Entry requirements

You'll need a 2.2 degree in a relevant marine or earth science subject.

Months of entry

September

Course content

About this course

Join one of the largest marine science communities in Europe and a global top 100* university and address some of our biggest environmental challenges.

You’ll study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), our school for marine education and research. You’ll benefit from access to our very own research vessel, the R.V. Callista, as well as a range of other state-of-the-art technologies and facilities.

Your future career

A Master of Science by Research course differs from a conventional MSc in the balance between teaching and research. As an MSc by Research student, you’ll spend more time getting hands-on experience with your research project, and less time with formal teaching.

You'll graduate primed to start your career or to continue your exploration in further research.

Key features of this course

Training alongside scientists at a world-leading research centre, you'll spend most of your time conducting research in your area of specialisation. A mix of compulsory and optional modules provide further opportunities to develop research and transferable skills, including laboratory and fieldwork. You’ll have the chance to:

explore a diverse range of topics, from the processes operating on the Earth and its oceans, to the impact of natural and human activity on ecosystems
specialise your studies to better suit your background and career goals
complete a research project using the latest marine and Earth science knowledge

Further information

This course is suitable if you already have a foundation in marine or Earth science. It will allow you to develop a specialism from your first degree as you build your knowledge and research skills. Visit the course page on our website for more information.

*QS World University Rankings 2025

Information for international students

If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate that your English language proficiency meets our Band G requirements: For IELTS this is 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in all components.

Fees and funding

A variety of scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations. Please check the website for more information - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/funding/postgraduate.page

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

MSc by research
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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Ocean and Earth Science by Research