About this course

On this MSci Oceanography degree, you'll join one of the largest marine science communities in Europe. You'll address key environmental challenges facing our planet and study marine ecosystems and ocean processes. This includes the opportunity to explore some of the remotest places on Earth.

Go from classroom, to lab, to the field as you study at the world-leading National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS). Our 4-year integrated master’s course will allow you to specialise through years 3 and 4, and to develop your research interests with experts in the field.

You’ll study topics such as:

coastal change, from beach dynamics to sea level rise
ocean currents, globally connecting tropics to poles
the physical and chemical controls on life in the oceans

Fieldwork, practical skills and independent research are core parts of this programme. You’ll have the opportunity to:

choose an independent research project from the range of research that we cover
use modern instruments and sampling methods abroad our research vessel, the RV Callista
use laboratory analysis to explore the makeup of marine environments
develop essential computing skills for professional data analysis
obtain qualifications in first aid and sea survival techniques

You’ll gain the support, guidance and expertise of researchers at the forefront of their fields.

You’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary to follow a career in areas like:

environmental consultancy
ocean and climate research
coastal engineering and management

This degree is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).

Practicals which use animals or their tissues are an important part of the course. These practicals follow ethical policies and we'll make adjustments for you if you have valid concerns about taking part.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

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.

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ODT

Download 2024-25 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

A-levels

AAB including two acceptable science 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 Science, 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.

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: ABB including two preferred science subjects, and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including at least 5 and 6 in two Higher Level science subjects.

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation), Environmental Science, Geology or Physics.

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus AA in two acceptable science A Level subjects. We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma/ BTEC National Extended Diploma without two AA grades in acceptable science A Level subjects,

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Environmental Science, 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.

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA in two acceptable science A Level subjects. We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AA grades in two acceptable science A Level subjects

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science at minimum grade C/4..

A-levels

AAB including two acceptable science 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 Science, 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.

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: ABB including two preferred science subjects, and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including at least 5 and 6 in two Higher Level science subjects.

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation), Environmental Science, Geology or Physics.

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus AA in two acceptable science A Level subjects. We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma/ BTEC National Extended Diploma without two AA grades in acceptable science A Level subjects,

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Environmental Science, 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.

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA in two acceptable science A Level subjects. We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AA grades in two acceptable science A Level subjects

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science at minimum grade C/4..

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that 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 first year will introduce you to the ocean systems. You'll develop a foundation in the biology, physics, chemistry and geology of the marine environment. You'll gain the field and laboratory skills, including boat work, that will underpin your studies.

In your second year, you'll apply your scientific knowledge and focus on a number of exciting pathways.

In your third year, you'll tackle more advanced topics and explore contemporary issues, including environmental management and changes in climate.

In your fourth year, you'll work with staff in the university, NOCS, or industry to produce a dissertation with a strong research or applied focus. You'll also choose specialist modules to prepare you for your onward career or study plans.

If you get top grades in your first year, you may be able to study abroad at a globally renowned research institution, usually for one semester. You might study areas such as polar oceanography or tropical storms, in countries including the USA, Norway and Australia.

Year 1 overview

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 overview

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 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 overview

You'll study 4 compulsory modules:

Applied Oceanography and Fieldwork
Oceanography and Marine Biology Research Training
Shelf Seas and Shelf Edge Dynamics
Advanced Oceanography Fieldwork

You'll choose 4 more modules from a list of options, including:

Biogeochemical Cycles in the Earth System
Large Scale Ocean Processes and Climate
Coastal Sediment Dynamics
Zooplankton Ecology and Processes
Computational Data Analysis for Geophysicists and Ocean Scientists

Year 4 overview

You'll complete 3 final compulsory modules:

Advanced Oceanography Fieldwork
Contemporary Topics in Oceanography and Marine Biology
MSci Advanced Independent Research Project

You'll choose how to develop your specialist knowledge by selecting 2 modules from a broad list of options, including:

Applied and Marine Geophysics
Deep Sea Ecology
Ecological Modelling
Environmental Radioactivity and Radiochemistry
Global Climate Cycles
Introductory Remote Sensing of the Ocean
Seafloor Exploration and Surveying

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Coevolution of Life and Earth

Dynamic Earth

Earth and Ocean System

An introduction to the fundamental processes which determine the environment of the Earth and the general functioning of the Earth as a system.

How to be Scientifically Literate

Scientific literacy refers to the ability of individuals to understand, evaluate, and engage with scientific information and concepts in a meaningful way. It involves not only knowing scientific facts but also understanding the processes of scientific inq...

Introduction to Environmental Biogeochemistry

This course explores how the key materials and elements that are essential to life are cycled through the biosphere and the Earth system.

Introduction to Marine Ecology and Evolution

Physics of the Ocean

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials

How you'll spend your course time:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

32%

Scheduled learning & teaching

68%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

coursework, laboratory reports and essays
essays
oral presentations
written exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

66%

Written exam

25%

Coursework

9%

Practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Philip Goodwin is the course leader.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

Research
Critical thinking
Self-management
Communication
Teamwork

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

Department for environment,

Research institutes,

universities,

Government research laboratories,

Armed services,

Charities,

National meteorological services.

Careers directly related to this course:

Environmental consultant
Nature Conservation officer
Water quality scientist
Water engineer
Hydrogeologist
Meteorologist
Geophysicist
Oceanographer
Geochemist
Marine scientist

Wider career opportunities:

Data analyst
Lecturer
Hydrographic surveyor
Conservation officer
Geologist
Fisheries officer
Oil spill consultant
Water quality scientist
Marine ecologist
Environmental engineer

Example job titles of Southampton MSci Oceanography graduates*:

Hydrographic surveyor
Researcher
Geophysicist
Wells engineer
Oceanographer
Chemical analyst
Analytical research and development scientist
Environmental engineer
Fisheries and conservation officer
Oceanographic data engineer

Job prospects for MSci Oceanography graduates

£28k

Average professional salary

87%

In a skilled profession or further study

98%

Graduate employment rate

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. 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.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,535.
EU and international students pay £28,800.

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

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

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 to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub 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 EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: F700
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

Oceanography (MSci) is a course in the Ocean and Earth science subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

b

MSci

Biology and Marine Biology

BSc

Biology and Marine Biology

e

BSc

Environmental Geoscience

MSci

Environmental Geoscience

g

BSc

Geology

MSci

Geology

m

MSci

Marine Biology with Oceanography

o

BSc

Oceanography (MSci)

About this course

Learn more about this subject area

Ocean and Earth science

Course location

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Entry requirements

For Academic year 202526

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE additional information

Access Offer Contextual

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish certificate additional information

Irish Offer Contextual

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Mature applicats

For Academic year 202627

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE additional information

Access Offer Contextual

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish certificate additional information

Irish Offer Contextual

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Mature applicats

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview

Year 4 overview