Entry requirements

UK 2.1 Bachelor Hons degree or above or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University in one of the following subjects:

environmental science
geology
physics
physical geography
a biological science
chemistry
mathematics

Months of entry

September

Course content

Explore Oceanography at a global top 100* university.

You'll study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), home to one of the largest group of marine and earth scientists in the world and ranked 6th in the world in Oceanography for academic rankings of global universities.**

This degree is designed primarily for students with no previous specialisation in marine science such as graduates with a degree in biological sciences, chemistry or materials science, physics, mathematics, environmental science, and physical geography.

This programme includes compulsory introductory modules that provide a foundation in interdisciplinary marine science, along with the opportunity to specialise in particular areas through a choice of modules, as well as research project experience. To highlight the specialisations possible through the optional modules of the programme, we have developed “pathways” of suggested module choices, which include:

- Marine Biology and Ecology

- Physical Oceanography and Climate Dynamics

- Marine Biochemistry

- Marine Geology and Geophysics.

You'll graduate primed to start your career or to continue your exploration in research. Graduates often pursue careers in the marine environmental sector or undertake PhD research in marine sciences.

*QS World University Rankings 2025

**Shanghai Ranking - Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023

Information for international students

English language requirements: IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components.

Fees and funding

For UK students, bursaries to cover some of the costs of the course and living expenses can be applied from the Society for Underwater Technology. For details of application procedures please contact the Administrative Officer (Postgraduate Taught Programmes).

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

MSc
full time
12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name: Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk

Phone: +44(0)23 8059 5000

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Oceanography