This course introduces students with a degree in the physical, mathematical or other numerate sciences to the subject of Physical Oceanography. The course has run for over 40 years and is unique in the UK for the depth of physical oceanography training provided. As well as giving an overview of physical oceanography, the course enable students to study in detail those aspects of the subject for which they have particular interest.

Course Objectives:

• Provide a thorough training in the theory and application of physical oceanography.
• Familiarize the student with modern oceanographic instrumentation and observational techniques.
• Introduce state-of-the-art computational fluid dynamics, data analysis and fundamental modelling methods.
• Provide the student with the practical experience and physical understanding necessary to address significant problems in the coastal ocean environment.

This course has run for over 40 years and past students have gone on to become Nobel Laureates, directors of the main UK Oceanographic laboratories and managing directors of major commercial oceanographic companies. Many hold posts in the marine industries, particularly in consultancy companies that provide services in oceanography to the oil industry and companies concerned with engineering operations in shelf seas. There are opportunities in Government Laboratories and agencies with responsibility for estuarine and coastal waters. Many graduates have continued to higher degrees and an academic career.

Some of the leading academics who have studied the Physical Oceanography MSc at Bangor:

• Prof Stefan Romstorf (IPCC member and Nobel Laureate) 
• Prof Edward Hill (Director of the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton)
• Drs Jonathan Sharples and Alex Souza (Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory, Liverpool) 
• Drs Bob Marsh and Kate Stansfield (Southampton University) 
• Dr Stuart Cunningham (National Oceanography Centre, Southampton)
• Drs Patrick Hyder and John Siddorn (Met Office) 
• Dr Tim O'Hare (Plymouth University), Icarus Allen (Plymouth Marine Laboratory)

Leading Oceanographers in the commerical world who studied Physical Oceanography MSc at Bangor include:

• Kevin Deeming (MD METOC plc)
• Rick Lailey (WNI Science & Engineering, W. Australia)
• Hugh Agnew (Yeoman Marine Ltd)
• Robin Stephens (Fugro GEOS UK)

Others major employers of graduates of this course include Fugro GEOS, EXXON, Shell and GeoLab BV.