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Marine Geography at Cardiff University

If you are thinking about Studying Marine Geography at Cardiff University, don't. Unless you are a geologist.

The first semester is ALL GEOLOGY, and what's worse is you have to exams for these in May/June. You only do them for one semester also and so you forget everything you learnt in the first semester because you thought it was all **** and didn't pay attention because you were studying a marine geography degree and NOT a geology degree.

If you've chosen marine geography at Cardiff do it somewhere else, as unless you enjoy and want to do modules which are completely irrelevant to the course its not worth it.

The second semester is fine because you do modules for your degree but then at the end of the second semester, now, you start to have to revise for a subject and modules that at the end of the day don't reflect your first year as a MARINE GEOGRAPHY undergrad because they are irrelevant.

Seriously, unless you've done A level geology and like geology don't do it, because you will tear your heart out in the first semester and when it comes to revising for the exams.

Reply 1

12anonymous1234

4

Hello Megan,
As a second year marine geographer, you come to learn that the modules you do in first year are relevant and justifiable to the degree scheme. Yes there might be quite a lot of geology in the first year, however bits of this ARE relevant to your degree scheme as you need to have a background understanding when undertaking an EARTH SCIENCE degree scheme. The modules you undertake in first year are clearly stated on the module catalogue as well.

If you are really struggling then you should talk to your tutor and get some help, or leave; the course is not for everyone. However, in second and third year modules are completely relevant, yes they may not all be marine based however you wouldn't go far in the industry without a background knowledge of the earth science system.
I personally did not do A-level geology and did find some of the modules hard but I worked at it and passed just fine.

I wouldn't badmouth Marine Geography at Cardiff University as you are actually on one of the top marine geography degree schemes in the country so you should count yourself very lucky!!

Just stick with it, and next year I'm pretty sure you will be thinking completely the opposite and praising the Earth staff and everything the degree has to offer you.

Reply 2

5678gsc

2

I have to second what my friend here has said - I'm a second year Marine Geographer at Cardiff too, and have to say that I love my degree. Like you, I didn't particularly enjoy my first year because of the compulsory geology, however because it is an Earth Science degree, it is completely necessary to learn the basics, and unfortunately the basics is geology. I found it difficult and did not do geology A Level either, but passed my first year just fine.

This second year has been completely relevant to the degree; we do marine biology, ocean systems, meteorology, hydrography, marine pollution and coastal processes, all of which are Marine Geography based. So just stick with it :smile:

!

Also, during the Easter holidays I went on a trip to Malta to undertake a snorkel survey assessing marine life and biodiversity. This was one of the best experiences ever and so so much fun. It teaches you not only marine biological processes, but gives you the first set of skills that you will need if you choose to peruse a career in Marine Geography. The other half of the year went to Jersey to study hydrography and meteorology for a week. Again, this was a lot of fun for them, completely relevant to the course and gave them the first set of skills needed to complete dissertation work.

Marine Geography at Cardiff is one of the best Earth Science degrees in the country and you should feel very lucky you're on the degree scheme.

If anyone on Student Forum is thinking of coming to Cardiff Uni to study Marine Geography, I would seriously advise it. Come on an open day and ask lots of questions because it is a decision you will not regret!

Reply 3

Mosler

5

It's all very well saying how enjoyable the field trips are on the course but what are the job prospects like in this field?
What worries me is that the degree is too specialised. If someone couldn't get a job in the marine environment would the skills be transferrable to similar land based job roles, for example in surveying or would a degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering be a better option?

I've looked on the Unistats site but I'm not sure how up-to-date the stats are, is there alot of competition for a small number of positions in the marine area, therefore alot of people have to take alternative positions they didn't reallly want to do?

Also, how does this degree compare to the Marine/Ocean type degree's in other universities?

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 4

Scoobydoo11j

In terms of job prospects, I think the degree scheme is second to none. It may seem very specialised but the course content is extremely varied. As a current third year student, I have come to realise the wide variety of jobs I can apply for. Over the summer I worked as a data analyst within the university sector, but I have now found myself applying for roles that range from offshore surveying, systems engineer, Ocean forecastor to environmental management based. Furthermore, other degree members have been applying for roles in marine conservation, bird protection and jobs relating to renewable energy.

