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.
On this master's you'll work alongside experts in their field as you learn how to become an oceanographer. You'll develop your understanding of marine systems, from coasts to the vast underexplored deep ocean.
You’ll be taught by researchers at the forefront of their disciplines, contributing to some of today’s biggest challenges, such as:
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. Oceanography is a numerate discipline and this is reflected in some of the modules you will take.
You’ll benefit from the centre’s modern equipment, laboratory facilities and dedicated teaching vessel, RV 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 specific areas, including:
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).
The Programme Lead for MSc Oceanography is Mark Moore.
“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. ”
I love being surrounded by leaders in my field. The names I see in news articles, outstanding publications, and groundbreaking research in marine science are often on the doors I walk past in between classes or the lecturers in charge of my modules.
This course is based at Waterfront campus (National Oceanography Centre Southampton).
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
You’ll need a 2:2 degree in one of the following subjects:
We may consider other backgrounds such as relevant engineering or computer science degrees.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
Oceanography is a numerate discipline and this is reflected in some of the modules you will take.
If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.
If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before you start your course.
If you don’t meet direct entry requirements, you can apply to complete a Pre-Master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus.
You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the programme. Find out more about Pre-Master's programmes for international students.
If you don’t have the exact entry requirements, we'll consider your application based on your:
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
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 areas including:
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 runs from September to January. You will complete a compulsory introductory modules in marine science and a key-skills module designed to help develop your foundation knowledge before the second semester.
The introductory module covers themes related to the biological, chemical, physical and geological characteristics and processes of marine systems and how these components interact.
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.
You’ll select 1 of these modules to develop your ability to handle scientific datasets:
You’ll also select 1 optional module based on your interests from a selection including:
Semester 2 runs from February to June.
You’ll choose 3 additional modules based on your interests from options including:
After these modules, you’ll complete a 3-month independent research project over the summer, working alongside academics. These projects give you experience in world-class scientific research and are often aligned with international research programmes, giving you access to a global network of researchers 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 critical thinking.
Module availability is subject to timetable constraints and staff availability.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
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.
You must study the following modules :
You must also choose from the following modules :
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:
We'll assess you through a combination of the following methods:
Explore course modules for full details of learning and assessment.
You'll need to use the methods, techniques and skills you learn in the taught part of the programme to write a dissertation.
You'll be supported by your university personal tutor and researcher at OES during the research part of the course.
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:
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
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
universities,
Government research laboratories,
Armed services,
Charities,
Marine conservation and environmental consultancies,
Pollution and water control companies,
Fisheries and aquaculture organisations.
*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.
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.
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:
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.
Fees for a year's study:
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
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:
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course.
If you study part-time, you may not be eligible for this loan. Find out if you're eligible.
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.
The Society for Underwater Technology’s Educational Support Fund offers sponsorship awards to high calibre undergraduate and postgraduate students embracing at least one relevant component area of marine science, underwater technology or offshore engineering. Find out more about the funding by visiting our website.
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.
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 2 September 2026, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 19 August 2026, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
There is no application assessment fee for postgraduate courses starting in 2026.
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:
You'll also need to submit two references, one academic reference and one academic or professional reference.
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'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will aim to send you a decision 6 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 number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Inclusion and Respectful Behaviour Policy.
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
