BSc Geological Oceanography
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Geological Oceanography is an undergraduate degree that explores the structure, form, and function of the ocean floor and coastal zones through a blend of oceanography, geology, and environmental science. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Environmental Analysis, Communication & Writing, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students have the option to undertake a professional placement year, a year abroad, or a foundation year as part of their studies. The first year covers core foundations through modules such as Earth Systems and Processes, Earth, Climate and Evolution, Fundamentals of Oceanography, and Environmental Data and Analysis. The second year progresses to advanced topics via Estuary and Shelf Sea Processes, Remote Sensing and Geophysics, Tides, Waves, Marine Energy, and Ship-based Field Course. The final year focuses on complex systems and independent research, featuring modules like Rivers, Coasts and Oceans, Sediment Dynamics, Coastal Processes Field Study, and a compulsory Dissertation. Optional modules in the final year allow students to specialise further in areas such as Marine Pollution and Applied Geophysics.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
Offers are tariff based, 120-144 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification e.g.: A Levels: Including grades BC in two science subjects (Physics, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Environmental Science, Geography, Economics, Psychology). General Studies and Key Skills not accepted. BTEC National Extended Diploma in Applied Science*: DDM-DDD Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Applied Science*: DDM-DDD City & Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (1080) in Environmental Conservation or Countryside & Environmental*: DDM-DDD International Baccalaureate Diploma (Including H6 H5 in 2 science subjects) Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted Access to HE Science: pass required* T-levels: considered on a case-by-case basis. We also welcome applications from mature applicants. *Similar subject areas may be considered on a case-by-case basis. For full details go to our website and for a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go to www.ucas.com
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What students say
Based on about 23 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 88%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 68%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 80%
- Student voice: 84%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 7 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 25%
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 45 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 20%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 10%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 10%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 10%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 20%
- Scotland: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
- Other qualifications: 5%
Modules
- Earth Systems and Processes
- Earth, Climate and Evolution
- Fundamentals of Oceanography
- Anglesey Geology Field Course
- Marine Biogeochemistry
- Environmental Data and Analysis
- Environmental Data Analysis
- Science Skills Tutorial
- Estuary and Shelf Sea Processes
- Remote Sensing and Geophysics
- Tides, Waves, Marine Energy
- Ice and Oceans
- Ship-based Field Course
- Cwrs Maes Llong
- Communicating Science
- Rivers, Coasts and Oceans
- Sediment Dynamics
- Coastal Processes Field Study
- Marine Geology and Applications
- Dissertation
- Marine Pollution
- Applied Geophysics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Geological Oceanography at Bangor University earn?
The median salary is £27,500 after 15 months, £24,000 after 3 years, £30,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,000 and £38,500. The £30,000 median after five years is £2,000 less than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Geological Oceanography at Bangor University do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Geological Oceanography at Bangor University?
88% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Geological Oceanography at Bangor University?
The average entrant had 123 UCAS points.
Does BSc Geological Oceanography at Bangor University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Geological Oceanography at Bangor University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.