BSc Oceanography
About this course
Bachelor of Science in Oceanography, an earth and environmental sciences degree focused on the physical, chemical and biological processes of the marine environment. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Communication & Writing. This programme is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology and incorporates practical experience aboard research vessels. The first year introduces foundational subjects through Coevolution of Life and Earth, Dynamic Earth, Earth and Ocean System, and Physics of the Ocean. The second year expands into specialized study with Geochemistry of the Ocean and Earth System, Monitoring Coastal and Estuarine Environments, Ocean Data Analysis and Modelling, and The Oceans in a Changing Climate. Optional modules in the second year cover areas such as Geohazards and Marine Benthic Ecology. The final year centers on advanced study, featuring compulsory modules like Applied Oceanography and Fieldwork alongside an Independent Research Project. Students can further tailor their studies through optional modules including Coastal Sediment Dynamics, Palaeoclimate Change, and Large Scale Ocean Processes and Climate.
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 to include two acceptable science subjects (minimum of grade B) IB: Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 in two Higher Level science subjects
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What students say
Based on about 9 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 81%
- Learning opportunities: 75%
- Assessment and feedback: 70%
- Academic support: 75%
- Organisation and management: 71%
- Learning resources: 82%
- Student voice: 72%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 26 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 20%
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction Professionals: 15%
- Engineering professionals: 15%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 80%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 245 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 15%
- London: 16%
- South East: 34%
- South West: 16%
- Wales: 4%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 85%
- Baccalaureate: 10%
- Foundation course: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) on behalf of the Science Council and IMarEST for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Scientist and Chartered Marine Scientist.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Coevolution of Life and Earth
- Dynamic Earth
- Earth and Ocean System
- How to be Scientifically Literate
- Introduction to Environmental Biogeochemistry
- Introduction to Marine Ecology and Evolution
- Physics of the Ocean
- Geochemistry of the Ocean and Earth System
- Monitoring Coastal and Estuarine Environments
- Ocean Data Analysis and Modelling
- Phytoplankton and Primary Production
- Sediment in the Environment
- The Oceans in a Changing Climate
- Geohazards
- Global Climate Change: Science, Impacts and Policy
- Global Sustainability Challenges
- Marine Benthic Ecology
- Zooplankton Ecology and Processes
- Applied Oceanography and Fieldwork
- Independent Research Project
- Biogeochemical Cycles in the Earth System
- Coastal Sediment Dynamics
- Computational Data Analysis for Ocean and Earth Scientists
- Environmental and Engineering Geology
- Large Scale Ocean Processes and Climate
- Palaeoclimate Change
- Seafloor Exploration and Surveying
- Shelf Seas and Shelf Edge Dynamics
- The Evolving Earth
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Oceanography at University of Southampton earn?
The median salary is £29,000 after 15 months, £27,500 after 3 years, £34,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,000 and £41,500. The £34,500 median after five years is £2,500 more than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Oceanography at University of Southampton do next?
85% 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 Southampton?
81% 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 Southampton?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 130 UCAS points.
Is BSc Oceanography at University of Southampton accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) on behalf of the Science Council and IMarEST for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Scientist and Chartered Marine Scientist.
How many students continue on BSc Oceanography at University of Southampton?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.