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Fieldwork Apprenticeships

The Fieldwork Apprenticeships aim to give first year undergraduate geography students the opportunity during the summer to work as a Fieldwork Apprentice for a number of weeks on a research project either in the UK or overseas, led by an academic member of staff at their university. Grants of £1,500 are offered annually for students to participate in fieldwork projects led by one of their university lecturers. Applicants must be resident in the UK and be in the first year of an undergraduate geography degree at a UK Higher Education Institution. Applicants must have the support of a lecturer at their UK HEI to participate in a fieldwork project. Applicants should demonstrate how opportunities to get involved in fieldwork would not be available to them were it not for the Field Apprenticeship, and where possible should demonstrate the challenging circumstances that prevent them from having access to such opportunities. These awards are supported through the generous donation of John and Anne Alexander and are part of a portfolio of grants, the Alexander Awards, to support and enthuse students from less advantaged backgrounds through fieldwork. One Apprenticeship is supported through the generous donation of the Hepworth Family, through the Dorothy Hepworth Expedition Award. Recipients are expected to share their experiences with others, for example at their own institution or through the Professional Ambassadors programme.

Journey in Audio

Journey in Audio offers professional training and access to high-quality equipment to document travel, fieldwork or a research expedition through audio recorded in the field. This unique opportunity provides participants with a one-day, in-person workshop led by a professional audio producer at the Royal Geographical Society in London, scheduled for spring 2026. The workshop provides an introduction to soundscapes, how sound is used in storytelling, and how to build a narrative, along with practical training on using audio recording equipment and capturing sounds in the field. Participants receive the loan of professional-standard handheld audio recording equipment for use in the field, a non-commercial license for REAPER digital audio production software, and a financial contribution for travel and accommodation to attend the workshop. After returning from the field, participants will receive group and one-to-one feedback sessions online on the first cut of their audio work. The workshop is open to geographical journeys, fieldwork, or research expeditions being undertaken by individuals or small teams between mid-April and the end of October 2026. Applicants are expected to have a clear plan for their travel, fieldwork, or research expedition and the financial and practical means to undertake it. Eligible projects may focus on any geography-related topic, and applicants with all levels of experience can apply. The opportunity to share audio work through the Society's channels is available, subject to review for quality and content.