Geological Oceanography

Highlights: Study to master’s level on this four-year integrated undergraduate degree programme. No need for a separate master’s application process and you’ll benefit from undergraduate fees and financial support. Unique marine setting facilities undertake boat and lab-based analysis using £3.5m Prince Madog shelf sea research vessel, and smaller work boats. Coastal observatory and oceanographic moorings give real-time ocean energy data. Teaching on the BSc (Hons) Geological Oceanography is informed by our world-leading research in partnership with the developers and regulators for offshore net zero energy. Specialist learning facilities include scientific laboratories for fluid dynamics, geotechnics and sedimentology, and computing facilities for industry-standard GIS and analytical software to support your learning and develop strong employability skills. Global links with the offshore survey and marine renewables industries, leading environmental consultancies, and government bodies, including the Met Office, National Oceanography Centre, HR Wallingford, CGG, and National Resources Wales. Course Overview: The field of marine geology is burgeoning, yet there is a shortage of qualified geological oceanographers. As climate change, pollution, over production and exploitation of natural resources threaten the ocean and its marine life, there is a growing need to seek alternatives, investigate and monitor their effect. The additional fourth year of this integrated master’s in Geological Oceanography places particular emphasis on gaining skills and knowledge of direct relevance to offshore net zero energy. Allowing you to achieve a master’s-level qualification and conduct an extended research project, you will develop an understanding of the ‘earth system’ and broad range of analytical and advanced practical skills in sedimentology, geophysics and geotechnics. Should your plans change, you can also graduate with a BSc (Hons) at the end of the third year. Situated next to the Menai Strait and Irish Sea, our location provides a rich context to studies. You’ll observe the ocean and seabed on our £3.5 million ocean-going research ship, using state-of-the-art technology and sub-sea instruments in its onboard laboratories. Local fieldwork on the coasts and in the estuaries of North Wales will link climate change with coastal erosion, flood risk and water quality. You will also conduct field trips to Eryri National Park (also known as Snowdonia) and the UNESCO designated GeoMôn Global Geopark - one of the world’s top 100 geosites. Bangor University is at the forefront of world-leading research into the expanding offshore renewable energy industry. Actively supporting the global push for a net zero carbon future, we are improving understanding of marine renewable energy, climate and sea-level change, and coastal erosion. With a dedicated School of Ocean Sciences, the University is one of the largest and oldest university centres in Britain for teaching and research in marine sciences with some of the best specialist facilities and equipment. On this BSc (Hons) Geological Oceanography, you’ll be taught by staff whose specialisms include marine geology, coastal processes, physical oceanography, sedimentology, and climate science. The University is home to the Marine Centre Wales and Environment Centre for Wales, a partnership with the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH). Elsewhere in Bangor, you’ll find regional offices of Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water. Strong links with these employers provide opportunities for work placements, research projects and some contribute to teaching. You’ll never be short of things to do. Through the Students’ Union, you can attend a wide range of social events, excursions and talk with Endeavour, our long-standing Ocean Sciences Society, and Bangor Geographical Society (GeogSoc). You can also learn to surf or dive.

IELTS 6.0 (5.5) overall (figure in brackets is the minimum in each component)

International students: £21,000

UK students: £9,790

UK/Home: £9,790

International: £21,000

September 2026

UCAS equal-consideration deadline

• Bangor, United Kingdom