Program Overview

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Programme Structure Master's Programme in Physical Oceanography

The Master's programme in Physical Oceanography is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the physical principles governing the ocean. The programme structure consists of a variety of courses and degree projects that enable students to complete a Master's degree in Physical Oceanography.

Programme Requirements

The Master's degree in Physical Oceanography is awarded when a student has completed the course requirements of 120 credits, comprising:

• at least 60 credits at advanced level in Physical Oceanography,
• no more than 30 first-cycle credits,
• a degree project of at least 30 credits.

Degree Project

Degree projects may be 30, 45, or 60 credits. The degree project can be completed at the University of Gothenburg or elsewhere in Sweden or abroad via an exchange study agreement. Students from the Master's programme in Physical Oceanography are encouraged to go abroad during their second year of studies.

First Year

The first year of the programme is divided into four periods:

Period 1: August November, 15 credits

• Course OCM100, Physical Oceanography I, 15 credits: This course provides a basic introduction to the principles governing motion in the ocean, covering scales from the smallest turbulent eddies to world ocean circulation.

Period 2: November January, 15 credits

• Course OCM210, Physical Oceanography II, 15 credits: This course a continuation of OCM100, Physical Oceanography I provides an introduction to time-dependent phenomena in the sea, such as waves and instabilities at both small and large scales.

Period 3: January March, 15 credits

• Course GVN465 Climate Modelling, 15 credits: Climate Modelling studies the physical and dynamic processes that affect and control the climate system as well as the mathematical and computational methods used to calculate them.

Period 4: March June, 15 credits

• Course OC4920, Observing the Ocean from Micro to Macro Scale, 15 credits: The course will provide an understanding of the ocean processes that impact its motion (e.g., circulation and property exchange) and the scales that they occur.

Second Year

The second year of the programme is also divided into four periods:

Period 1: August November, 15 credits

• Students have three choices: take an elective course, seek an internship, or begin a degree project (45 credits) in Sweden or abroad.

Period 2: November January, 15 credits

• Degree project: Begin (30 credits) or continue (45 credits) degree project in Sweden or abroad.

Period 3: January March, 15 credits

• Course OC6310, Ocean Models, 15 credits: This course introduces geophysical fluid dynamics, relevant equations, and different kinds of models. After this course, you will be able to build your own mathematical models of aquatic systems such as seas and ocean basins.

Period 4: March June, 15 credits

• Complete degree project (30 or 45 credits) in Sweden or abroad.

Internship (Applied Project)

Internships can be at the Department of Marine Sciences or externally at another university, or at a public or private organization in Sweden or abroad. The student has the responsibility to search and find a host organization and supervisor.

Exchange Study Opportunities

Students from the Master's programme in Physical Oceanography are encouraged to go abroad during their second year of studies. You can choose to participate in exchange studies at any of our partner universities, complete an internship, and/or carry out your degree project abroad.

How to Perform a Degree Project

During the degree project, the student performs scientifically structured, experimental, or theoretical work in the field of physical oceanography under the supervision of an academic with relevant expertise in the subject area. Degree projects may be 30, 45, or 60 credits.

Individual Study Plan

An individual study plan is required to be completed (in collaboration with the supervisor) and approved before commencement of the project. The completed project is presented and assessed in the form of a written report.

Degree Project Study Routes

For a 30-credit Degree Project:

• Choose a course or an internship Year 1 period 4,
• choose a course or an internship Year 2 period 1,
• begin and complete degree project period 3 and 4.

For a 45-credit Degree Project:

• Choose a course or an internship Year 1 period 4,
• begin degree project Year 2 period 1,
• complete degree project period 3 and 4.

For a 60-credit Degree Project, please contact our Study Guidance.

Degree Project Catalogue

In the Degree Project Catalogue, you will find suggestions on degree projects. The Degree Project Catalogue is for all Bachelor's and Master's levels within the subjects: oceanography, marine biology, marine chemistry, marine geology, and also interdisciplinary projects within all the marine sciences. Each project is presented on a web page.

Our Research in Oceanography

Our research in oceanography encompasses various areas, including:

• Polar Research: Marine polar research is carried out largely in the form of international collaboration and is often multidisciplinary.
• Oceanography: Marine Physics or Physical Oceanography is the Earth science concerned with the description of the physical state of the ocean.
• Research project/group: Physical Oceanography, Polar Gliders, MEOP Observing the ocean with the help of marine animals.