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 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
For Academic year 202223
A-levels
We are not accepting applications for this course starting in September 2022
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.
Other requirements
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
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our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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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
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
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Introductory Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
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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
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Zooplankton Ecology
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Palaeoclimate Change
And you'll take 2 options from physical geography, including:
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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
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 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.
The coastal zone supports the livelihood and well-being of hundreds of millions of people, valuable ecosystems and vital industry, trade links and energy networks. The movement of coastal sediments by natural processes and human interventions continually ...
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...
This module examines current topics in environmental and engineering geology – the practical application of the principles of geology/Earth Science in the solving of environmental and engineering problems. Through a mix of lecture, discussion and practica...
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
Philip Goodwin 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
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marine and fisheries scientist
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marine science officer
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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 £23,720.
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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