Geological Oceanography

This degree focuses on the study of marine sediments within an Earth system science context. It is concerned with sedimentary processes (the origin, transport and deposition of particles in the marine environment), and with marine sediments and rocks, in particular those formed in the past 2 million year, but also further back in time. Geological Oceanographers are required to tackle issues such as climate and sea-level change, coastal erosion, marine pollution, waterway siltation and offshore engineering related to cable/pipelines routes, renewable energy infrastructure and oil and gas exploration. 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 we are very well recognised in the industry for providing high quality employees to the offshore sector.

Highly practical in nature, extensive field work and laboratory investigations build your understanding of the ocean systems and develop your analytical skills. Through the coastal boundary zone to the deep ocean, you’ll examine the dynamics and dependencies behind ocean circulation, tectonics, climate, the geological cycle, sea level change and the sedimentary processes within the marine environment.

You will learn how to sample and test various surface and underwater sediments, as well as the flow of water, tides, waves, density currents, and more. In Year 1, for example, you visit GeoMôn Global Geopark, home to more than 100 rock types and the oldest fossils in England and Wales, to see how processes that still occur in today’s oceans formed this ancient environment.

In Year 2, you spend a full day at sea on our research vessel, collecting your own data sampling the movement of the water column and the physical, chemical and biological matter suspended within it, and the properties of the seabed. Using a wide range of oceanographic and geophysical instrumentation onboard, you’ll measure salinity, temperature, tidal currents, and chlorophyll, which will enable you to reconstruct this dynamic system, and build your specialist skills.

In Year 3, you will spend a week on our coastal processes field course, learning how the sea and the land interact in the shallow coastal zone which supports our human activities. Run in partnership with Natural Resources Wales, you will collect data that informs their strategic management of a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, gaining first hand career insight from industry professionals.

‘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.

Make lifelong friends and build a future you can be proud of at Bangor University.

You’ll benefit from high quality teaching, expert support and a friendly learning environment at a top 20 UK university (Uni Compare Rankings 2027), while gaining real world experience through work placements and opportunities to study abroad. With accommodation guaranteed for all Clearing applicants, you can settle in quickly and start making the most of university life from day one.

Bangor’s stunning campus and close knit community make it easy to feel at home. Meet friends at Bar Uno, Pontio or Barlows, stay active at Brailsford Sports Centre, or learn in specialist facilities including a Natural History Museum, Botanic Garden, research ship, replica courtroom and fully equipped media centre.

Set between the mountains and the sea, with excellent transport links and a low cost of living, Bangor offers an outstanding student experience where you can belong, grow in confidence and shape your future. It’s time to make Bangor your new home!