About This Course
Ocean Science encompasses the study of all aspects of the global marine environment, from estuaries and coasts to the deep ocean. It involves the application of specialist scientific disciplines (biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, physics) to observe and to understand the diverse and often complex processes governing the Earth-Ocean-Atmosphere system.
This degree provides a rigorous multidisciplinary foundation together with more specialised training offered across a wide range of marine topics. The course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to embark on a scientific career applied to the sea and places a strong emphasis on practical and field skills. The high degree of flexibility and choice allows students to develop their own particular strengths and interests and move on into a wide range of careers. Students are able to decide which area of Marine Science interests them most and choose modules accordingly with options in Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Physics.
Placement Year
This course is available as a 4-year ‘with Placement Year’ option. Please apply for Ocean Science with Placement Year F70P BSc. Find out more about 'with Placement Year' courses here.
The placement year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with a self-sourced organisation relevant to your degree subject. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements.
You will be expected to find and arrange a suitable placement to complement your degree, and will be fully supported throughout by a dedicated member of staff at your academic School and the University’s Skills and Employability Services.
Watch - Studying Ocean Sciences
Why choose Bangor University for this course?
- Our School is one of the largest university centres teaching marine sciences in Britain and is one of the biggest in Europe.
- We are situated within a few metres of the sea, ideal for developing skills in estuaries, on the sea shore and at sea.
- We have a £3.5m ocean-going research ship.
- The course offers a wide choice, but still allows in-depth study of at least one subject area.
- After the first year you may transfer to a more specialised marine science degree if you wish.
Course Content
For more on studying degree courses see our Study at Bangor section.
The course involves up to 25-35 hours per week of lectures, practicals (laboratory and fieldwork), private study, tutorials and project work. Many modules include day field trips. In the final year you work on a dissertation project. Practical work and fieldwork are major elements of this course. Assessment methods vary – most modules combine elements of continuous assessment and formal examination.
Modules for the current academic year
Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Ocean Science Modules page.
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.
Course Costs
Mandatory Costs:
Suitable clothing and equipment for fieldwork will be required e.g. suitable footwear, waterproofs, rucksack. The cost of these will vary. Approximate cost: £50-£100.
Appropriate stationary for any note-taking during classes e.g. notepad, pens and pencils. The cost of these will vary. Approximate cost: £20-£30.
Necessarily Incurred Costs:
Materials for the preparation of academic poster for assessment. The cost and number of these will vary. Approximate cost £10-£15
Optional Costs:
Optional Year 3 residential fieldtrip. Students will be required to cover cost of personal subsistence £10/day for 7 days food.
Notes:
The School of Ocean Sciences is based in Menai Bridge, c. 1.5 miles from Bangor and the halls of residence. Most classes are held on the Bangor site, but some laboratory practicals are held in Menai Bridge (typically 6-10 per semester). Travel to these are covered in Year 1, but not in subsequent years. Many walk or cycle between the venues, but some opt for public or private transport. Approximate cost if latter two options taken: £40/year.
General University Costs
Home (UK) students
- The cost of a full-time undergraduate course is £9,000 per year (2021/22 entry).
- More information on fees and finance for Home (UK) students.
International (including EU) students
Additional Costs
There are also some common additional costs that are likely to arise for students on all courses, for example:
- If you choose to study abroad or take the International Experience Year as part of your course.
- If you attend your Graduation Ceremony, there will be a cost for gown hire (£25-£75) and cost for additional guest tickets (c.£12 each).
Course-specific additional costs
Depending on the course you are studying, there may be additional course-specific costs that you will be required to meet. These fall into three categories:
- Mandatory Costs: these are related to a particular core or compulsory module that you’ll be required to complete to achieve your qualification e.g. compulsory field trips, uniforms for students on placement, DBS Check.
- Necessarily Incurred Costs: these may not be experienced by all students, and will vary depending on the course e.g. professional body membership, travel to placements, specialist software, personal safety equipment.
- Optional Costs: these depend on your choice of modules or activity and they are shown to give you an indication of the optional costs that may arise to make sure your choice is as informed as possible. These can include graduation events for your course, optional field trips, Welcome Week trips.
Entry Requirements
For 2021 entry:
Offers are tariff based, 80 - 104 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification* e.g.:
- A Levels (including grades CC in 2 science subjects -Biology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Chemistry, Economics, Maths, Statistics, Geology, Physics, Psychology, Computing; excluding General Studies).
- International Baccalaureate Diploma (including H5 in 2 science subjects)
- BTEC National/Extended Diploma in Applied Science**: MMP - DMM.
- City & Guilds Advanced Technical / Extended Diploma in Environmental Conservation or Countryside & Environmental**: MMP - DMM
- Access to HE Science**
- Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted.
- Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma is not accepted.
International Candidates: school leaving qualifications and college diplomas are accepted from countries worldwide (subject to minimum English Language requirements). More information here.
We also welcome applications from mature applicants.
*For a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go to www.ucas.com.
**Similar subject areas may be considered on a case by case basis.
General University Requirements
To study for a degree, you’ll be asked for a minimum of UCAS Tariff points. For a fuller explanation of the UCAS Tariff Points, please see www.ucas.com.
We accept students with a wide range of qualifications and backgrounds and consider each application individually.
All students need to have good basic skills and the University also values IT and communication skills.
As part of the University’s policy we consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same grounds as all other students.
We also consider applications from mature students who can demonstrate the motivation and commitment to study a university programme. Each year we enrol a significant number of mature students. For more information about studying as a mature student, see our Studying at Bangor section of the website.
EU and International Students' Entry Requirements
For detailed guidance on the entry requirements for EU and International Students, including the minimum English Language entry requirement, please visit the Entry Requirements by Country pages. International applicants can also visit the International Education Centre section of our website for further details.
Bangor University offers International Incorporated Bachelor Degrees for International students whose High School qualification is not equivalent to the UK school leaving qualification. The first year (or Year 0) is studied at Bangor University International College, an embedded College on our University campus and delivered by Oxford International Education Group.
Careers
The course is ideal preparation for careers in research, environmental impact assessment, hydrographic surveying, water supply and offshore industries, coastal authorities, government advisory bodies, the scientific media, ecotourism and other leisure industries and pressure groups.
Opportunities at Bangor
The University’s Skills and Employability Service provides a wide range of resources to help you achieve your graduate ambitions.
The Bangor Employability Award (BEA)
With the BEA, you can gain recognition for your extra-curricular activities (e.g. volunteering, clubs and societies, part-time work, etc.)
Internships
Bangor University runs a paid internship scheme within the university’s academic and service departments.
Student Volunteering
Volunteering widens your experience and improves your employability. Find out more about the volunteering on the Students’ Union’s website.
