About This Course

Like its BSc counterpart, this four year degree focuses on the study of marine sediments within an Earth system science context. You will learn about sedimentary processes the origin, transport and deposition of particles in the marine environment, and marine sediments and rocks, in particular those formed in the past 2 million years, but also further back in time. This MSci differs from the BSc course as it places emphasis on gaining skills and knowledge of direct relevance to the offshore survey and hydrocarbon industry.

Geological Oceanographers are required to tackle issues such as offshore site investigation related to renewable energy infrastructure and oil and gas exploration, climate and sea-level change, and coastal erosion. These are challenging and buoyant areas of development; there is currently a lack of qualified people for these roles. After graduation, you will not only have a deep understanding of the ‘earth system’, but you will also have a broad range of practical skills in sedimentology, geophysics and geotechnics. The data integration skills we teach on this degree are in short supply in the offshore industry, this means you will have a good chance of getting a great job after you finish your degree.

We are one of the largest university centres teaching marine sciences in the UK and among the biggest in Europe.

The geologists on our staff have expertise in the relevant subject areas and we have strong links with the offshore and hydrocarbon industry.

We are unique in the UK in offering the sedimentology / geophysics / geotechnics combination of subject areas – and the School of Ocean Sciences is very well recognized amongst practicing professionals as providing high quality employees to the offshore sector.

Why choose Bangor University for this course?   

• Our expertise covers all aspects of the marine sciences, with strengths in physical oceanography and the geosciences. Local fieldwork takes place in the UNESCO designated GeoMôn geopark, Snowdonia National Park, the Menai Strait and the Irish Sea.
• Facilities include a research ship, supercomputers and state-of-the art survey equipment and oceanographic moorings for data collection.
• Our global links include the National Oceanography Centre, the Met Office, and the offshore, hydrocarbon and marine renewables industries. 
• This degree places emphasis on gaining skills and knowledge that will be useful to industry. 

Course Content

This course involves up to 25-35 hours per week of lectures, practicals laboratory and fieldwork, private study, tutorials and project work. You will also complete literature reviews, exercises, essays, practical and field-work write-ups and your own research. In the final year you will work on a practical research project throughout both semesters. Practical work is an important element and includes free day trips as well as the residential field course in South Wales.

In the third and final years, you will be invited to a series of guest lectures, and often interviews with prospective employees; and be offered trips to various national industry meetings (e.g. oceanology, ocean business).