Marine Science and Conservation BSc (Hons) Undergraduate - September 2023/24* Entry

On this Marine Science and Conservation BSc, you will explore how the shape of the ocean floor gives clues as to how they were formed and what role they play in physical and biological processes today; you will get to understand the forces that drive the ocean currents around our planet; you’ll discover how complex biological ecosystems have evolved and how we have exploited the marine environment in more recent times. On this course, you will also develop a deep understanding of the principles of conservation and how those are applied in real-world settings. You will be exposed to the wide range of environmental and policy issues that arise in marine conservation and have options to study the overarching legal framework in which you would operate as a marine conservation professional.

Never before has the need for conservation of our marine environment been more apparent and never before has it been as acute. This course will give you the breadth and depth of understanding that you need to make a difference. You will graduate with an integrated understanding of marine environments, conservation issues, marine policies and scientific practice and you will be perfectly trained to work for conservation organisations, government bodies, environmental consulting firms and NGOs at local, national or international level.

Why choose Bangor University for this course?

• The subject content is of great relevance to today's needs in terms of effective marine conservation in the context of offshore development and exploitation.
• The course provides a strong marine science platform on which to base conservation interventions.
• Personal tutors are on-hand to help you define your own route through the programme in terms of areas of specialisation.
• You'll get high-quality training in lifelong skills e.g. developing you to be an independent learner capable of critical analysis.
• We are located in the ideal environment for the study of marine science and conservation aspects of marine science.

Additional Course Options

There is great focus on practical activity across our courses, and this one is no different. It's clear that practical work directly helps you learn, but it also brings people closer, and it's enjoyable and motivating. Also, all employers tell us that the skills we teach during practical work are often among the more important ones required in the workplace. This is why practical work remains a mainstay for the way in which the course is delivered.

We also offer traditional lectures and have increased the interactive nature of these. You'll be engaged in activities between classes, so that you get the most of the class time.

It's important to employers and for your development that you are good communicators, so you might be asked to not just write essays, but to produce podcasts with other students, or produce videos designed to guide a public audience across a field site. There really is no-end to the range of what you might get the chance to take-on. But it's all going to be developing you to the point where you're well-set for the rest of your life.

What will you study on this course?

This Marine Science and Conservation BSc is structured in such a way that you are provided with a firm foundation in marine science and conservation, but there are also options that allow you to choose your own specialisations with the subject area.

Year 1 is a time where you start finding out about the oceans, how they work and how they fit into the larger earth and atmospheric system. You can choose whether you want to gain a foundation in organismal biology, marine biogeochemsitry, or environmental management and conservation; or perhaps explore the fantastic geology of Anglesey (a UN designated GeoPark). You'll also get comprehensive training in research methods, and will be taught some of these in the form of a regular personable, small-group tutorial setting.

The second year is structured around three key areas, namely the gaining of ship-board practical skills, the gaining of knowledge about the main principles of conservation, and knowledge about shelf seas - the focus of most exploitation and conservation efforts. In addition to that, you can continue to opt for a range of different modules that are related to your programme e.g. ones addressing conservation practices, climate change, geohazards, pollution challenges, sustainable development, geophysical surveying, catchment processes, or marine ecology.

The final year is one where further emphasis is given to environmental issues and policies and to marine conservation. You get the chance to specialise in other fields of conservation e.g. wildlife ecology and conservation, advanced topics in marine pollution, marine as well as freshwater ecosystems and processes. Options are also available on the more geoscience aspects such as a module on marine geology and its applications in the modern world, or another on the different coastal environments that exist worldwide. We've also teamed up with colleagues across the University to offer an optional module in the Law of the Sea - something that underpins the practical application of conservation measures across the globe.

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.

2023 Entry Requirements 

Offers are tariff based, 96-128 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification*. For example:

• A Levels**: Including 2 science subjects (Biology, Physics, Maths, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science/Studies, Economics, Psychology). General Studies and Key Skills not accepted.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma (including at least one science subject).**
• BTEC National Extended Diploma in Applied Science**: MMM - DDM.
• Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Applied Science**: MMM-DDM.
• City & Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (1080) in Environmental Conservation or Countryside & Environmental**: MMM – DDM.
• Access to HE Science.**
• T-Levels: case-by-case.
• Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted.

We also welcome applications from mature applicants.

International Candidates: school leaving qualifications and college diplomas are accepted from countries worldwide (subject to minimum English Language requirements).

*For full details go to our website and 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. Please contact us for information.

International Candidates: school leaving qualifications and college diplomas are accepted from countries worldwide (subject to minimum English Language requirements). More information here. 

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.

The Marine Science and Conservation BSc not only provides sound scientific knowledge of the marine environment and its conservation, but places strong emphasis on the skills which are highly regarded by employers. Depending on your specialist module choices, you can apply for jobs across a wide range of disciplines such as conservation, education/public-engagement, environmental consultancy, environmental impact assessment, marine management or for further postgraduate study. Our alumni have successful careers in industry, universities, NGOs and public sector organisations both in the UK and overseas.

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).