Bangor University

Marine Vertebrate Conservation

Bangor UniversityBangor, United Kingdom

Course overview

Highlights

Outstanding facilities include our £3.5m research ship, work boats, algal culture unit, specialised labs, herpetarium, small mammal unit, study farm, botanic garden, pigeon loft, and natural history museum. World-leading research. Staff expertise spans tidal renewable energy, marine resource management, fisheries science, biology, ecology, psychology, geography, land systems science, policy, and more.

Extensive fieldwork with boat-based, land and lab-based analysis in and around North Wales. Exciting opportunities for international field course to study the North American Atlantic coast ecology. Active student community.

Socials, excursions and talks from Endeavour, our Ocean Sciences Society, and ZooSoc, the Herpetological, Birdwatching and Entomology societies. You can also learn to surf or dive.

Course overview

This 4-year integrated Master's course is designed for students who want to dive deep into the fascinating world of Marine Vertebrate Conservation. During the first three years, you will follow the same curriculum as the Marine Vertebrate Conservation BSc. By the end of the Third year, provided you achieve satisfactory marks, you will advance to a specialised fourth year.

In your fourth year, you'll undertake a substantial research project, which will form your final year dissertation. This is a unique opportunity to work within a research group led by one of our staff members, gaining invaluable experience in a professional research environment. 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 learning Make valuable industry contacts that could open doors for future careers Strengthen your employability by gaining real-world experience.

How does the Placement Year work? With dedicated support from your Academic School and our Careers and Employability Services, you will be fully equipped to find the perfect placement to complement your degree. We will guide you through the process of securing and finalising your placement arrangements.

Is the Placement Year for you? There is no need to decide now. You will have the chance to explore the Placement Year option after starting your course at Bangor University.

We'll provide all the information you need to make an informed decision. Ready to find out more? Discover the exciting work experience opportunities available by visiting the Work Experience During Your Degree section on our website.

International Experience Year What is the International Experience Year? Take your studies to the next level and graduate with ‘International Experience' in your degree title. This degree offers an optional additional International Experience Year, giving you the chance to spend a year abroad.

Why choose an International Experience Year? Expand your horizons and gain a fresh perspective by living and learning in a different country Boost your career prospects by graduating with international experience and intercultural skills Choose your adventure from a range of exciting destinations and partner universities to find your perfect fit. Is there language support?

If you plan to study in a country where English is not spoken natively, there may be language courses available for you at Bangor and in your host university to improve your language skills. Is the International Experience Year for you? You'll have the chance to explore the International Experience Year option after starting your course at Bangor.

Ready to Explore the World? Discover more about the International Experience…

Key highlights

  • Integrated Master's with a substantial fourth-year research project in a staff-led group
  • Facilities include a £3.5m research ship, work boats and specialised labs
  • Extensive boat-based, land and lab fieldwork in and around North Wales
  • Optional international field course studying North American Atlantic coast ecology
  • Optional self-sourced Placement Year in the UK or overseas
  • Optional International Experience Year studying at a partner university abroad

Entry requirements

  • UCAS tariff points: 128-152 — Offers are tariff based, 128 - 152 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification e.g.: A Levels: Including 2 science subjects (Biology, Physics, Maths, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science/Studies, Economics…
  • Access to HE Diploma — Science* Pass Required

Scholarships

  • Alumni Scholarship

    £1,000 in addition to any other international scholarship awarded by Bangor University, UK (excluding the Vice-Chancellor scholarship), awarded for each year of study.

    Up to £1,000
  • Deans Scholarship

    Undergraduate: £6,000 (per year of study); Postgraduate: £6,000.

    Up to £6,000
  • International Scholarships

    Undergraduate: £4,000 minimum (per year of study); Postgraduate: £6,000.

  • Start-Up Bursaries

    Start Up Bursaries of £1,000 are available to those students (aged under 25) entering the University from care.

    Up to £1,000
  • Vice-Chancellor Scholarship

    Undergraduate & Postgraduate Taught - £10,000

    Up to £10,000

Careers this course leads to

  • Marine conservation officer
  • Marine biologist
  • Fisheries scientist
  • Ecological consultant
  • Marine mammal observer
  • Research scientist

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790 | International: £21,000

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Bangor University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2026 place.

Apply Now
Download Free Guide