Learn how we empower our academics to inform policymakers and connect stakeholders.
The University of Southampton has an international pedigree across the spectrum of ocean science and engineering, maritime law, and maritime archaeology and offers a diverse a range of education opportunities across the marine and maritime space.
PhD opportunities
Search the current PhD opportunities available at the University of Southampton:
At the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI), we are dedicated to shaping the future of marine and maritime research and to training the next generation of professionals and leaders, equipping them with the skills needed to tackle the sector's evolving challenges.
We have a range of research projects and competitive studentships, including SMMI-funded studentships or the Leverhulme Trust Doctoral Scholarships. Postgraduate students have the chance to work with our researchers on important questions and solutions that address pressing societal and industry issues.
SMMI Leverhulme Trust Doctoral Scholarships
The SMMI Leverhulme Trust "Understanding Maritime Futures" Doctoral Scholarships address key global issues such as access to resources, safety and security, the effects of rising sea levels, technical advancements and autonomy, our responses to natural and human disasters, the impacts on people, and the ways people living by and from the sea understand their experiences and cultural heritage.
Marine and maritime topics
Explore the range of marine and maritime topics you can study at the University of Southampton:
Engineering and physical sciences
clean, green marine energy
communications, data-science and cyber security
control systems
electrification of systems
energy storage and batteries
marine acoustics
maritime engineering, ship efficiency and safety
materials and coatings
ocean optics
offshore and coastal engineering and decommissioning
robotics, autonomous systems and sensors
Environmental, life and social sciences
climate change
coastal processes
earth surface dynamics
eco-system services
environmental geosciences
global environmental change and earth observation
human factors
human health and well being
international relations
marine biology
marine geology and geophysics
oceanography
pollution and environmental change
Law and business
admiralty law
carriage of goods by sea
commercial conflict of laws
cyber security
global enterprise
international trade law
marine insurance
ocean governance
organisational change management
supply chain management and logistics
Arts and humanities
art and design
digital oceans
environmental anthropology
globalisation of music and culture
literature of the seas, piracy, and nature writing
maritime archaeology
maritime history, explorations, migrations, and global diaspora
scientific diving
visual anthropology and film
Contact us
Whether you're a UK, EU, or international student, if you have a passion for marine and maritime studies, get in touch to find out how you can study with us. Please email us at smmi@southampton.ac.uk.
