Course summary

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 ‘Placement Year’ and 'International Experience Year’ options are available for this course. You will have the opportunity to fully consider these options when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto such a pathway at the appropriate time. You can find more information about these options on our website and if you have any questions, please get in touch. If you don’t have the required qualifications for this degree-level course or are looking to re-enter education after time away from study, then a Foundation Year Programme might be the right choice for you. Please see Geological Oceanography F62F..