The MESci builds upon the equivalent BSc course by means of a fourth year which enables you to undertake a specialist research project in the area of your choice. It is designed for high-quality candidates who might aim to pursue a research career in academia, government or industry.

Cardiff is the birthplace of the discipline of Marine Geography in the UK. This degree programme has been running since 1976 and is an extremely successful training route for employment in the marine and coastal sector or for future academic study. The degree is an exciting blend of the physical and human geography of deep sea marine and coastal environments.

A major component of this course is hands-on fieldwork including coastal and offshore mapping of the marine environment to understand its physical and biological characteristics. This work involves using some of the most advanced and exciting technology available.

Situated in an estuary with a large tidal range and with access to a wide variety of coastal environments, Cardiff is an excellent base for both traditional fieldwork and innovative sea-time training. The School operates its own Research Vessel Guiding Light, a 12-metre boat used by all undergraduates as part of its research-led teaching programme.

Additional fieldwork currently includes overseas field courses to Jersey, Malta and Spain, where aspects of physical geography (such as biodiversity, water quality and seabed mapping) are combined with applied use within human geography (such as legislation, management and science into policy).

For students interested in professional research careers in Marine Geography, the four-year MESci provides a strong basis for investigation and research in this subject.

Distinctive features

We have a common first term allowing you to experience aspects of Earth Sciences and Geography before finally deciding upon an honours degree programme.

You will have the opportunity to undertake residential field courses abroad which are led by highly research active staff and you can experience direct involvement in the research pathway, data collection, monitoring and mapping, and report writing.

This applied and industry-relevant degree draws on the traditional skills of the geographer to observe, measure, map and analyse the significance of a wide range of physical and human variables.

Coastal and offshore fieldwork are an important feature of this course, enabling hands-on training for students to use modern survey methods rather than just learn about them.

In year four you will complete a master's research dissertation which can widen your career opportunities.