Geological Oceanography

Highlights

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. Active student community with socials, excursions and talks from Endeavour, our long-standing Ocean Sciences Society, and Bangor Geographical Society (GeogSoc).

You can also learn to surf or dive.

Course overview

Did you know that the ocean contains 99% of the living space on Earth, but less than 10% has actually been explored by humans? 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. Blending oceanography, geology, physics climate science and chemistry, this degree in Geological Oceanography - sometimes referred to as marine geology - prepares you to contribute much-needed scientific knowledge.

It considers the structure, form and function of the ocean floor and coastal zone: their creation and evolution, and how to forecast, mitigate and manage ongoing changes. 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.

Read more Course options

Placement year

What is the Placement Year? This exciting opportunity allows you to spend a year working with a self-sourced, professional organisation relevant to your studies. You'll typically start between June and September of your second year and finish by the following June or September.

Placements can be UK-based or even overseas. Why choose a Placement Year? Gain practical experience that complements your academic…