| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Marine Geography BSc program at Cardiff University equips students with the skills and knowledge to address challenges in marine and coastal environments. It combines physical and environmental geography, emphasizing practical experience through fieldwork and overseas trips. Graduates are prepared for careers in environmental conservation, marine management, and other sectors related to marine environments.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Objectives:
The Marine Geography BSc program at Cardiff University aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to address current and emerging challenges in marine and coastal environments. It focuses on sustainable development and protection, encompassing crucial industries like shipping, tourism, fishing, and renewable energy.
Description:
This program delves into the science behind the relationships between society and the sea, exploring global issues like ocean acidification and rising sea levels. It utilizes a unique combination of physical and environmental geography, providing a comprehensive understanding of marine ecosystems and the critical role they play in our world.
Key Features:
- Fieldwork: The program emphasizes practical experience, including regular fieldwork trips and boat-based activities in Bristol Channel, Glamorgan Heritage Coast, Gower, and even overseas destinations.
- Overseas Trips: Students have opportunities to visit and study marine environments in locations like Malta, Jersey, and Greece, gaining insights into diverse ecosystems.
- Professional Skills Development: The curriculum incorporates essential skills for employment, covering aspects like project management, organizational efficiency, GIS expertise, and using advanced field equipment.
Outline:
Program Structure:
- Duration: 3 years (full-time)
- Year Structure:
- Year 1: Foundational modules focusing on core aspects of physical geography and marine science.
- Year 2: Builds on the knowledge from year 1, delving into marine ecology, coastal processes, and the ocean-atmosphere system, including a field course to a Welsh national park.
- Year 3: Students choose from various specialist subjects, complete their dissertation, and participate in an overseas field course, further deepening their expertise.
Key Modules:
- World of Dynamic Environments
- Exploring Planet Earth
- GIS, Maps, and Analytical Skills
- Geography Field Skills
- Understanding the Living Planet
- Oceans, Climate, Earth Processes and Global Environments
- Fundamentals of Geographical Science
- Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis
- The Coastal System
- The Ocean-Atmosphere System
- Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Science
- Process Geomorphology & Hydrology
- Marine Geography Dissertation
- Marine Geomatics
- Marine Environmental Systems
- Extreme Environments: biogeochemical perspectives
- The University reserves the right to modify modules or availability based on necessity.
Assessment:
Assessment methods:
The program utilizes a diverse range of assessment tools:
- Assignments
- Presentations
- Fieldwork reports
- Examinations
- Research dissertations
Assessment Criteria:
- Knowledge and understanding in each modules is evaluated.
Additional Notes:
- Alternative assessments are offered to students with disabilities, as per the University’s policy.
- Students can expect a mix of traditional assessments and interactive formats, encouraging active learning and professional skills development.
Teaching:
Teaching Approach:
- The program embraces an engaging, friendly learning environment with small class sizes and personalized attention.
- Students are taught by world-renowned researchers, ensuring access to cutting-edge knowledge and expertise.
- Teaching methods combine theoretical and practical elements, including:
- Lectures
- Laboratory work
- Fieldwork
- Tutorials
- Workshops
- Seminars
Additional Notes:
- Students are encouraged to learn independently and collaboratively throughout the course.
- The University employs various support services, including a dedicated Careers service and Learning Central resources, to equip students for success.
Careers:
Potential Career paths:
Graduates of the Marine Geography BSc can pursue diverse careers in various sectors:
- Environmental conservation and marine management
- Environmental consultancy
- Marine geospatial analysis
- Insurance
- Finance
- Education
- Urban planning
Employers:
Graduates enjoy employment with renowned organizations such as:
- Titan Environmental Surveys
- Environment Agency
- Port sector
- Marine conservation NGOs
Additional Notes:
- Students can opt for a four-year program with a professional placement year to gain industry experience.
- Students gain competence in GIS, surveying, and mapping equipment, chemical labs, GIS labs, and access to a research 12-meter boat.
Fees for home status
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Additional costs
The fieldwork costs for your core modules are included but you will need to contribute towards food if it is provided during the trip.
Course specific equipment
You will need suitable clothing including warm weather, wind and storm-proof jackets and walking boots. The school will provide all health and safety equipment as well as specialised field equipment.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget.
Living costs
We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
