Fieldwork

Most of our GDI Masters programmes include an extended fieldwork visit, which is an integral part of the programme.

Fieldwork gives GDI taught master's students an opportunity to put their skills to the test in a real environment.

Recent field work assignments in Cyprus and Uganda allowed students to augment their classroom learning.

Uganda

Hear the benefits of the recent GDI field trip to Uganda.

"What struck me was the openness of quality speakers to discuss Uganda’s challenges and the respect we were given as students from The University of Manchester."

Globalisation and Development (MSc) student Sarah Galligan visited Uganda, read about her experiences:

Cyprus

"Our visit to the UNDP facilities and the buffer zone expanded our knowledge about the reality of Cyprus. We learnt about the complexity of working on the re-unification of the country and the projects on both sides." 

Management and Implementation of Development Projects (MSc) students Pratap Sinha and Ruth Ramos Robles visited Cyprus, read about their experiences:

The main cost of fieldwork visits is usually included in the Master's programme fee.

Cape Town

"It has been very educational and a lot of fun too. We've heard about data in the community, we met city councillors who talked about the conditions in Cape Town and how they run things here. It's been a wonderful experience."

Global Inequalities Campaign Manager Caroline Boyd joined students on a Cape Town visit. Read about the experience:

A note on fieldwork for 2022/23 study

The School of Environment, Education and Development aim to run advertised fieldwork in the 22/23 Academic Year and we very much hope that students will be able to enjoy the fieldwork experience in the usual way.

The ability of fieldwork to proceed, and whether any changes to proposed fieldwork might be necessary, will remain subject to the current global situation and factors such as the:

  • rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
  • outcome of any risk assessments conducted by the University;
  • educational value and student experience of the fieldwork, if significant changes to the proposed fieldwork would be necessary;
  • availability of appropriate insurance cover; and
  • availability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs.

We will therefore assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any decisions to our students at the earliest possible opportunity. Any fieldwork that does go ahead will be subject to a rigorous risk assessment process and the implementation of any protective measures identified by the risk assessment to ensure the health and safety of all of our students and staff. If the fieldwork does not go ahead as planned then the School's focus will be on seeking to offer a suitable alternative and ensure that the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) of the programme are met.