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Entry requirements
Here's what you will need to get a place on the Physical Oceanography course at Bangor University.
Select a qualification to see required grades
A level
Including grades A or B in Maths or Physics and usually in one other science subject (Physics, Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Environmental Science, Geography, Economics, Psychology); General Studies and Key Skills not accepted.
Tuition fees
| Location | Fees |
|---|---|
| England | £9,535 per year (provisional) |
| Scotland | £9,535 per year (provisional) |
| Wales | £9,535 per year (provisional) |
| Northern Ireland | £9,535 per year (provisional) |
| Channel Islands | £9,535 per year (provisional) |
| Republic of Ireland | £9,535 per year (provisional) |
Course summary
What this course is about
UCAS code: F734
Here's what Bangor University says about its Physical Oceanography course.
This degree focuses on the study of the physics of the ocean and the processes which link it to the atmosphere and the cryosphere. You’ll focus on the roles of the shallow seas, which surround the continents, and on interactions between ice and the oceans. Field work and practical sessions are a key element of this degree. This course places a particular emphasis on gaining skills and knowledge that will be directly relevant to industry in relation to issues such as future climate change, sea level rise, marine pollution and exploitation of marine energy. The fourth year of this degree features taught modules as well as a scientific research project.
We have been teaching Physical Oceanography for over 50 years and are world leading experts in the oceanography of the shelf seas which surround the continents, and also the polar oceans.
On this course we focus on the physics of the ocean and understanding the forces which shape the global climate by moving heat around planet Earth at the present time, and also in the past. You will also study the role of the ocean in regulating global climate and in generating weather.
Physical Oceanographers are in great demand and are required to tackle issues such as predicting climate and sea-level change, marine pollution dispersion, offshore engineering related and exploitation of marine renewable energy. The quantitative and computer modelling skills gained on this course will are also in great demand across wide sectors of industry.
‘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 (with Foundation Year) F62F.
Course details
Qualification
Master of Science - MSci
Department
School of Ocean Sciences
Location
Main Site | Bangor, Gwynedd
Duration
4 Years
Study mode
Full-time
Subjects
• Ocean sciences
Start date
September 22, 2025
Application deadline
January 29, 2025
The modules you will study
For module information, please see the full course description on Bangor University's website.
Bangor University reviews
Showing 41 reviews
3rd year student
Two stars: Could be better
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Four stars: Great
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Three stars: Good
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Three stars: Good
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3rd year student
Three stars: Good
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3rd year student
Four stars: Great
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National Student Survey (NSS) scores
The NSS is an annual survey where final-year students are asked to rate different aspects of their course and university experience.
Here you can see ratings from Bangor University students who took the Physical Oceanography course - or another course in the same subject area.
Select an option to see a detailed breakdown
Teaching on my course
94%
med
Teaching on my course
94%
med
How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?
91%
med
How good are teaching staff at explaining things?
97%
med
How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?
97%
high
How often is the course intellectually stimulating?
94%
med
Learning opportunities
90%
med
Learning opportunities
90%
med
To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?
88%
med
How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?
91%
med
How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?
94%
high
To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?
94%
med
To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?
84%
med
Assessment and feedback
83%
med
Assessment and feedback
83%
med
How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?
84%
med
How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?
88%
med
How often does feedback help you to improve your work?
81%
high
How often have you received assessment feedback on time?
100%
high
How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?
62%
low
Academic support
95%
high
Academic support
95%
high
How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?
97%
high
How well have teaching staff supported your learning?
94%
med
Organisation and management
88%
high
Organisation and management
88%
high
How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?
84%
med
How well organised is your course?
91%
high
Learning resources
86%
med
Learning resources
86%
med
How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?
78%
low
How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?
87%
med
How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?
94%
med
Student voice
92%
high
Student voice
92%
high
How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?
81%
high
To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?
97%
high
To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?
97%
high
How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?
64%
med
Other NSS questions
Other NSS questions
Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of the course.
88%
med
How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?
56%
low
Student information
See who's studying at Bangor University. These students are taking Physical Oceanography or another course from the same subject area.
| Most popular A-levels studied | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Grade | |||||
| Geography | C | |||||
| Biology | C | |||||
| Mathematics | C | |||||
| Chemistry | C | |||||
| Physics | C | |||||
Graduate prospects
What graduates do next
Facts and figures about Bangor University graduates who took Physical Oceanography - or another course in the same subject area.
Graduate statistics
55%
In a job where degree was essential or beneficial
90%
In work, study or other activity
55%
Say it fits with future plans
55%
Are utilising studies
Top job areas
30%
Natural and social science professionals
15%
Elementary occupations
10%
Conservation and environment professionals
5%
Animal care and control services
Graduate statistics percentages are determined 15 months after a student graduates
Earnings after graduation
Earnings from Bangor University graduates who took Physical Oceanography - or another course in the same subject area.
Earnings
£21.2k
First year after graduation
£22.3k
Third year after graduation
£28.1k
Fifth year after graduation
Shown here are the median earnings of graduates at one, three and five years after they completed a course related to Physical Oceanography.
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree
Discussions
Discussions
Students are talking about Bangor University on The Student Room.
Chat with Bangor University
Hi! We are the official TSR staff reps for Bangor Uni. Get in touch if you have any questions about living and studying at Bangor University and we’ll do our best to help.
Study Somewhere Special There are lots of reasons to fall in love with Bangor, besides the excellent teaching and world-class research. Guaranteed accommodation for all new undergraduate applicants, a range of student support services and a friendly, convenient and student-centred place to study are just a few reasons why many of our students choose to study here. You can also take advantage of our wonderful location - relax on beautiful beaches, explore stunning mountain trails, or enjoy taking part in some of the student activities on offer here. With a wide range of clubs, societies and volunteering projects, there’s something for everyone. It all makes for a university experience that can’t be matched…
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