Program Overview

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Oceanography (MSc)

Award: Master of Science

Duration: 1 year

Course Type: Full-time

Campus: Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton)

About this course

Study our Oceanography MSc at the University's School of Ocean and Earth Science, based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS). NOCS is home to the largest single group of marine and earth scientists in the world.

On this master's you'll work alongside experts in their field as you learn how to become an oceanographer. You'll learn how they develop their understanding of marine systems, from coasts to the vast unexplored deep ocean.

You’ll be taught by researchers at the forefront of their disciplines, contributing to some of today’s biggest challenges, such as:

• sea-level rise
• ocean pollution
• sustainable fisheries
• climate change
• deep-sea mining
• marine biodiversity

This course is open to UK and international students who are passionate about working in marine science but may not have previous experience. This course welcomes students from all scientific backgrounds. Oceanography is a numerate discipline and this is reflected in some of the modules you will take.

You’ll benefit from the centre’s modern equipment, laboratory facilities and dedicated teaching vessel, Callista. Our flexible course structure means you can mix and match your module choices to adapt your studies around career goals

This course also allows you to specialise your studies in a specific area.

Study theme options include:

• Marine Biology and Ecology
• Physical Oceanography and Climate Dynamics
• Marine Biogeochemistry
• Marine Geology and Geophysics

Entry requirements

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:

• overall score: 6.5
• reading: 6.0
• writing: 6.0
• speaking: 6.0
• listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

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

Course structure

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.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules:

• Introduction to Biological Oceanography
• Introduction to Chemical Oceanography
• Introduction to Marine Geology
• Introduction to Physical Oceanography
• MSc Key Skills and Literature Review
• MSc Research Project

You must also choose from the following modules:

• Advanced Exploration Geophysics
• Biogeochemical Cycles in the Earth System
• Biological Data Science in R
• Climate and Climate Change
• Computational Data Analysis for Ocean and Earth Scientists
• Deep Sea Ecology
• Ecological Modelling
• Large Scale Ocean Processes and Climate
• Marine Conservation and Policy
• Marine Microbial Ecology and Biotechnology
• Marine Reproduction
• Sea Level Rise and Coastal Management
• Seafloor Exploration and Surveying 2
• Shelf Seas and Shelf Edge Dynamics

Learning and assessment

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.

Careers and employability

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Self-management
• Communication
• Creativity

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• universities
• Government research laboratories
• Armed services
• Charities
• Marine conservation and environmental consultancies
• Pollution and water control companies
• Fisheries and aquaculture organisations

Careers directly related to this course:

• Environmental consultant
• Nature Conservation officer
• Water quality scientist
• Water engineer
• Hydrogeologist
• Meteorologist
• Geophysicist
• Oceanographer
• Geochemist
• Marine scientist

See more

Wider career opportunities:

• Data analyst
• Lecturer
• Hydrographic surveyor
• Conservation officer
• Geologist
• Fisheries officer
• Oil spill consultant
• Water quality scientist
• Marine ecologist
• Environmental engineer

See more

Example job titles of Southampton MSc Oceanography graduates:

• Hydrographic surveyor
• Researcher
• Geophysicist
• Wells engineer
• Oceanographer
• Chemical analyst
• Analytical research and development scientist
• Environmental engineer
• Fisheries and conservation officer
• Oceanographic data engineer

See more

Job prospects for MSc Oceanography graduates

• Average professional salary: £26k
• 94% in a skilled profession or further study
• 100% graduate employment rate

Source

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Read more

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. 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.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £30,300.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for 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.

Society for Underwater Technology

The Society for Underwater Technology’s Educational Support Fund offers sponsorship awards to high calibre undergraduate and postgraduate students embracing at least one relevant component area of marine science, underwater technology or offshore engineering. Find out more about the funding by visiting our website.

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.

How to apply

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

• UK students: The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.
• International students: The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

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 submit two references, one academic reference and one academic or professional reference.

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.

Related courses

• Applied Coastal and Offshore Geoscience (MSc)
• Geophysics (MSc)
• Global Marine Resource Management (MSc)
• Marine Environment and Resources (MSc)
• Ocean and Earth Science by Research (MSc)