Geological Oceanography MSci Undergraduate - September 2023/24* Entry

Like its BSc counterpart, this four year degree focuses on the study of marine sediments within an Earth system science context. You will learn about sedimentary processes the origin, transport and deposition of particles in the marine environment, and marine sediments and rocks, in particular those formed in the past 2 million years, but also further back in time. This MSci differs from the BSc course as it places emphasis on gaining skills and knowledge of direct relevance to the offshore survey and hydrocarbon industry.

Geological Oceanographers are required to tackle issues such as offshore site investigation related to renewable energy infrastructure and oil and gas exploration, climate and sea-level change, and coastal erosion. These are challenging and buoyant areas of development; there is currently a lack of qualified people for these roles. After graduation, you will not only have a deep understanding of the ‘earth system’, but you will also have a broad range of practical skills in sedimentology, geophysics and geotechnics. The data integration skills we teach on this degree are in short supply in the offshore industry, this means you will have a good chance of getting a great job after you finish your degree.

We are one of the largest university centres teaching marine sciences in the UK and among the biggest in Europe.

The geologists on our staff have expertise in the relevant subject areas and we have strong links with the offshore and hydrocarbon industry.

We are unique in the UK in offering the sedimentology / geophysics / geotechnics combination of subject areas – and the School of Ocean Sciences is very well recognized amongst practicing professionals as providing high quality employees to the offshore sector.

Why choose Bangor University for this course?     

• Our expertise covers all aspects of the marine sciences, with strengths in physical oceanography and the geosciences. Local fieldwork takes place in the UNESCO designated GeoMôn geopark, Snowdonia National Park, the Menai Strait and the Irish Sea.
• Facilities include a research ship, supercomputers and state-of-the art survey equipment and oceanographic moorings for data collection.
• Our global links include the National Oceanography Centre, the Met Office, and the offshore, hydrocarbon and marine renewables industries. 
• This degree places emphasis on gaining skills and knowledge that will be useful to industry. 

Additional Course Options

This course involves up to 25-35 hours per week of lectures, practicals laboratory and fieldwork, private study, tutorials and project work. You will also complete literature reviews, exercises, essays, practical and field-work write-ups and your own research. In the final year you will work on a practical research project throughout both semesters. Practical work is an important element and includes free day trips as well as the residential field course in South Wales.

In the third and final years, you will be invited to a series of guest lectures, and often interviews with prospective employees; and be offered trips to various national industry meetings (e.g. oceanology, ocean business).

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 Geological Oceanography MSci Modules page.

Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.

General University Costs

Home (UK) students

• The cost of a full-time undergraduate course is £9,000 per year (2021/22 entry and 2022/23 entry).
• The fee for all placement, international, and sandwich years is £1,350 (2021/22 and 2022/23).
• More information on fees and finance for Home (UK) students.

International (including EU) students

• International Student Tuition Fees
• International Student Living Costs and Scholarships

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

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.

This course is ideal preparation for careers in offshore site investigation related to renewable energy infrastructure and the offshore industry, research, environmental impact assessment, the water supply industry, coastal zone management, government advisory bodies and the scientific media.

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) 

The BEA is a comprehensive online course that you can work through at your own pace, taking you through all the steps you need to take to explore, prepare and apply for your dream career.

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 volunteering on the Students’ Union’s website. 

A 'with Foundation Year' option is available for this course. Apply for Geological Oceanography (with Foundation Year).