MSci Physical Oceanography
About this course
MSci in Earth and Environmental Sciences, with a focus on physical oceanography and the physics linking the ocean, atmosphere, and cryosphere. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods, and Fieldwork. The programme includes ship-based fieldwork aboard the research vessel RV Prince Madog and geological field trips to sites including Anglesey and Snowdonia. The fourth year centres on a supervised research project conducted within active research teams.
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
GCSE: grade C/4 in English, Maths and Double Award Science, if not demonstrated by the Level 3 qualification/s. Offers are tariff based, 128 - 152 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification* e.g.: A-levels: minimum grade B in Maths or Physics, plus one other science subject required (Physics, Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Environmental Science, Geography, Economics, Psychology); General Studies and Key Skills not accepted. BTEC National Extended Diploma in Applied Science* : DDM - D DD Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Applied Science* : DDM - D DD City & Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (1080) in Environmental Conservation or Countryside & Environmental* : DDM - D DD International Baccalaureate Diploma (Including H6 in Maths or Physics and another science subject) Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted Access to HE Science** T-levels: considered on a case-by-case basis. We also welcome applications from mature applicants.
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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%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 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
- Ocean Modelling
- Numerical Methods for Oceanographers
- Marine Geology and Applications
- Dissertation
- MOcean Research Project
- Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
- Climate and Climate Change
- Perspectives in Marine Science
- Field and Lab Oceanography
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Physical 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 MSci Physical 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 MSci Physical 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 MSci Physical Oceanography at Bangor University?
The average entrant had 123 UCAS points.
Does MSci Physical 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 MSci Physical Oceanography at Bangor University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.