Marine Geography Cardiff University

Strong connections

Our excellent links to local organisations, such as Natural Resources Wales and the Severn Estuary Partnership, helps our students to find projects and placement opportunities.

High quality facilities

Access the latest technologies in offshore surveying and mapping equipment, chemical laboratories, labs with GIS, and a 12-metre research boat.

Flexible course

In most cases, you may request a transfer to the MSci degree programme or switch to another course in the same School at the end of the first year.

Fieldwork opportunities

Regular field trips in the UK and overseas will help you to develop strong fieldwork skills. The cost of field trips is included in your course fees.

Professionally accredited

This course is accredited by the RICS which means that we have the recognition of a professional body. Accreditation is important when you start your career and it will help you obtain chartered status in your profession.

The world's oceans and coasts are full of amazing habitats and wildlife and they sustain many important and growing industries including shipping, tourism and renewable energy. As a marine geographer, you will have the skills and knowledge needed to keep our oceans healthy and support traditional and emerging marine industries to be sustainable.

Our Marine Geography course explores a unique mix of physical and environmental geography. You will study the science behind the relationship between society and the sea, and investigate global challenges like ocean acidification and rising sea levels.

South Wales has a rich and diverse marine environment including estuaries with large tidal ranges, islands thriving with wildlife, offshore renewable energy and the largest oil port in the UK in Milford Haven. You will develop your field and boat work skills on regular trips to the Bristol Channel, the Glamorgan Heritage Coast and the Gower where you will complete activities like offshore surveying, water quality monitoring, ecological mapping and beach profiling. There will also be opportunities to go on overseas trips, in the past we've been to Malta, Jersey and Greece.

Entry requirements

A Levels

ABB-BBB (with 1 science subject) or BBB-BBC (with 2 science subjects). Acceptable science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Maths, Physics.

Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.

English requirements

Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.

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

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

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

Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our other accepted language qualifications.