwork research in a real-world, unfamiliar setting using appropriate techniques and skills. Students will learn how to communicate the research process, including research strategy, data collection, analysis and interpretation through a field research report. The module also aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills and methodologies required to undertake their independent research projects in L6.

Intended Learning Outcomes

integrate and apply knowledge of geographical, environmental, ecological, and sustainability issues in specific social, geographical and environmental contexts: 1
develop and communicate an appropriate research strategy relevant to the field of geography, environmental science, ecology and conservation, and sustainability including appropriate research questions, aims, objectives and hypotheses: 1
select and use the correct field techniques and methodologies in a safe, responsible and sustainable fashion in order to successfully undertake field research in an unfamiliar environment: 2
clearly and critically communicate the rationale for fieldwork, a review of the relevant literature, a justification of the methods chosen and an interpretation of the results: 2
work effectively as an individual and collegiately as part of a team to complete a group exercise within a specific time period: 2

Study hours

10 hours workshops / lectures
3 hours field methods session
40 hours fieldwork
50 hours completing assessments
47 hours independent study / wider reading

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Research Proposal weighted 50%
Fieldwork proposal
2,000 word research proposal related to a fieldwork theme in the Lake District. This is an independent assessment.

2: Research Report weighted 50%
Fieldwork Report
A 2,500 word group research report related to the fieldwork completed as part of the module. Groups typically consist of 4-6 students. Marks will be awarded on a group basis. In addition, a peer review system will be used to ensure that workload is well balanced among team members.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 16 September 2026