Marine Geography (MSci)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

 

This is a four-year full-time course and you study for your Bachelors and Masters degree at the same time. The first three years are structured in the same way as the BSc course and then in year four you will complete your Masters qualification. 

 

In your first year you will study core modules and get a strong foundation in marine geography. In year two to four there are core and optional modules so you have some flexibility to choose to study the areas that you’re interested in. Both year three and four include a research dissertation.

 

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

 

Year one
In your first year you will study core modules designed to give you a strong foundation in marine geography. Topics include oceans, climate, earth processes and global environments.  You will develop essential geographical skills like map and chart work, GIS and basic geographical data analysis.

 

We will go on a residential field course to a coastal national park within Wales (either Pembrokeshire or Snowdonia) to learn key field skills including mapping and surveying.

 

All of the degrees in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences study the same first semester. After semester one you can decide whether you want to continue with your original choice or switch to one of the other degrees (e.g. Environment or Physical Geography).

 

You earn 120 credits for the year with each core module worth 20 credits.

 

Year two
In your second year you will build on the knowledge from year one and start exploring more advanced concepts like marine ecology, coastal processes and the ocean-atmosphere system. You will gain skills and experience in sampling, data collection and analysis ready for your dissertation in year three.

 

We will go on an overseas residential field course to a coastal location in Europe where you will develop your skills in environmental monitoring and surveying. In the past we’ve been to the Jersey and Malta.

 

In the summer between year two and three you will do five weeks of independent research to prepare for your dissertation in year three. In the past students have looked at issues like the disturbance of bottle nose dolphins, fish feeding habits on coral reefs and new marine surveying techniques (e.g. using drones and new technologies), as well as exploring the need for new legislation and policy for addressing topical issues including marine litter.

 

You earn 120 credits for the year. This is made up of 40 and 20 credit core modules and a choice of 20 credit optional modules.

 

Year three
In your third year you will have more freedom to shape your degree and choose modules that fit with your career ambitions. You will also develop essential professional skills and knowledge that all employers are looking for.

 

You earn 120 credits for the year. The core modules include your dissertation, and topics covering marine environments and offshore surveying. For your optional modules you can choose to do a further residential field course and study a range of specialist subjects like Extreme Environments or Global Climate Change.

 

Year four
Year four is when you study for your Masters. Your core modules include your dissertation (60 credits) and a fieldwork module. For your optional modules you can choose from topics like business and consultancy and advanced geographical modelling.

 

You can choose to do your Masters dissertation on any topic related to marine geography that we can supervise in the School. You can either choose from a list of potential projects circulated by the School or you can work with a supervisor to design a project in an area you’re particularly interested in.

 

You will work one-to-one with a research supervisor throughout the year and possibly with a wider group of research students and industry professionals. Some of our best Masters research projects have been published in the scientific literature.

 

GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

 

IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.

 

TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.

 

PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.

 

Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.

Tuition fees for 2022 entry

Fees for home status

• £9,000    

 

Fees for overseas status

• £23,450

Keeping our oceans healthy is critical to our future. The sea produces around half of all the oxygen we breathe and absorbs half of all man-made carbon dioxide. The skills and knowledge of marine geographers are needed to tackle current and future marine challenges to make sure that important habitats and wildlife are protected and that maritime industries like fishing, tourism, shipping and renewable energy are developed sustainably.

 

You can choose to work in a variety of different industries and roles including conservation and marine management, as an environmental consultant or marine geospatial analyst. You will also have many skills that other sectors like insurance, finance, education and planning are looking for.

 

The advanced research skills, innovation and initiative that you will gain from your degree will be invaluable to employers in academia, government and industry. Many senior positions in marine geography-related careers ask for a minimum of a Master's level qualification.

 

Our past students now work for a wide range of employers both in the UK and further afield. Recent employers include the Hydrographic Office, Titan Environmental Surveys, the Environment Agency, in the port sector and marine conservation organisations around the world.