About this course
Discover the science of the oceans at the world-leading National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS). Our Oceanography degree seeks to understand the physical, chemical, geological and biological processes of this vast and fragile system. This degree has a wide range of practical applications, from predicting storm surges or tsunami, to environmental impact assessment.
You'll develop a strong background in general oceanography, as well as having the opportunity to specialise in topics that interest you.
Southampton will give you more fieldwork opportunities than many other universities. In your first year, you'll be trained in first aid at sea, sea survival and small boat handling so that you can work offshore during vacation periods, or when you qualify. At the end of your second year, you'll attend a 10-day residential field course in Falmouth or Plymouth.
As part of your degree, you can work onboard 1 of our 3 research vessels to boost your boat work and laboratory skills:
RV Callista (22m research catamaran)
RV Bill Conway (15m research launch)
Sextant (7m, suitable for shallow sampling)
You can switch to the MSci Oceanography course (combining undergraduate and postgraduate study) if you obtain the right marks in your first and second years.
You can download the course details, including modules, in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 409.83 KB).
Location and awarding body
The course location is Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton) campus in Southampton. The awarding body is University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
A-levels
ABB to include two preferred subjects (minimum of grade B)
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Acceptable science subject are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology or Physics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. You will be required to attend an interview.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 in two Higher Level science subjects
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Acceptable science subject are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology or Physics. You will be required to attend an interview.
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in A Level preferred subjects. We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AB grades in A Level preferred subjects.
BTEC additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology, Geography or Physics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Other qualifications
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer:
BBB to include two preferred subjects, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
BBB to include two preferred subjects (minimum of grade B)
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) StatementPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 62.17 KB) for further information.
Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC (RQF) (reformed)
D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus AB in A Level preferred subjects. We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma/ BTEC National Extended Diploma without two AB grades in A Level preferred subjects.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 45 must be at Distinction
Access to HE Diploma additional information
A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied. You will be required to attend an interview.
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 including two science subjects
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
AAABBB to include two preferred subjects.
Irish Leaving Certificate additional information
Acceptable preferred subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology or Physics. Applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at ILC Grade C or 04, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/grade 4.
Scottish Qualification offers
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF, 111.01 KB) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M2, M2 in three Principal subjects including two science subject at a minimum of M2
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Acceptable science subject are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology or Physics. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AB from two science A levels (minimum grade B) and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Acceptable science subject are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology or Physics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. You will be required to attend an interview.
European Baccalaureate
76% overall including minimum grade 8 in Biology and grade 8 in one further science subject. Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology, Geography or Physics.
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.
Band B IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in all components
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We also accept other English language tests.
Non-academic entry requirements
Applicants require an interview
International qualifications
Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country.
This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.
Science Foundation Year
If you don’t have the right qualifications for direct entry into this course, you may still be able to enrol by taking our Science Foundation Year.
This programme may suit you if:
you are studying for A levels in subjects other than those we normally ask for
you are a mature applicant with skills and experience from employment and can show recent study
you come from a part of the world where the education system is different from the British A level system
Contact us if you have a question about what qualifications you have or might need.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Course structure
In your first year, you'll develop a foundation in the biology, physics, chemistry and geology of the marine environment. You'll gain the field and laboratory skills that will underpin your studies, including boat work.
In your second year, you'll apply your scientific knowledge and focus to a number of exciting pathways. At the end of this year, you'll take part in the main undergraduate field course in Falmouth or Plymouth.
In your third year, you'll study advanced topics in your chosen area. You'll also produce a research-led dissertation on a topic of your choice.
Year 1
You'll study 5 compulsory modules:
Introduction to Ocean Biogeochemistry
Earth and Ocean System
Physical Oceanography 1
Introduction to Marine Ecology and Evolution
Key Skills for Marine Scientists
You'll also study 1 of these compulsory maths modules, based on your existing maths qualifications:
Introductory Mathematics for Chemists and Oceanographers
Mathematical Methods for Scientists
Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences
You'll then choose the rest of your modules from a wide range of options, including:
Macromolecules of Life
Dynamic Landscapes
Quantitative Methods in Marine Sciences
Ecology and Evolution
The Earth System
Year 2
You'll take 6 compulsory modules to build your expertise:
Coastal and Estuarine Oceanography 1 and 2
Geochemistry
Methods in Oceanography
Physical Oceanography 2
Phytoplankton and Primary Production
If you took the Mathematical Methods for Scientists module in year 1, you'll choose 2 modules from the list of options below.
