FAQ

1. What qualifications do I need?

A first-class or upper second-class BSc Honours degree (or national equivalent) is required for access to the PhD programme in the Graduate School of NOCS (GSNOCS). We are looking for applicants with an aptitude for research demonstrated by your undergraduate or masters project work coupled with a sound background in basic science. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the subject, we accept students with backgrounds in a wide range of science subjects, and often these are augmented by a suitable Masters degree in a marine-based science. For overseas students - please note the following English language requirements:

TOEFL                              560+
TOEFL Internet-based     83+
TOEFL Computer-based  220+
IELTS                               6.0+

2. How do I apply?

A list of currently available PhD topics is posted on our website. Applicants should contact any potential supervisors in the first instance to discuss availability of funding and potential research projects.  A formal application to the University can be made online once contact with the supervisor has been established, this should include a current curriculum vitae, academic transcript of results, a copy of the degree certificate and two acedemic references.  Most candidates express interest in more than one PhD topic in a particular area of science and discuss the final choice at interview stage. It is not necessary to provide a description of the project applied for if it is one listed on our web site.

3. What happens after I've applied?

The GSNOCS holds interviews for UK and EU based applicants on specific days from January to April.  Shortlisted candidates are invited for interview where they meet with and discuss projects with potential supervisors. Candidates also get to meet informally with current graduate students and tour the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton (NOCS). Formal offers are made to successful candidates by May for entry into the GSNOCS in October. Overseas applicants are considered from their references, their experience and their successful generation of funding to support the project.

4. How much money will I get?

If you are successful in obtaining a NERC studentship or a NOCS funded studentship then your fees will be paid and you will be awarded in the region of £13,290 per year for maintenance depending on funding body. Other funding bodies award grants of approximately equivalent value.

5. Can I earn money during my PhD?

Graduate students can earn money by demonstrating on the wide variety of undergraduate courses taught through the School of Ocean and Earth Science (SOES). This includes fieldwork teaching and laboratory based demonstrating across the range of disciplines. Pay rates are of the order of £13.75 per hour for laboratory based teaching and variable for field work.

6. Where will I live? How much will it cost?

There is a wide variety of accommodation for graduate students in Southampton. The University provides an accommodation office which can help find suitable accommodation throughout the city. Rents are of the order of around £60 per week (plus bills) for a shared house.

7. What are the Student Union and Staff Club facilities? What about child care?

The Highfield campus to the north of the city centre is the focus of the University support services with banks, health service, counselling service, chaplaincy, careers advice, accommodation service, travel centre, bookshops, sports facilities, launderettes, bars and entertainment. The University has a day nursery (for children six months to five years-old) based at Highfield and there are a range of services available locally. The Student's Union runs a half-term play group.

8. What about computing facilities?

Open access postgraduate computing facilities are provided in the NOCS. Further computing facilities are provided by the University on the Highfield campus and through the library. Other provision depends on the nature of the project undertaken and the extent to which computing resources are required to complete the research.

9. Will I get to go to sea?

The NOCS offers sea-going opportunities to most postgraduate students that wish to gain experience in offshore work, even if this is not necessarily directly related to the PhD project undertaken. Students should liaise with potential seagoing scientists and project supervisors.  Opportunities may also be announced by email.

10. What hours do I have to work? What about holidays?

Working hours for research students vary and depend largely on the nature of the project undertaken. The key to success is a flexible approach and close liaison with your supervisor over the most effective way to get work done to the targets set by the advisory panel during the regular six-monthly meetings. Students may take up to six weeks holiday during the academic year at the discretion of the supervisor.