If you think about it, first year modules included Earth and Planetary System Science, Development of the World Oceans, second year modules included Marine Ecosystems, Physical Processes in the Coastal Environment and third year modules include Marine Geomatics and even Environmental Law. These modules clearly demonstrate the extent to which you can vary in terms of job prospects. Not only that but skills such as presenting, group boat work and report writing are 100% transferred to the real world, making the degree extremely attractive to employers and further enhancing your employability. This is what makes BSc degree schemes the most employable bachelor award.

Reply 5

wildeundergrad

OP

2

Hi Guys,

So ive come back a year on about to get my results for the second year, and i have to say my views have changed slightly. If you can withstand the first year, which thanks to our year complaining, they have altered and changed the first year marine geography modules so that they dont have to do pointless ones, like FBI next year. Which is grand.

After reflecting on my second year, i agree that some of the knowledge in the first semester of first year was useful, but still not enough to justify it. Thanks to my year, stats is being taught much better to the first years now than we had it taught to us. And so i appreciate that the department is listening to us and our concerns, its just a shame that it was too late for us.

Second year marine geography was great. Your doing the modules that your more interested in, and want to learn. Marine Ecosystems is ace, and so is Ocean Atmosphere System, cause everyone loves clouds right?

Malta and Jersey field trips were, ok. I went to Malta and found it not as useful as i feel it was intended to be but thats a different story. My point is, its all great (paid for) experience.

Now i am heading into a placement year, 2 months in Spain, 5 months in Mauritius and 2 months in Greece all working with different marine research and conservation companies.

So in regard to my post last year, if you love the marine environment, go for it do it. And as the first year has changed and is continuing to change, you will probably never have to do as much geology as i did and so marine geography at Cardiff is well worth doing.

- Wildeundergrad.

Reply 6

e.smith2

3

Is this degree to specialist (as opposed to an ordinary Geography BSc/BA) to go on to be a secondary school geography teacher afterwards?

Reply 7

Dips123

1

So I graduated in 2018 and if I had the chance to go back 3 years and do it all again, I would. Unlike a lot of degrees you get a lot for what you pay for including:

- Access to intelligent lecturers with expansive knowledge in their field of expertise
- Fairly high number of lectures compared to most degrees
- Access to thousands of pounds worth of journal articles
- All expenses paid for trips around the UK and abroad
- Access to Cardiff University's boat and hydrographic equipment

However, the first term is mainly geology and I personally found it very dull but you'll probably be having so much fun socially that the term will fly by anyway. You also only need 40% to pass and it doesn't count towards your final grade so don't let it put you off. Third year is when you have the most freedom over the content you learn as you pick all your modules.

Reply 8

ratxbogbody

4

does anyone know if you get interviewed as part of the application process for courses in the Earth and ocean sciences department at Cardiff? if you weren’t, do you know anyone who was interviewed in your course?

Reply 9

username2088165

20

Original post by ratxbogbody

does anyone know if you get interviewed as part of the application process for courses in the Earth and ocean sciences department at Cardiff? if you weren’t, do you know anyone who was interviewed in your course?

The admissions page for Earth and Ocean Sciences at Cardiff says that selection interviews are only held for applicants whose actual or predicted grades are lower than the entry requirements, or where your personal statement and/or references alone aren't satisfactory to show your aptitude for the course :smile:

(edited 4 years ago)

Reply 10

ratxbogbody

4

Thanks so much!!!

Original post by Leviathan1741

The admissions page for Earth and Ocean Sciences at Cardiff says that selection interviews are only held for applicants whose actual or predicted grades are lower than the entry requirements, or where your personal statement and/or references alone aren't satisfactory to show your aptitude for the course :smile:

Reply 11

Jenzchx

1

Hello,I will be transferring to Cardiff for marine geography, but i have just seen a course from the uni of Southampton called “Marine geography and Oceanography” which excited me. There you can see all module descriptions, something i cant see for marine geo at Cardiff. Could you please have a look at the modules for all years at southampton as you have done marine geography and compare the two courses for me please? Like how different they are, id appreciate that very much!

Marine Geography at Cardiff University

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