About This Course
On this Marine Science and Conservation BSc, you will explore how the shape of the ocean floor gives clues as to how they were formed and what role they play in physical and biological processes today; you will get to understand the forces that drive the ocean currents around our planet; you’ll discover how complex biological ecosystems have evolved and how we have exploited the marine environment in more recent times. On this course, you will also develop a deep understanding of the principles of conservation and how those are applied in real-world settings. You will be exposed to the wide range of environmental and policy issues that arise in marine conservation and have options to study the overarching legal framework in which you would operate as a marine conservation professional.
Never before has the need for conservation of our marine environment been more apparent and never before has it been as acute. This course will give you the breadth and depth of understanding that you need to make a difference. You will graduate with an integrated understanding of marine environments, conservation issues, marine policies and scientific practice and you will be perfectly trained to work for conservation organisations, government bodies, environmental consulting firms and NGOs at local, national or international level.
Why choose Bangor University for this course?
- The subject content is of great relevance to today's needs in terms of effective marine conservation in the context of offshore development and exploitation.
- The course provides a strong marine science platform on which to base conservation interventions.
- Personal tutors are on-hand to help you define your own route through the programme in terms of areas of specialisation.
- You'll get high-quality training in lifelong skills e.g. developing you to be an independent learner capable of critical analysis.
- We are located in the ideal environment for the study of marine science and conservation aspects of marine science.
Additional Course Options
This course is available with a Placement Year option where you will study for 1 additional year. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year.
The Placement Year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with a self-sourced organisation relevant to your degree subject. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements.
You will be expected to find and arrange a suitable placement to complement your degree and will be fully supported throughout by a dedicated member of staff at your academic School and the University’s Careers and Employability Services.
You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto this pathway at the appropriate time. Read more about the work experience opportunities that may be available to you or, if you have any questions, please get in touch.
This course is available with an International Experience Year option where you will study or work abroad for 1 additional year. You will have ‘with International Experience’ added to your degree title on graduating.
Studying abroad is a great opportunity to see a different way of life, learn about new cultures and broaden your horizons. With international experience of this kind, you’ll really improve your career prospects. There are a wide variety of destinations and partner universities to choose from. If you plan to study in a country where English is not spoken natively, there may be language courses available for you at Bangor and in your host university to improve your language skills.
You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option at any time during your degree at Bangor and make your application. If you have any questions in the meantime, please get in touch.
Read more about the International Experience Year programme and see the studying or working abroad options on the Student Exchanges section of our website.
Course Content
There is great focus on practical activity across our courses, and this one is no different. It's clear that practical work directly helps you learn, but it also brings people closer, and it's enjoyable and motivating. Also, all employers tell us that the skills we teach during practical work are often among the more important ones required in the workplace. This is why practical work remains a mainstay for the way in which the course is delivered.
We also offer traditional lectures and have increased the interactive nature of these. You'll be engaged in activities between classes, so that you get the most of the class time.
It's important to employers and for your development that you are good communicators, so you might be asked to not just write essays, but to produce podcasts with other students, or produce videos designed to guide a public audience across a field site. There really is no-end to the range of what you might get the chance to take-on. But it's all going to be developing you to the point where you're well-set for the rest of your life.
What will you study on this course?
This Marine Science and Conservation BSc is structured in such a way that you are provided with a firm foundation in marine science and conservation, but there are also options that allow you to choose your own specialisations with the subject area.
The modules listed below are those currently intended for students starting the course in September 2023. This information is for guidance purposes only.
Year 1 is a time where you start finding out about the oceans, how they work and how they fit into the larger earth and atmospheric system. You will receive comprehensive training in research methods, and will be taught some of these in the form of a regular personable, small-group tutorial setting.
This module will introduce you to the study of the Earth system and the key concepts that allow us to describe and understand how the world around us works. You will study the Earth system through a focus on process occurring in the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrophere and biosphere.
Study is through a mixture of lectures and practical classes as well as activities undertaken between classes. You will get to know your fellow students and importantly, gain the key knowledge to underpin your continued degree studies.
This module provides an important introduction to the physics and chemistry of the oceans.
You will:
- be introduced to the fundamental principles of how the ocean works as a physical system
- be shown how ocean physics is intimately connected with climate.
- consider the influence of biological activity and ocean circulation on the chemistry of the oceans.
Theoretical aspects are reinforced with practical work. This approach is designed to introduce students to basic analytical techniques and their application to problems of environmental relevance.
Our Environmental Data & Analysis module provides fundamental skills required by natural scientists to answer scientific questions with environmental data. Here, theory is put into practice - through computer sessions - to apply a range of data analysis techniques to environmental data. This module is taught across both semester 1 and 2.
During semester 1, you will be introduced to the scientific method, how to describe samples both numerically and graphically, and how to test hypotheses statistically in order to identify differences and relationships between variables.
