This degree focuses on the role of the oceans in the Earth System and their influence on climate; past, present and future. The first two years aim at developing a general understanding of the Earth system and the role of the oceans within that system. There is particular focus on the roles of the shallow seas, which surround the continents, and on interactions between ice and the oceans. In the third year students then specialise with modules including computer modeling, of the ocean and a geophysical residential field work. The course therefore places a particular emphasis on gaining skills and knowledge of direct relevance to industry, particularly in relation to issues such as future climate change, sea level rise, marine pollution and exploitation of marine energy. 

Placement Year 

This course is available as a 4-year ‘with Placement Year’ option. Please apply for Ocean and Geophysics with Placement Year BSc F7FP. Find out more about 'with Placement Year' courses here. 

The placement year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with a self-sourced organisation relevant to your degree subject. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements. 

You will be expected to find and arrange a suitable placement to complement your degree, and will be fully supported throughout by a dedicated member of staff at your academic School and the University’s Skills and Employability Services. 

Internships

Bangor University runs a paid internship scheme within the university’s academic and service departments.

Career

The course is ideal preparation for careers, in both industry and academia, associated with marine renewables, climate change research, offshore survey, coastal zone management and broadcast media, where the ability to collect and analyse and animate large numerical data sets using computers and computer graphics is in high demand.

Ocean Sciences in Bangor has a strong record of employability supported by a large Alumni association, which contains many of the leaders of the UK’s offshore industry. Many graduates return regularly to the School to talk to current undergraduates about career prospects. Alumni also offer direct and personal career advice on request by individual students.