Oceanography MSci
University of Southampton
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.2) View reviews

Want to know what it's like to study this course at uni? We've got all the key info, from entry requirements to the modules on offer. If that all sounds good, why not check out reviews from real students or even book onto an upcoming open days?

Different course options
academic-cap
Qualification

Master of Science - MSci

location-pin
Location

Main Site - Highfield Campus

beaker
Study mode

Full Time

calendar
Start date

SEP-25

time
Duration

4 Years

Course info

Select a course option


Qualification

Master of Science - MSci

Location

Main Site - Highfield Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

4 Years

SELECTED

Subjects

Select a subject


Geology
SELECTED

Exam type

Select a an exam type


A level
SELECTED

Scottish Higher
SELECT

Scottish Advanced Higher
SELECT

Access to HE Diploma
SELECT

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
SELECT

Extended Project
SELECT

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
SELECT

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
SELECT

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
SELECT

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
SELECT

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
SELECT

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
SELECT

Location

Select student location


England
SELECTED

Scotland
SELECT

Wales
SELECT

Northern Ireland
SELECT

Channel Islands
SELECT

EU
SELECT

Rest of World
SELECT

Course info

Uncover the secrets of our oceans.On your four-year integrated Oceanography masters, accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology (IMarEST), you will join one of the largest marine science communities in Europe, learning about the breadth of oceanography and the oceans whilst building your practical knowledge and skills.You will study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the world’s largest centres devoted to research, teaching, and ...Read more

Uncover the secrets of our oceans.On your four-year integrated Oceanography masters, accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology (IMarEST), you will join one of the largest marine science communities in Europe, learning about the breadth of oceanography and the oceans whilst building your practical knowledge and skills.You will study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the world’s largest centres devoted to research, teaching, and technology development in ocean and Earth science, and will graduate primed to pursue an extensive range of careers.*While at Southampton, you will study:- Coastal change, from beach dynamics to sea level rise- Ocean currents- Globally connecting tropics to poles- The physical and chemical controls on life in the oceansYou will develop your practical skills in the laboratory and on board our research vessels, which are moored minutes away from the lecture theatres, take part in a dedicated oceanography field course and research-orientated independent projects, and learn from academics who have influenced policy and decision-making at government at national and European level and benefit from links with industry, government and other major oceanography and marine biology centres around the world.*Ocean and Earth Science at Southampton is ranked 8th in the UK and 39th globally, QS World Rankings by Subject (Earth and Marine Science), 2023 and 98% of Ocean and Earth Science graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2020/2021).

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
83/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
14th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
20th
Earth Sciences
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 100 = 0% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
0%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
80%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Earth Sciences graduate salary at this uni
£22,000
UK Earth Sciences graduate salary
£21,000
What students say
B
Beth
19 Feb 25

The opportunity offered within the uni. Able to do powerboat courses. Access to working..Read more

J
Jack
10 Feb 25

The oceanography centre is great as it combines industry and academia but some of the other campuses aren’t so..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
Modules (Year 4)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

AAB Grades / Points required

Scottish Higher:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Scottish Advanced Higher:

AB Grades / Points required

Access to HE Diploma:

D:39,M:6 Grades / Points required

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal:

D3,D3,M2 Grades / Points required

Extended Project:

A Grades / Points required

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

34 Grades / Points required

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017):

H1,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

DD Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016):

D Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

DDD Grades / Points required

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015):

B Grades / Points required

AAB to include two science subjects. A level science subjects considered include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Environmental Science, Geography and Geology. Science practical components must be passed. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Use of Mathematics are excluded for entry.

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject).Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4.

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.Applicants are also required to have achieved a pass in Maths and English at Standard Grade Grade 3 or National 5 Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/Grade 4.

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 39 credits must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit.A core science Access to HE Diploma to include Level 3 modules in at least two from physics, chemistry, biology, or environmental science is required. If you are unsure whether the Access you are studying would be accepted, please contact the Admissions Team before submitting an application.

D3, D3, M2 to include Biology and one further science subject. Science subjects considered include Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, and Geography.Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.

ABB from 3 A-levels including two acceptable science subjects, and grade A in the EPQ. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including at least 5 and 6 in two Higher Level science subjects. Science subjects considered include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation), Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology.International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP):The University of Southampton accepts the IBCP for entry to their degree programmes, recognising the value of combining academic skills with practical skills, providing a solid preparation for university level work. Offers will be made on the individual components of the IBCP. Applicants not taking the full IBCP but presenting with a combination of a Level 3 vocational qualification and IB Certificates may still be considered. Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 to include two science subjects. Science subjects considered include Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Environmental Science, Geography and Geology.Applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at ILC Grade C or 04, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/grade 4.

We do not accept the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma without two A-levels to include two science subjects. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DD + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include two science subjects. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

D + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include two science subjects. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

We do not accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma without two A-levels to include two science subjects. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DDD + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include two science subjects. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

AA from two acceptable science A-level subjects and B from Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

Popular A-level subjects

Earth Sciences

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Biology
63%
Geography
55%
Mathematics
52%
Chemistry
46%
Physics
26%
HESA

Tuition fees

Students living in

England

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Scotland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Channel Islands

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£27,400 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£27,400 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£27400 Per year

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Oceanography reviews

Oceanography
Oceanography
B
Beth
19 Feb 25
Marine Biology with Oceanography MSci (Hons)
The opportunity offered within the uni. Able to do powerboat courses. Access to working...
Read more
J
Jack
10 Feb 25
Marine Biology with Oceanography MSci (Hons)
The oceanography centre is great as it combines industry and academia but some of the other campuses aren’t so...
Read more
Review breakdown
University rating
University rating
Students' union
Societies and Sports
University halls
Facilities
Lecturers and teaching quality
Local life
Career prospects
Student support
Location
Campus look and feel
Student life
Course rating
Course content
Work placements and internships
Tutor contact time
Subject facilities
University location
Cost of living
Safety
Public transport
Part-time work opportunities
Graduate employment opportunities
Diversity
Location
Safety
Room allocation
Internet/wifi
Value for money
Property management

How Oceanography students rated:

Student rating
( 4.0) 5 reviews
5 star
20%
4 stars
60%
3 stars
20%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 1,983 reviews
5 star
34%
4 stars
54%
3 stars
12%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%
Search reviews that mention

Uni info

University of Southampton
University of Southampton , Southampton

The University of Southampton is a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, internationally renowned for its education...

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
20th
University of Southampton
Highfield Southampton Hampshire SO17 1BJ United Kingdom
Nearest train station: St Denys  0.6 miles away

Similar courses at this uni

Find a course

  • Undergraduate
  • HND / HNC
  • Foundation degree
  • Access & foundation
  • Postgraduate