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Postgraduate
Courses / Postgraduate / Ocean and Earth Science by Research (MSc)

Ocean and Earth Science by Research (MSc)

Award
Master of Science
Duration
1 year
Course Type
Full-time
Campus
Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton)
Next course starts
September 2023

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.   

Find out more on her staff profile.

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.

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