About this course
Explore how our oceans are changing and the effects on marine ecosystems on our BSc Oceanography with Physical Geography degree. Oceanography helps us understand and address some of the key environmental issues we face today. You’ll have access to the latest technology, which includes: molecular biology, high-powered computing and robotic sampling.
This course is subject to revalidation for 2022 entry.
You’ll study at the world-leading National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), and use cutting-edge facilities, such as our geochemistry and coral reef laboratories. Our teaching staff are experts in a wide range of research areas, including:
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offshore renewable energy
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conservation of species and ecosystems
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the ocean’s role in climate change
Around 25% of the course will be Physical Geography, the rest will focus on Oceanography. You’ll study topics such as:
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chemistry and biology of marine environments
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Arctic and alpine geomorphology
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sea floor surveying
Fieldwork and research are major parts of the programme. This includes experience aboard the Callista, our purpose-built research vessel, where you’ll use modern instruments and sampling methods. At the end of year 2, you'll take a 10-day field course in Falmouth or Plymouth.
You’ll develop professional skills that are ideal in the expanding environmental sector. These include qualifications in first aid and sea survival techniques. Ocean science degrees prepare you for a wide range of careers, including:
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oceanographer
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environmental consultancy
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ocean and climate research
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coastal engineering and management
This degree is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).
Accreditations
Course locations
This course is based at Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton) and Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
A-levels
ABB to include 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 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.
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
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, as follows:
ABB to include two acceptable science subjects (minimum of grade B)
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 (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation), Environmental Studies, Geology or Physics. You will be required to attend an interview.
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.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in A Level acceptable science subjects.
We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AB grades in A Level acceptable science 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.
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 additional information
A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 including two science subject.
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
AAABBB to include two preferred subjects.
Irish certificate additional information
Acceptable science subject 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 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) 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
ABB from 3 A levels including two acceptable science subject
or
AB from two A levels subject including two acceptable science subject 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.
Welsh 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.
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.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
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
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
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.
For Academic year 202122
A-levels
ABB to include 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 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.
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
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, as follows:
ABB to include two acceptable science subjects (minimum of grade B)
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 (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation), Environmental Studies, Geology or Physics. You will be required to attend an interview.
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.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in A Level acceptable science subjects.
We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AB grades in A Level acceptable science 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.
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 additional information
A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 including two science subject.
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
AAABBB to include two preferred subjects.
Irish certificate additional information
Acceptable science subject 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 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) 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
ABB from 3 A levels including two acceptable science subject
or
AB from two A levels subject including two acceptable science subject 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.
Welsh 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.
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.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
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
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
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.
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
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
Over the 3 years, you'll gain an extensive core knowledge of your 2 main subjects. You can also follow your own interests in more depth.
You don't need to choose your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.
Year 1 overview
Compulsory modules will give you a grounding in earth systems and the marine environment, including its:
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biology
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physics
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chemistry
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geology
Topics include dynamic landscapes, physical oceanography and marine ecology and evolution.
You'll also study 1 of these compulsory maths modules, based on your existing maths qualifications:
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Introductory Mathematics for Chemists and Oceanographers
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Mathematical Methods for Scientists
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Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences
You'll gain the field and laboratory skills that will underpin your studies, including boat work.
Year 2 overview
You'll develop your practical skills through oceanography fieldwork and research methods. You'll also take 2 compulsory modules in coastal and estuarine oceanography.
You'll choose 5 optional modules from topics including:
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Paleobiology
-
Introductory Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
-
Quaternary Environmental Change
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Global Climate Change: Science, Impacts and Policy
Year 3 overview
Your final core modules are:
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Applied Oceanography and Fieldwork
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Independent Research Project
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Coastal Sediment Dynamics
You'll choose 2 more modules from oceanography, including:
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Seafloor Exploration and Surveying
-
Zooplankton Ecology
-
Palaeoclimate Change
And you'll take 2 options from physical geography, including:
-
Glaciers and Glaciation
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Environmental Pollution
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Arctic and Alpine Environments
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
To give the student a basic knowledge of the main geomorphological processes involved in the shaping of the landscape. Pre-requisite of GEOG3020 One of the pre-requisites for GEOG2032, GEOG2039, GEOG3004 and GEOG3057
An introduction to the fundamental processes which determine the environment of the Earth and the general functioning of the Earth as a system.
The module will look at the challenges posed to human societies living on a dynamic planet and how these societies adapt (or not) to a range of environmental and socio-economic hazards. Pre-requisite for GEOG2006 and GEOG3047 One of the pre-requisit...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
This module is suitable for students with A level Mathematic (grade B or higher). – Students with AS level Mathematics are required to take MATH1004 instead. The aim of the module is to provide students with the necessary skills and confidence to apply...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
The topic is addressed from three perspectives: the science of climate change, impact and adaptation, and policy towards adaptation and mitigation. One of the pre-requisites for GEOG3057
The module will introduce the basic concepts and techniques underpinning geographic information systems.
The Quaternary period is the last 2.6 million years of changes on Earth, and includes multiple ice ages. The syllabus can be divided into three main parts, and includes a number of lectures, practicals and seminars: Section 1 Section one provides an i...
The module will look at the basic theory and practical application of remote sensing for monitoring the terrestrial environment. Pre-requisite for GEOG3065
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
The module consists of the main Oceanography undergraduate fieldcourse which takes place at the end of Semester 2 (late June to early July) following the exam period plus some work on report writing and data presentation in Semester 1 of the following aca...
The Independent Research Project, or Dissertation, forms an extremely important part of the overall degree. This module represents an extended opportunity to develop independent real-world and applied research skills, in design, execution, analysis and sy...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
The module will look at the conceptual, practical and methodological issues associated with geospatial analysis for environmental and socio-economic applications.
This module will explore the periglacial environments of the arctic and alpine, and the unique landforms associated with the freezing and thawing of the ground, and formation of ground ice.
The module will present a variety of different types of geophysical, oceanographic and remote sensing data and will explore methods for processing, analysing and modelling using MATLAB.
An understanding of the physical, chemical and biological processes involved during contamination of air, water and soil is essential if society is going to effectively monitor and control the effects of pollution using modern technology and engineering p...
To investigate the modern research into glacial processes, to investigate analytical approaches to test contemporary controversial problems and to show how these processes formed the present day landscape
This module provides you with skills that are scientifically fascinating as well as important for employability. The offshore industry is crying-out for graduates that understand seafloor surveying. In the past few years many OES students have gone on to...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- essays
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- essays
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- essays
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Robert Marsh is the course leader.
Careers
Studying both ocean and earth sciences will equip you with the knowledge and technical skills needed for a range of scientific careers. For example, you could develop a career in marine conservation, marine pollution or water quality management. You could also specialise to become a biological, geological or physical oceanographer.
Our ocean and earth sciences graduates have secured roles such as:
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geo-environmental engineer
-
marine and fisheries scientist
-
marine science officer
-
oil spill consultant
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trainee hydrometeorologist
This degree is also a good foundation for further study at Masters or PhD level. Many of our students go on to study in fields such as water quality management, exploration geophysics or marine pollution.
You could go on to register as a Chartered Scientist or Chartered Marine Scientist, as an important stepping stone in your career.
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.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £22,760.
What your fees pay for
Your fees also cover some field trip costs.
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 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: F7F8
- 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.
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
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