With a multidisciplinary emphasis, this MSc Oceanography Masters programme incorporates both taught modules as well as independent research.
This is the course page for MSc Oceanography at the University of Southampton. Find out everything about Oceanography and what studying here involves.
In this course page we explain a range of key information about the course. This includes typical entry requirements, modules you can take and how assessment works. We also suggest career opportunities open to you as a University of Southampton graduate of MSc Oceanography.
If you still have questions, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to answer any enquiries. See our contact us page for our telephone, email and address information.
The MSc Oceanography degree is designed primarily for students with no previous specialisation in marine science. For example, if you are a graduate with a degree in biological sciences, chemistry or materials science, physics, maths, environmental science, physical geography or related disciplines.
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).
To highlight the specialisations possible through the option modules of the programme, we have developed "pathways" of suggested module choices, which include:
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.
View the programme specification document for this course
This qualification is available for industry professionals who have a postgraduate award already but wish to upgrade this to a full Masters. This can be achieved simply by the completion of:
A short period of distance learning study in Applied Research Methods
A workplace focussed research project in an appropriate area
By studying your distance e-learning degree with us, when you graduate you will receive a full Advanced Oceanography for Professionals Master’s award from Plymouth University a world leader in Marine and Maritime related subjects. This is exactly the same as if you had attended a full time on-campus degree course.
We have a number of different start dates throughout the year to suit individual circumstances.
For more information visit http://www.mla-uk.com, or apply here.
The MER master program provides high quality teaching in general oceanography with a specialization in marine environment (ecology, ecotoxicology, biochemistry, geochemistry, sedimentology, paleo-oceanography) and living or non-living marine resources. The MER program benefits from a consortium of four EU universities (Bilbao - Spain, Bordeaux-France, Southampton-UK and Liège-Belgium) and a worldwide network of associated partners.
The MER master program is organized according to three teaching semesters (Semester 1-3: coursework) plus a research master thesis (Semester 4) carried out via an internship at any partner research institution worldwide. Mobility is mandatory and three different mobility opportunities are proposed for the coursework:
Coursework is organized according to six mandatory and optional modules (total: 90 ECTS).
Module 1 to 6: Content
The MSc thesis research (Module 6) is carried out during Semester 4 (30 ECTS) at any Marine Research Institute worldwide.
Successful completion of this program will prepare students for a leadership role in various marine sectors such as conservation and environmental management, fisheries, nongovernmental organizations and all levels of government positions from local to global. Students benefit from a worldwide network of partner institutions.
From the start (2007), the MER program has trained more than 100 students. More than 50% of graduates continue with a PhD. Other graduates integrate public or private organizations in their field of expertise.
With the eastern Mediterranean as our natural marine laboratory, the International M.Sc. Program in Marine Geosciences provides students with a unique opportunity to develop practical scientific experience at sea alongside a rigorous academic curriculum.
Established in 2007 as part of the multidisciplinary Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, the Department of Marine Geosciences combines research and graduate studies of the marine environment in the following main disciplines: exploration geophysics, seafloor mapping, remote sensing, geodynamics, tectonics, marine and coastal sedimentology, geochemistry, chemical and physical oceanography.
The two-year MSc program will begin in October.
Topics to be covered include: the structure of the seafloor; the Earth’s crust below it and the search for energy sources (oil, gas, hydrates); the dynamics of the water body above it; sea level variations and their relation to tectonic and climate changes; coastline developments in present and past times; and, finally, present and past influences on human evolution. Students will have the opportunity to interact with central research institutions in Israel including the Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research Institute, the Geological Survey of Israel, the Geophysical Institute of Israel and other industrial institutes.
Taught in English, the program can be completed in two years and begins every October. Coursework, field trips and an educational cruise are held during the first two semesters, the summer semester is dedicated to establishing a research proposal, while the second year is dedicated to conducting research. Students will be required to submit a research thesis at the end of the second year of the program. Upon completion of the program, students will be awarded a Master of Science in Marine Geosciences.
For a full and detailed list of the program curriculum, please visit here.
Full Scholarships for outstanding students from China and India!
Graduates of the program will be well-placed to pursue careers within government research agencies, onshore and offshore site investigation contractors or consultancy companies, and various branches of higher education and research.
Students will gain practical experience in marine geophysical survey work through hands-on field activities. The program includes educational research cruises to the deep sea, coastal and underwater field excursions, as well as geological field trips to marine structures currently exposed onshore. The research and educational cruises are carried out in water bodies in and surrounding Israel – the Mediterranean, the Dead Sea, the Red Sea and the Sea of Galilee.
