Fieldwork Skills
UndergraduateCUR-GPH2102025
Take the practical approach to studying geography. Learn how to design a research plan before hitting the field. See what role leadership and communication play. Bolster your work with the aid of focus groups, government data and archival research.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 3 Mar 2025
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Fieldwork Skills
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- To inculcate in students an analytical approach towards their geographical environment through field study of a selected area and/or topic
- Practice a range of geographical fieldwork methods, and understand cross cultural and Indigenous research methods, as well as understand their benefits and limitations
- Plan creative and effective fieldwork types; construct basic fieldwork apparatus; introduce progression into fieldwork; use ICT in fieldwork
- Plan pre & post-fieldwork activities; value the social dimension associated with fieldwork (group work, leadership tasks, communication, cooperation etc.) and be able to assess risk and be aware of safety concerns.
- Fieldwork Skills and their Place in Geography
- Power, Subjectivity and Ethics in the Field
- Research Design and Rigour
- Interviewing and Oral Histories
- Surveys and Participant Observation
- Making use of government data
- Archival research and newspapers
- Presenting data clearly: communication and presentation of research results
- Analysing Data
- Focus Groups
- Cross-Cultural Research
- Fieldwork in the Workplace
This subject provides practical experience in preparing, conducting and analysing fieldwork from a geographical perspective. Skills in qualitative and quantitative data selection, collection and analysis will be developed together with training in the preparation and presentation of research results for a range of clients.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.
- Exercises (50%)
- Report (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Others
Note: Level 2 subjects normally assume an introductory level of prior knowledge in this area, e.g. from studying related Level 1 subjects or other relevant experience.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateCUR-GPH-DEG
Undergraduate Certificate in Geography
UndergraduateCUR-GPH-CTF
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