Oceanography
About this course
Integrated Masters degree in Science in Oceanography, an Earth and Environmental Sciences degree centred on marine ecosystems and ocean processes. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Communication & Writing. The course is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). The first year covers foundational concepts through Coevolution of Life and Earth, Dynamic Earth, Earth and Ocean System, and Physics of the Ocean. The second year expands into specialized areas with Geochemistry of the Ocean and Earth System, Monitoring Coastal and Estuarine Environments, Ocean Data Analysis and Modelling, and Phytoplankton and Primary Production. The third year builds advanced research capabilities through Applied Oceanography and Fieldwork, Ocean and Earth Science Research Training, and Shelf Seas and Shelf Edge Dynamics. The final fourth year culminates in independent investigation through Advanced Independent Research Project, Advanced Oceanography Fieldwork, and Contemporary Topics in Ocean and Earth Science. Optional modules across later stages allow students to focus on areas such as biogeochemical cycles, coastal dynamics, and computational data analysis.
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: AAB including two acceptable science subjects (minimum of grade B) IB: Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including at least 5 and 6 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: 98%
- Learning opportunities: 98%
- Assessment and feedback: 84%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 73%
- Learning resources: 95%
- Student voice: 79%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Unemployed: 20%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 35%
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction Professionals: 25%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Animal care and control services: 10%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 90%
- 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 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Baccalaureate: 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
- Ocean and Earth Science Research Training
- Shelf Seas and Shelf Edge Dynamics
- 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
- The Evolving Earth
- Advanced Independent Research Project
- Advanced Oceanography Fieldwork
- Contemporary Topics in Ocean and Earth Science
- Advanced Analytical Methods for Earth and Environmental Scientists
- Advanced Exploration Geophysics
- Biogeochemical Cycles in the Earth System
- Climate and Climate Change
- Coastal Morphodynamics
- Computational Data Analysis for Ocean and Earth Scientists
- Ecological Modelling
- Environmental Radioactivity and Radiochemistry
- Large Scale Ocean Processes and Climate
- Sea Level Rise and Coastal Management
- Seafloor Exploration and Surveying 2
- Shelf Seas and Shelf Edge Dynamics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of 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 Oceanography at University of Southampton do next?
75% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on Oceanography at University of Southampton?
98% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for Oceanography at University of Southampton?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 169 UCAS points.
Is 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 Oceanography at University of Southampton?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.