In the second semester, statistical theory and practical sessions continue. In addition, skills learned will be applied in a subject specific project. In this project, you will conduct a scientific investigation which includes collecting and analysing data - the results of this data analysis will then be communicated in the style of a scientific report.
* A Welsh-medium equivalent of this module also available.
This module provides an overview of three enormous topics within natural science and our lives: Earth, Climate and Evolution. Teaching comprises a series of lectures, two practicals, and two fieldtrips. Seeing actual rocks and fossils in the lab and on the fieldtrip, armed with recently acquired knowledge, will bring the subject matter alive. The module is assessed through a worksheet to be filled out during the first practical, an online tests to be completed after the second practical, and an exam at the end of term.
This module is designed to allow you to get to know and work with your personal tutor, in a small group setting.
It introduces a range of skills required for a marine science degree and to encourage wider reading in marine science. It involves directed reading and practice in oral and written presentations. Regular tutorials (approx. 8 to 10 students per group) will be held throughout the year. During these tutorials, essay writing skills, oral presentation skills and abstracting information from the scientific literature will be discussed. The module will be assessed by two essay assignments, two oral presentations and one abstract assignment. The skills developed in this module are key for all other modules and for your future careers in marine science.
* A Welsh-medium equivalent of this module also available.
In addition to compulsory modules, you will also choose a further 20 credits from a list of available optional modules that may include:
- Environmental Management & Conservation (20 credits)
- Marine Biogeochemistry (10)
- Organismal Diversity (20)
- Anglesey Geology field course (10): an opportunity to widen students’ geological field experience through a series of field visits to key sites on the Isle of Anglesey – an area with a rich geological record and UNESCO Global Geopark status (GeoMon).
Please note that these modules are delivered through the medium of English. Students may select options subject to any relevant co-requisites and must take an equal number of credits in each semester.
Year 2 is structured around gaining knowledge in three key areas, namely: ship-based practical skills; the main principles of conservation; and shelf seas - the focus of most exploitation and conservation efforts.
More information coming soon
more information coming soon
more information coming soon
Students may choose to take this modules through either the medium of English or Welsh
In addition to compulsory modules, you will select two additional modules from a range of available options, which may include:
- Catchment Processes
- Climate Change: Science and Impacts
- Hazards, Disasters and Mitigation
- Marine Ecology
- Remote Sensing & Geophysics
- Sustainable Development: from Global to Local
- Water, air & soil pollution
Please note that modules are delivered through the medium of English. Students may select options subject to any relevant co-requisites and must take an equal number of credits in each semester.
The Final Year of this course offers further compulsory modules as well as range of specialised topic modules
More information coming soon.
More information coming soon.
More information coming soon.
The Final Year Dissertation offers you the opportunity to complete an independent research project in a topic of your choosing, under the supervision of an experienced staff member.
In addition to compulsory modules, you will select a further 60 credits additional modules from a range of available options, which may include:
- Coastal Processes Field Study (20 credits)
- Freshwater ecosystems (20)
- Marine Ecosystems and Processes (20)
- Marine Geology & Applications (20)
- Marine Pollution (20)
- Rivers, Coasts and Oceans (20)
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation (20)
- International Law of the Sea (20): By teaming up with colleagues across the University we are able to offer this optional module in the Law of the Sea - something that underpins the practical application of conservation measures across the globe.
Please note that modules are delivered through the medium of English. Students may select options subject to any relevant co-requisites and must take an equal number of credits in each semester.
Modules for the current academic year
Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Marine Science and Conservation BSc (Hons) Modules page.
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.
Facilities
Ocean Sciences facilities
- Our excellent teaching facilities include geophysical labs and wave flumes, as well as advanced computer systems.
- We are on the coast, next to the Irish Sea and the Menai Strait within the UNESCO Geopark GeoMon. We are also next to the classic glaciated environments of Snowdonia and so the perfect place to study geosciences with a wide range of environments for field courses and study sites for final-year projects.
- We have a £3.5m ocean-going research ship as well as several smaller survey boats fully equipped with the latest ocean survey equipment.
General University Facilities
Library and Archive Services
Our four libraries provide a range of attractive study environments including collaborative work areas, meeting rooms and silent study spaces.
We have an extensive collection of books and journals and many of the journals are available online in full-text format.
We house one of the largest university-based archives not only in Wales, but also the UK. Allied to the Archives is the Special Collections of rare printed books.
Learning Resources
There is a range of learning resources available, supported by experienced staff, to help you in your studies.
The University’s IT Services provides computing, media and reprographics facilities and services including:
- Over 1,150 computers for students, with some PC rooms open 24 hours a day
- Blackboard, a commercial Virtual Learning Environment, that makes learning materials available on-line.
Course Costs
General University Costs
Home (UK) students
- The cost of a full-time undergraduate course is £9,250 per year (2025/26).
- The fee for all integrated study abroad years is £1,385 (2025/26).
- The fee for an integrated year in industry as part of a sandwich programme is £1,850 (2025/26).
