BSc Oceanography
About this course
BSc in Oceanography, an oceanography degree focused on the physical, biological, geological and environmental aspects of marine science. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Policy Analysis, Environmental Analysis, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students benefit from hands-on training at sea and placement opportunities within the offshore sector and marine and environmental agencies. The first year introduces foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Marine Biology, Earth System Science, Introduction to Data Science, Atmospheric and Oceanic Systems, Their Interactions and Importance, Marine and Environmental Science Field Course, and Field Course: Environment and Sustainability on the Isles of Scilly. Optional modules in the first year allow study in areas such as environmental issues, biodiversity, chemistry, quantitative methods, and environmental law. The second year advances core knowledge with compulsory modules including Remote Sensing for Environmental Management, Physical Ocean Processes, Research Design and Methods, and Research Cruise. Optional modules in the second year cover marine ecology, geographical information science, glaciology, hazards, python programming, and environmental regulation.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: ABB-BBB. Required subjects: B in a science subject*. *Accepted science subjects: Biology/Human Biology; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Life and Health Sciences (Double Award only), Marine Science; Maths/Pure Maths/Further Maths; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied); Sport Science; Statistics. IB: 32/665-30/555.
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What students say
Based on about 34 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 87%
- Learning opportunities: 79%
- Assessment and feedback: 72%
- Academic support: 87%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 45 students who started
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 30%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 20%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Process, plant and machine operatives: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 45 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 5%
- West Midlands: 10%
- East of England: 5%
- South East: 25%
- South West: 40%
- Wales: 10%
Who gets in
Based on about 50 students who started
- A levels: 90%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Marine Biology
- Earth System Science
- Introduction to Data Science
- Atmospheric and Oceanic Systems, Their Interactions and Importance
- Marine and Environmental Science Field Course
- Field Course: Environment and Sustainability on the Isles of Scilly
- Global Issues in Environmental Science
- Biodiversity and its Conservation
- Earth and Environmental Chemistry
- Quantitative Methods for Geoscientists
- A Legal Foundation for Environmental Protection
- Remote Sensing for Environmental Management
- Physical Ocean Processes
- Research Design and Methods
- Research Cruise
- Marine Ecology
- Wildlife Exploitation
- Geographical Information Science and Systems
- Green Consultants
- Biogeography
- Ice Sheets: Glaciology, Climate and the Oceans
- Hazards and Human Society
- Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
- Oceans and Human Health
- Python Programming
- Critical Elements of Environmental Humanities: Cultures of Earth and Water
- Environmental Regulation and Redress
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Oceanography at University of Exeter earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £19,500 after 3 years, £25,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,500 and £29,000. The £25,500 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
What do graduates of BSc Oceanography at University of Exeter do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Oceanography at University of Exeter?
87% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Oceanography at University of Exeter?
The typical offer is BBB at A level. The average entrant had 145 UCAS points.
Does BSc Oceanography at University of Exeter include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Oceanography at University of Exeter?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.