About this course
This course is now closed to new applications for 2023 entry.
Each year we get many high-quality applications and places for many of our courses are very competitive.
Search similar degrees for 2024 entry by browsing our course finder.
Join one of the largest ocean science communities in Europe and address some of our biggest environmental challenges. You’ll train alongside scientists at a world-leading training centre as you conduct research both in the field and in the laboratory.
You’ll study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), our school for ocean science and marine research. Here, you’ll benefit from access to our very own research vessel, the R.V. Callisata, as well as a range of other modern technologies and facilities.
You’ll have the chance to:
- explore a diverse range of topics, from the processes operating on the Earth and its oceans, to the impact of natural and human activity on ecosystems
- specialise your studies to better suit your background and career goals
- complete a research project using the latest marine environment knowledge
This course is especially suitable if you already have a foundation in marine or Earth science. It will allow you to develop a specialism from your first degree as you build your knowledge and research skills.
A Master of Science by Research course differs from a conventional MSc in the balance between teaching and research. As an MSc by Research student, you’ll spend more time getting hands-on experience with your research project, and less time with formal teaching.
Course lead
Your course lead is Dr Anna Hickman. Her work encompasses biological, physical and chemical oceanography and marine optics.
Her research focuses on marine phytoplankton. These are oceanic microbes that form the base of the marine food web and generate half of the oxygen we breathe.
Course location
This course is based at Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton).
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
You must have a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant marine or Earth science discipline.
Other backgrounds may be considered where the applicant’s background is relevant to the intended field of study. This includes areas like:
- biology
- maths
- environmental science
- natural sciences
- relevant engineering disciplines
When applying, you'll also need a description of how your prior degree and existing expertise will prepare you to pursue your intended field of study. Find out how to apply.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 7.0
- reading
- 6.5
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 6.5
- listening
- 6.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
Your studies will run for a full 12 months. You’ll spend around two thirds of your course on your research project and the rest of your time exploring a mix of compulsory and optional subjects.
You’ll have the chance to develop specific knowledge and skills through your module choices and research project topic.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
Contemporary Topics in Ocean and Earth Science
This module deals with contemporary issues in Ocean and Earth Science. It will develop your presentation and writing skills through directed independent study of two chosen contemporary topics. The topics are provided by the module lead and associated sta...
MSc Key Skills for MSc by Research Ocean and Earth Science Students
This module provides essential key skills training to MSc by Research students in Ocean and Earth Science in SOES.
MSc by Research - Research Project
You will identify a project supervisor and discuss your ideas for a research topic, early in the first semester. Once ideas for the project have been formulated, you will commence your project toward the end of semester one and through the rest of the yea...
You must also choose from the following modules:
Applied and Marine Geophysics
The module covers, at advanced level, three topics that are central to applied geophysics in the marine environment.
Biogeochemical Cycles in the Earth System
This module looks at the operation of the Ocean as a biogeochemical entity within the larger Earth System. There is a strong focus on how the Earth System will respond to anthropogenic impacts and global change.
Climate and Climate Change
This module is designed to give a fundamental understanding of the Earth's climate and use this to examine topical issues in climate change research. A hands-on approach enables you to apply your newly learned skills to real-world problems quickly.
Computational Data Analysis for Geophysicists and Ocean Scientists
This module will present a variety of different types of geophysical, oceanographic and remote sensing data and will explore methods for processing and analysing and interpreting using MATLAB.
Data Management and Generalised Linear Modelling for Biologists
Evidence-based ecology, evolution and conservation require quantitative analyses of field data typically collected under imperfectly controlled conditions and across heterogeneous habitats. This module will develop generic skills in (1) the design of data...
Deep Sea Ecology
This module examines the patterns of life in deep-sea environments & the processes that govern those patterns.
Ecological Modelling
This course is intended as a beginner’s guide to marine ecological modelling. It is suitable for students across a broad range of academic backgrounds and does not assume a high level of prior mathematical knowledge or experience in coding. The course...
Geodynamics and Solid Earth Geophysics
The course provides a comprehensive treatment of the geophysics of the Solid Earth.
Marine Conservation and Policy
This module is only open to Year 3 students registered on MSci Biology and Marine Biology, BSc Biology and Marine Biology, BSc Marine Biology with Oceanography, MSci Marine Biology and Oceanography, MSci Marine Biology and BSc Marine Biology degrees. MSc ...
Marine Reproduction
This module will cover all aspects of reproduction in marine organisms.
Sea Level Rise and Coastal Management
Understanding changes in sea level is of the utmost importance, as it: (1) shapes the coastlines; (2) affects the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people living in the world’s coastal regions, and (3) is a key indicator of climate change. Sea-level ...
Learning and assessment
Learning
You'll learn through a variety of means, including:
- lectures
- seminars
- laboratory work
- boatwork
- field exercises
- group exercises
- activities with external organisations
Assessment
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
- written examinations
- oral presentations
- essays
- poster presentations
- laboratory experiment write ups
- fieldwork/boatwork reports
Academic Support
You’ll be supported by your personal academic tutor who can advise you on your career path during the programme.
Careers
As a graduate, of this Ocean and Earth Science by Research course you’ll be suitable for a wide range of careers. You could choose to work for a global corporation, a consultancy, a government agency, or a museum or university.
Your specialist knowledge and transferable skills in analysis, research, independent problem-solving and teamwork will make you ideally suited for roles like:
- marine scientist
- fisheries officer
- environmental consultant
- geologist
- offshore surveyor
The emphasis on independent project work is also ideal experience for a PhD or other research-based roles.
Specialist careers advice is available through our careers and employability service.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £26,352.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Southampton Ocean and Earth Science Postgraduate International Scholarship
A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Ocean and Earth Science.
Find out more about Southampton Ocean and Earth Science Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
This course is now closed to new applications for 2023 entry.
Each year we get many high-quality applications and places for many of our courses are very competitive.
Search similar degrees for 2024 entry by browsing our course finder.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- how your existing expertise will prepare you to pursue your intended field of study
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We will aim to send you a decision 6-8 weeks after you have submitted your application.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
