Student life in Bangor

Overcoming difficulties to win a major University Prize

Having left Durham University due to ill health, Martyn Roberts of Pentre Broughton, near Wrexham, felt right at home when he began a degree in Ocean Sciences at Bangor University- two years later he’s graduating with a First Class Honours degree and one of the University’s most prestigious prizes.

At his degree ceremony, Martyn received one of five Dr John Robert Jones Prizes awarded each year to the University’s best graduating students and a cheque for £1,000.
He will now remain at Bangor University’s School of Ocean Sciences to study a PhD, looking at the tidal effects on light at the seabed.

Martyn studied physics at Durham University for two years but had to move closer to home as he was suffering from OCD.

“I’m absolutely honoured to receive such a prestigious award as the John Robert Jones, and the Darbyshire Prize for best graduating ocean science student. It goes to show that perseverance pays off when you encounter difficulties,” he said.

“Bangor had a good reputation for student support so I came here to do an Ocean Science BSc. The support I gained through the University’s Student Support Services was amazing.”

“The School of Ocean Sciences is a world leader in physical oceanography and the staff at the School are so helpful, they always make themselves available,” he said.

“When I arrived I got an immediate feeling of being right at home. Bangor has a much friendlier atmosphere than other places as both a town and a uni. It’s a great place to make new friends. “

Martyn is 24 years old and is a former student of Ysgol Bryn Alyn and Yale Further Education College.