About this course
Study our Oceanography MSc at the University's School of Ocean and Earth Science, based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS). NOCS is home to the largest single group of marine and earth scientists in the world.
This course is subject to revalidation for 2022 entry.
On this master's you'll work alongside experts in their field as you learn how to become an oceanographer. You'll learn how they develop their understanding of marine systems, from coasts to the vast unexplored deep ocean.
You’ll be taught by researchers at the forefront of their disciplines, contributing to some of today’s biggest challenges, such as:
- sea-level rise
- ocean pollution
- sustainable fisheries
- climate change
- deep-sea mining
- marine biodiversity
This course is open to UK and international students who are passionate about working in marine science but may not have previous experience. This course welcomes students from all scientific backgrounds.
You’ll benefit from the centre’s modern equipment, laboratory facilities and dedicated teaching vessel, Callista. Our flexible course structure means you can mix and match your module choices to adapt your studies around career goals
This course also allows you to specialise your studies in a specific area.
Study theme options include:
- Marine Biology and Ecology
- Physical Oceanography and Climate Dynamics
- Marine Biogeochemistry
- Marine Geology and Geophysics
Accreditations
“I chose Southampton because it is world-renowned for ocean sciences, and one of the best places to study with access to leading scientists in the field. ”
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 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. 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’ll need a 2:1 degree in one of the following subjects:
- environmental science
- geology
- physics
- physical geography
- a biological science
- chemistry
- mathematics
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
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
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don’t have the exact entry requirements, we'll consider your application based on your:
- relevant professional experience
- subject knowledge
- suitability for the course
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
We offer a range of compulsory and optional modules. This allows you to design your degree to follow a general oceanography theme, or to specialise in one of these areas:
- Marine Biology and Ecology
- Physical Oceanography and Climate Dynamics
- Marine Biogeochemistry
- Marine Geology and Geophysics
- General Pathway
You'll be able to confirm your module selection after you apply.
This course runs for a full 12-month year, not an academic year.
Semester 1 overview
These introductory modules are designed to help develop your foundation knowledge before the second semester. The first semester includes introductory modules in:
- biological oceanography
- chemical oceanography
- physical oceanography
- marine geology
You’ll complete hands-on field work experience using our in-shore research vessels, while developing practical skills in sampling and interpreting data from a variety of coastal marine environments. In addition to the above, you'll select from 2 modules available in semester 1.
Semester 2 overview
You’ll choose 3 additional modules in semester 2.
After these modules, you’ll complete a 3-month independent research project working alongside academics. These projects are aligned with large international research programmes so you will get experience in scientific research and access to a global network of researchers who are tackling ocean-related issues.
Project results are often published as scientific papers. You’ll also develop your skills in project management, data analysis, scientific communication and oceanography.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
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 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Introduction to general aspects of biological oceanography from phytoplankton to fish. The module is designed for students with no previous experience of studying biological systems. The module follows the flow of energy from light, via primary producer...
The module is designed for graduates in any science discipline embarking on postgraduate studies in Ocean and Earth Science.
This course will cover the formation of ocean basins; the role of mid-ocean ridges in basin scale processes; structure and geological processes at continental margins; sedimentary processes within and on the boundaries of ocean basins; and the past histor...
An introductory module for MSc/MRes students.
This module provides essential key skills training to MSc students within Ocean and Earth Science.
The MSc project will entail four months of full-time work investigating a topic related to Marine/Earth/Environmental science, and culminating in the submission of a dissertation. The project is conducted on a novel question, often associated with a large...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
The module covers, at advanced level, three topics that are central to applied geophysics in the marine environment.
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.
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.
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.
This module examines the patterns of life in deep-sea environments & the processes that govern those patterns.
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...
The course provides a comprehensive treatment of the geophysics of the Solid Earth.
This course aims to provide a broad introduction at Masters level to the ways in which remote sensing of the oceans, mainly from satellites but also from autonomous underwater vehicles, is applied in oceanography. Whether you have a special interest in th...
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 ...
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 participate in lectures, seminars and you’ll complete independent study and practical assignments throughout the course. You’ll be expected to work independently (with a dedicated supervisor) on your final research project.
Activities will depend on the modules that you take.
We offer a variety of different learning activities to help you learn, including:
- data analysis sessions
- tutorials and lectures
- boat practicals on one of our research vessels
- professional advice on applying for a job after the course
- modules to develop key skills, for example in ARC / GIS (geographic information systems)
Assessment
We'll assess you through a combination of the following methods:
- written exams
- practical assessments
- boat work report
- coursework
- written dissertation
- oral presentation
Explore course modules for full details of learning and assessment.
Dissertation
You'll need to use the methods, techniques and skills you learn in the taught part of the programme to write a dissertation.
Academic Support
You'll be supported by your university personal tutor and researcher at OES during the research part of the course.
Careers
There are a variety of oceanography careers. With this master's, you can work in a wide range of organisations - from global corporations and consultancies to government agencies, museums and universities. Transferable skills in analysis, research, problem-solving and teamwork mean you'll be ideally suited for a variety of different roles. Past students have gone on to the following jobs:
- marine scientist
- oceanographer
- geologist
- fisheries officer
- oil spill consultant
- marine science officer
Around one-third of our students have gone on to complete PhD research. Past students have gone to work at the following organisations:
- British Antarctic Survey
- Environment Agency
- BP
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS)
- Natural England
Our careers and employability service will help you to find work placements and graduate jobs, as well as offering specialist careers advice. You’ll also be supported by your personal academic tutor and an employability coordinator, who can advise you on your career path throughout your course.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). 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/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 £25,400.
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.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from 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
UK students
Make sure we receive your application at least 4 weeks before the start of the course. This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available.
International students
Make sure we receive your application at least 6 weeks before the start of the course.
This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available. It will also give you time to apply for a visa if we offer you a place.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. 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, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. 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
- 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.
You may also be asked to provide:
- a personal statement
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
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'll aim to get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
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
