Skip to main navigationSkip to main content
The University of Southampton
Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre SouthamptonPostgraduate study

Flexible study

We offer great flexibility in what you can study at postgraduate level, and how you can study it.

Masters ('taught') degrees

A masters degree offers you the chance to both deepen your scientific knowledge and specialise within your subject. While many applicants have gained a first degree in one of the marine or Earth sciences, we actively welcome students from other science disciplines. Most of our taught courses start with one or two introductory modules, common to all students. Depending on your background and interests, you can then either take further modules that introduce new topics, or follow through on your existing knowledge and take specialist modules. We offer a wide choice within each programme, in some cases including modules run by our partners in other disciplines such as Civil, Maritime and Environmental Engineering or Humanities.

Our programmes are fully modular allowing you to choose pathways that provide specific academic or vocational training. The majority run for a year (October - September) in full-time mode. If you prefer a part-time mode, you can also take individual modules over an extended period, subject to availability. Students from different programmes may be taking the same modules.

Some of our programmes incorporate a period of study at an overseas institution.

We have two types of masters options.

MPhil/PhD research degree

The PhD by research, typically lasting three or four years, is primarily research-focused. It generally suits students who have already some smaller-scale research experience, for example through an MSci or MRes.

Your choices

All our one- and two-year taught courses include a project. On an MRes course, you will gain the skills to carry out and deliver a significant research project.

Research students are automatically members of the Graduate School.

Privacy Settings