If you did not take the Mathematical Methods for Scientists module in year 1, you'll take a Quantitative Methods in Marine Science module here. You'll also choose 1 optional module from this list:
Geohazards and Earth Resources
Marine Benthos Ecology
Mathematical Methods for Scientists
Palaeobiology
Year 3
Your final core modules are:
Applied Oceanography and Fieldwork
Independent Research Project
You'll complete your studies by choosing 5 modules from a list designed to support your career ambitions, including:
Environmental Impact Assessment
Large Scale Ocean Processes and Climate
Seafloor Exploration and Surveying
Zooplankton Ecology and Processes
Computational Data Analysis for Geophysicists and Ocean Scientists
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Modules year 1
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 1:
- Earth and Ocean System
- Introduction to Marine Ecology and Evolution
- Introduction to Ocean Biogeochemistry
- Key Skills for Marine Scientists
- Physical Oceanography I
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 1:
- Dynamic Earth
- Dynamic Landscapes
- Earth Materials
- Ecology & Evolution
- Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry I for non-chemists
- Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I for non-chemists
- Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry I for non-chemists
- Macromolecules of Life
- Math Methods for Scientist 1b
- Mathematical Methods for Scientists 1a
- Patterns of life and their evolution
- Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences
- Quantitative Methods in Marine Sciences
- The Earth System
Modules year 2
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 2:
- Coastal Ocean Processes
- Geochemistry
- Methods in Oceanography
- Monitoring Coastal and Estuarine Environments
- Phytoplankton and Primary Production
- The Dynamic Ocean
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 2:
Modules year 3
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 3:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 3:
- Biogeochemical Cycles in the Earth System
- Coastal Sediment Dynamics
- Communicating and Teaching in the Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme
- Computational Data Analysis for Geophysicists and Ocean Scientists
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Environmental and Engineering Geology
- Large Scale Ocean Processes and Climate
- Microfossils, Environments and Time
- Palaeoclimate Change
- Seafloor Exploration and Surveying
- Shelf Seas and Shelf Edge Dynamics
- Zooplankton Ecology and Processes
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
Support for your studies
You'll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
How you’ll spend your study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:
Year 1
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 33%
- Independent study
- 67%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 2
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 30%
- Independent study
- 70%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 3
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 31%
- Independent study
- 69%
- Placement
- 0%
Course leader
Robert Marsh is the course leader.
How we’ll assess you
We’ll assess you using:
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- essays
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown, year by year:
Year 1
- Written exam
- 66%
- Practical exam
- 9%
- Coursework
- 25%
Year 2
- Written exam
- 58%
- Practical exam
- 19%
- Coursework
- 23%
Year 3
- Written exam
- 21%
- Practical exam
- 29%
- Coursework
- 50%
Careers
All of our oceanography programmes are accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). This Oceanography degree will prepare you for work in a range of industries.
Our alumni work in:
research institutes (such as NERC)
Natural England
CEFAS
the Environment Agency
civil engineering and construction
exploration geophysics and geophysical survey projects
seismology
conservation
fisheries
mining sector
government laboratory work
teaching
research laboratories
water quality management
environmental resource management
environmental coastal management
Alternatively, you can choose to take a specialised Masters degree in fields such as coastal management, marine technology or maritime law.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
This course is eligible for a year in employment. This is a great opportunity for you to complete a work placement between your second and third year as part of your degree.
In your final year, you can gain your own teaching skills by taking a placement in a school or college with the Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme.
Fees, costs and funding
UK/EU fees
You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.
International student fees
You’ll pay £21,580 each year. This fee will stay the same throughout your studies.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
You'll be responsible for paying certain costs not covered by the tuition fee. These include:
some field trip costs
personal computer or laptop and data storage devices
books that are not available in the library
equipment and materials used in projects
costs related to modules from different courses
Extra costs you might have to pay
- Approved Calculators
- Clothing
- Equipment and Materials
- IT
- Textbooks
- Stationery
- Printing and Photocopying Costs
- Fieldwork: logistical costs
See the full list of extra items and costs in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window 2020 to 2021 (PDF, 409.83 KB).
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
University life
The University offers a friendly, diverse and welcoming home for you while you study. You'll work, live and socialise with students from more than 130 countries.
Clubs, societies and facilities
Our campuses have:
cafes and restaurants
bars
health centres
banks
a post office
student shops
a hairdresser
Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.
We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.
Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.
Support while you study
We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:
mental health, learning difficulties and disability
money and accommodation
childcare
computers and IT
How to apply
When you apply use:
UCAS Course Code: F710
UCAS Institution Code: S27
What happens after you apply
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We invite suitable applicants for interview at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton. If you can't travel to Southampton, our admissions tutor can arrange a remote interview on Skype or FaceTime.
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.