Glaciology | Swansea University

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Course summary

Start date: MSc by Research - 1st October, 1st January, 1st April & 1st July.

The MSc by Research in Glaciology allows you to undertake a year-long individual programme of personally and professionally enriching research. Your glaciology research project will be shaped by participation in activities such as seminars, workshops, laboratory activity and fieldwork, as well as your involvement in Swansea Glaciology Group [https://www.swansea.ac.uk/geography/research-and-impact/swansea-glaciology-group/ ]. While this programme usually finishes after a year, it can also be used to progress to the second year of a PhD degree. You will contribute to our research and learn methods such as computer simulation, satellite remote sensing, or geophysical and geological field methods. Swansea glaciologists work in the Arctic, Antarctic, and most glaciated regions to advance understanding of:

Ice dynamic processes such as iceberg calving and basal processes in relation to ice streams, outlet glaciers and glacier surging;
Interactions between ice sheets, solid earth, oceans and atmosphere;
Reconstruction of past and prediction of future glacier, permafrost, and snow behaviour and processes;
Past and future cryospheric contribution to sea-level rise

Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study at Swansea University.

Open days

Undergraduate On-Campus Open Day at Swansea University - Singleton Park Campus and Bay Campus - 28 March 2026
28 Mar 2026, 08:30
Swansea

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Discover what it's like to study Glaciology at Swansea University: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

Wendy
Swansea University
Psychology, BSc (Hons)
I aspire to be a clinical psychologist and I have a strong interest in child psychology and a passion for helping others. I am dedicated to developing my skills and knowledge to support the well-being and mental health of young people, and I look forward to making a positive impact in the field!
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Jessica
Swansea University
Sport and Exercise Science, BSc (Hons)
Hi! My name is Jessica but you can call me Jess. I was born and raised in Australia but then moved to Montreal, Canada and did my secondary schooling there. I also have New Zealand and British Citizenship. I’m currently in my third year of my degree and I plan on doing a Masters once I’m finished. I’m so excited to answer any questions so please feel free to connect with me!
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Niamh
Swansea University
Medicine (Graduate Entry), MBBCH
Hi! My name is Niamh and I am a former Applied Medical Science student currently studying medicine at Swansea University. Making the move from secondary to university can be a daunting experience and so I am happy to be a part of the Unibuddy scheme to alleviate any worries and answer any questions that prospective students may have about life here in Swansea University.
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Tomi
Swansea University
Medical Biochemistry, MSci (Hons)
Hi, I'm Tomi :) I would describe myself as scientifically minded, with a systematic approach to working, and enthusiasm to learn and develop personal skills in a practical setting. A possible career goal may be to become a healthcare scientist, with the longer-term aspiration of moving into medical research/industry with a budding interest in consultancy work.
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Favour
Swansea University
Business Management (Modern Languages), BSc (Hons)
Good Afternoon , My name is Favour . I am a student ambassador studying Business Management ( Modern Manguages ) and I enjoy learning about different cultures and languages. I also like business because it's quite interesting especially the marketing side , it prepares you for how to work in a corporation and equips you with many skills that will be useful in the working life , including managing people :) .
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Josh
Swansea University
Medical Engineering with a Year in Industry, BEng (Hons)
Hi! I’m Josh a Biomedical Engineering undergraduate studying at Swansea University. I am very interested in biomechanics and the applications of engineering in prosthesis. At the University, in my free time, I play volleyball and like to go on drives to explore Swansea.
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Pash
Swansea University
Medicine (Graduate Entry), MBBCH
Hi, I'm Pash! I previously studied Applied Medical Sciences for my undergrad at Swansea, and now I'm a 4th-year medical student. Having lived in Swansea for the last six years now, this is my second home. So ask me anything you'd like about life as a Swansea student! 😊
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Eleri
Swansea University
English Language and TESOL, BA (Hons)
I love the idea of teaching English in South Korea. I have spent much time in Seoul and Busan over the past 2 years and would love the opportunity to move more permanently. As an avid history lover, Korea's expansive history fascinates me! I am a massive fan of BTS, and my bias is Jimin! I am learning to speak Korean and will participate in a summer school in Seoul this summer to expand my language knowledge further. In my spare time I enjoy creating content for my Instagram which consists of BTS, lifestyle and travel!
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Jess
Swansea University
Medical Engineering with a Year Abroad, MEng (Hons)
Hiya, I’m Jess and I’m a fourth year biomedical engineering student currently on my year abroad. I’m really interested in robotics within medicine and biomechanics and hope to pursue these in the future. Other things I really enjoy are dance, hiking and music.
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