Oceanography (MSc)

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.

Oceanography is a numerate discipline and this is reflected in some of the modules you will take.

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:

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

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

Semester 1 runs from September to January. You will complete compulsory introductory modules and a key-skills module designed to help develop your foundation knowledge before the second semester.

Introductory modules include:

• 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.

You’ll select 1 of these modules to develop your ability to handle scientific datasets:

• computational data analysis for geophysicists and ocean scientists
• data management and generalised linear modelling for biologists

You’ll also select 1 optional module based on your interests from:

• applied and marine geophysics
• biogeochemical cycles in the earth system
• deep sea ecology
• marine conservation and policy
• shelf seas and shelf edge dynamics 

Semester 2 overview

Semester 2 runs from February to June.

You’ll choose 3 additional modules based on your interests from the following:

• climate and climate change
• ecological modelling
• large scale ocean processes and climate
• marine microbial ecology and biotechnology
• marine reproduction
• sea level rise and coastal management
• seafloor exploration and surveying 2

After these modules, you’ll complete a 3 month independent research project over the summer, 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.

Module availability is subject to timetable constraints and staff availability.

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

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. 

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 2022). 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

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £26,352.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

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:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

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.

Southampton Ocean and Earth Science Postgraduate International Scholarship

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.

Other postgraduate funding options

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.

Funding for EU and international students

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

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

Application deadlines

Places are limited and we allocate them on a continuous basis from 21 September 2022, until all places are filled. We advise you to apply early to avoid disappointment.

We expect to close applications for this course on Friday 7 July 2023 (11:59pm UK time).

This course may stay open after this date if places are still available.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. 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, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. 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

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 will aim to send you a decision 6-8 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 the volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

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