Oceanography

Entry requirements

Graduates in any scientific discipline or maths are eligible to apply for MSc Oceanography, usually with a strong background in one of the following:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• A biological science
• Environmental Science
• Geology or physical geography

An upper second-class Honours degree is recommended, though students with other backgrounds may be considered. Students without AS-level (or an equivalent standard in other qualifications) mathematics may need to undertake additional individual study for some parts of the course, but will be advised individually at the start of the degree, depending on their option choices.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The MSc Oceanography degree is designed primarily for students with no previous specialisation in marine science. So if you are a graduate with a degree in biological sciences, chemistry or materials science, physics, maths, environmental science, physical geography or related disciplines, and you have an interest in marine science or oceanography, this could be the course for you.

The programme includes compulsory introductory modules that provide a foundation in interdisciplinary marine science, along with the opportunity to specialise in particular areas through an option of modules, as well as research project experience with marine scientists at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS).

We have developed "pathways" of suggested module choices, which include:

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

The reason why this degree is so popular is because students can either follow one of these "pathways", or mix options from different pathways, where the timetable allows, to pursue broader interests.

Employment in the marine environmental sector is a common destination for MSc Oceanography graduates, and as the degree is a "conversion" to marine science from "pure" science backgrounds, around one-third of graduates also go on to PhD research in marine sciences.