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Oceanography at University of Southampton - UCAS

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Course summary

About this course Uncover the secrets of our oceans on this four-year integrated Oceanography master's degree. You'll be based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS) - one of the leading research centres globally for ocean science - and will benefit from a mix of fieldwork, practical skills, and an independent research project that equips you with the skills you need to progress onto a career or further study in areas such as research institutes, environmental consultancies. governmental and non-governmental environmental organisations such as Fugro or the United Nations. Key features of the course:

  • Explore the four marine science disciplines (biology, chemistry, physics and geology), with emphasis on developing skills and knowledge in marine aspects of physics, chemistry and geology
  • Study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the leading research centres globally for ocean science
  • Work in the field aboard our research vessel, the R.V. Callista
  • Use laboratory analysis to examine our diverse marine environment, developing computing and data analysis skills essential for research
  • Obtain qualifications in first aid and sea survival
  • Become part of a department ranked 8th in the UK and top 40 globally, QS World Rankings by Subject (Earth and Marine Science) 2026
  • Join a University where 99% of Ocean and Earth Science graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2022/2023, published 2025).
Student support Our supervisors will mentor you throughout your studies as you gain the expertise needed to take the next steps in your career. They will help you decide on optional modules, and discuss your future career plans to ensure you are on the right path for you. Further information This course is open to UK and international applicants and is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)

Modules

We have a varied range of modules for all years, which gives you the opportunity to tailor your studies to your passions and to equip you with the skills and experiences needed for success as a graduate. For full list of all modules available, please visit the course page.

Assessment method

Your learning is delivered, and assessed, through a wide range of methods to ensure you develop a broad variety of skills that will set you up for success after graduation. The learning activities for this course include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group, projects and independent learning. We’ll assess you using coursework, laboratory reports and essays, individual and group projects, oral presentations and written exams.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, Institute of

How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
F700
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

GCSEs: Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/oes/undergraduate/courses/oceanography/f700_msci_oceanography.page?#entry_requirements%0A____________________


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5Band C: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component

All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.

Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
80%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
90%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9535* Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535* Year 1
Scotland £9535* Year 1
Wales £9535* Year 1
Channel Islands £9535* Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535* Year 1
EU £30300 Year 1
International £30300 Year 1

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page
Oceanography at University of Southampton - UCAS