Geological Oceanography (with Foundation Year)

Highlights

Four-year course features an integrated foundation year to prepare you for degree-level study. Graduate with the same qualification as our three-year honours degree, a BSc (Hons) Geological Oceanography. 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.

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. 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

This BSc Geological Oceanography (with Foundation Year) provides an alternative route to undergraduate study if, for example, you cannot meet entry requirements or would benefit from a further year of academic preparation. It provides an excellent introduction to studying a science subject at university, giving you a taste of learning at this higher level. You’ll gain essential knowledge of geoscience, physics, and mathematics, while building your confidence, academic and research skills.

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]( https://www.undebbangor.com/groups/sub-aqua-f75d 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…