More information on fees and finance for Home (UK) students.
International (including EU) students
Additional Costs
There are also some common additional costs that are likely to arise for students on all courses, for example:
- If you choose to study abroad or take the International Experience Year as part of your course.
- If you attend your Graduation Ceremony, there will be a cost for gown hire (£25-£75) and cost for additional guest tickets (c.£12 each).
Course-specific additional costs
Depending on the course you are studying, there may be additional course-specific costs that you will be required to meet. These fall into three categories:
- Mandatory Costs: these are related to a particular core or compulsory module that you’ll be required to complete to achieve your qualification e.g. compulsory field trips, uniforms for students on placement, DBS Check.
- Necessarily Incurred Costs: these may not be experienced by all students, and will vary depending on the course e.g. professional body membership, travel to placements, specialist software, personal safety equipment.
- Optional Costs: these depend on your choice of modules or activity and they are shown to give you an indication of the optional costs that may arise to make sure your choice is as informed as possible. These can include graduation events for your course, optional field trips, Welcome Week trips.
Entry Requirements
Offers are tariff based, 104-136 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification*. For example:
- A Levels**: Including 2 science subjects (Biology, Physics, Maths, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science/Studies, Economics, Psychology). General Studies and Key Skills not accepted.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma (including at least one science subject).**
- BTEC National Extended Diploma in Applied Science**: DMM-DDD
- Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Applied Science**: DMM-DDD
- City & Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (1080) in Environmental Conservation or Countryside & Environmental**: DMM-DDD
- Access to HE Science.**
- T-Levels: case-by-case.
- Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted.
We also welcome applications from mature applicants.
*For full details go to our website and for a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go to www.ucas.com
**Similar subject areas may be considered on a case by case basis. Please contact us for information.
International Candidates: school leaving qualifications and college diplomas are accepted from countries worldwide (subject to minimum English Language requirements). More information here.
Offers are tariff based, 112-128 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification*. For example:
- A Levels**: Including 2 science subjects (Biology, Physics, Maths, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science/Studies, Economics, Psychology). General Studies and Key Skills not accepted.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma (including at least one science subject).**
- BTEC National Extended Diploma in Applied Science**: DMM-DDM
- Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Applied Science**: DMM-DDM
- City & Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (1080) in Environmental Conservation or Countryside & Environmental**: DMM-DDM
- Access to HE Science.**
- T-Levels: case-by-case.
- Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted.
We also welcome applications from mature applicants.
*For full details go to our website and for a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go to www.ucas.com
**Similar subject areas may be considered on a case by case basis. Please contact us for information.
International Candidates: school leaving qualifications and college diplomas are accepted from countries worldwide (subject to minimum English Language requirements). More information here.
General University Requirements
To study for a degree, you’ll be asked for a minimum of UCAS Tariff points. For a fuller explanation of the UCAS Tariff Points, please see www.ucas.com.
We accept students with a wide range of qualifications and backgrounds and consider each application individually.
All students need to have good basic skills and the University also values IT and communication skills.
As part of the University’s policy, we consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same grounds as all other students.
We also consider applications from mature students who can demonstrate the motivation and commitment to study a university programme. Each year we enrol a significant number of mature students. For more information about studying as a mature student, see our Studying at Bangor section of the website.
EU and International Students' Entry Requirements
For detailed guidance on the entry requirements for EU and International Students, including the minimum English Language entry requirement, please visit the Entry Requirements by Country pages. International applicants can also visit the International Education Centre section of our website for further details.
Bangor University offers International Incorporated Bachelor Degrees for International students whose High School qualification is not equivalent to the UK school leaving qualification. The first year (or Year 0) is studied at Bangor University International College, an embedded College on our University campus and delivered by Oxford International Education Group.
Careers
The Marine Science and Conservation BSc not only provides sound scientific knowledge of the marine environment and its conservation, but places strong emphasis on the skills which are highly regarded by employers. Depending on your specialist module choices, you can apply for jobs across a wide range of disciplines such as conservation, education/public-engagement, environmental consultancy, environmental impact assessment, marine management or for further postgraduate study. Our alumni have successful careers in industry, universities, NGOs and public sector organisations both in the UK and overseas.
Opportunities at Bangor
The University’s Careers and Employability Service provides a wide range of resources to help you achieve your graduate ambitions.
Internships
Bangor University runs a paid internship scheme within the university’s academic and service departments.
Student Volunteering
Volunteering widens your experience and improves your employability. Find out more about volunteering on the Students’ Union’s website.
Foundation Year
A 'with Foundation Year' option is available for this course. Apply for Geological Oceanography (with Foundation Year).
What is a Foundation Year course?
If you don’t have the required qualifications for the 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.
The Foundation Year is an excellent introduction to studying this subject at university and will provide you with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to go on to study this course at degree-level.
When you have successfully completed the Foundation Year, you can progress on to the first year of this degree-level course.