Core Courses
Elective Courses
For more information on the course curriculum and course description please click here.
Currently, the Department of Marine Geosciences faculty includes seven senior members and six adjunct faculty members. The department is currently under the leadership of Professor Uri S. Ten Brink whose fields include marine geophysics, tectonics, earthquakes, landslides and tsunami hazards.
For a full list of faculty staff and their specialisations please visit here.
This program is eligible for MASA scholarship.
A number of full-tuition scholarships for outstanding students from China and India are available.
Further information on scholarships and financial aid can be found here.
Society urgently needs experts with a multidisciplinary education in atmospheric and Earth System sciences. Climate change and issues of air quality and extreme weather are matters of global concern, but which are inadequately understood from the scientific point of view. Not only must further research be done, but industry and business also need environmental specialists with a strong background in natural sciences. As new regulations and European Union directives are adopted in practice, people with knowledge of recent scientific research are required.
Upon graduating from the Programme you will have competence in
Further information about the studies on the Master's programme website.
The six study lines are as follows:
Aerosol particles are tiny liquid or solid particles floating in the air. Aerosol physics is essential for our understanding of air quality, climate change and production of nanomaterials. Aerosol scientists investigate a large variety of phenomena associated with atmospheric aerosol particles and related gas-to-particle conversion using constantly improving experimental, theoretical, model-based and data analysis methods.
Hydrospheric geophysics studies water in all of its forms using physical methods. It includes hydrology, cryology, and physical oceanography. Hydrology includes the study of surface waters such as lakes and rivers, global and local hydrological cycles as well as water resources and geohydrology, the study of groundwater. Cryology focuses on snow and ice phenomena including glacier mass balance and dynamics, sea ice physics, snow cover effects and ground frost. Physical oceanography covers saline water bodies, focusing on describing their dynamics, both large scale circulation and water masses, and local phenomena such as surface waves, upwelling, tides, and ocean acoustics. Scientists study the hydrosphere through field measurements, large and small scale modelling, and formulating mathematical descriptions of the processes.
Meteorology is the physics of the atmosphere. Its best-known application is weather forecasting, but meteorological knowledge is also essential for understanding, predicting and mitigating climate change. Meteorologists study atmospheric phenomena across a wide range of space and time scales using theory, model simulations and observations. The field of meteorology is a forerunner in computing: the development of chaos theory, for example, was triggered by the unexpected behaviour of a meteorological computer model. Meteorology in ATM-MP is further divided into dynamic meteorology and biometeorology. Dynamic meteorology is about large-scale atmospheric dynamics, modelling and observation techniques, whereas biometeorology focuses on interactions between the atmosphere and the underlying surface by combining observations and modelling to study the flows of greenhouse gases and energy with links to biogeochemical cycles, for example.
Biogeochemistry studies the processes involved in cycling of elements in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems by integrating physics, meteorology, geophysics, chemistry, geology and biology. Besides natural ecosystems, it also studies systems altered by human activity such as forests under different management regimes, drained peatlands, lakes loaded by excess nutrients and urban environments. The most important elements and substances studied are carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, water and phosphorus, which are vital for ecosystem functioning and processes such as photosynthesis. Biogeochemistry often focuses on the interphases of scientific disciplines and by doing so, it also combines different research methods. It treats ecosystems as open entities which are closely connected to the atmosphere and lithosphere. You will thus get versatile training in environmental issues and research techniques. As a graduate of this line you will be an expert in the functioning of ecosystems and the interactions between ecosystems and the atmosphere/hydrosphere/lithosphere in the context of global change. You will have knowledge applicable for solving global challenges such as climate change, air pollution, deforestation and issues related to water resources and eutrophication.
Remote sensing allows the collection of information about the atmosphere, oceans and land surfaces. Various techniques are applied for monitoring the state and dynamics of the Earth system from the ground, aircraft or satellites. While Lidar and radar scan from the surface or mounted on aircraft, instruments on polar orbiting or geostationary satellites permit measurements worldwide. In atmospheric sciences remote sensing has found numerous applications such as observations of greenhouse and other trace gases, aerosols, water vapour, clouds and precipitation, as well as surface observations, for example of vegetation, fire activity, snow cover, sea ice and oceanic parameters such as phytoplankton. Synergistic satellite data analysis enables the study of important processes and feedback in the climate system. Remote sensing advances climate research, weather forecasting, air quality studies, aviation safety and the renewable energy industry.
Atmospheric chemistry studies the composition and reactions of the molecules that make up the atmosphere, including atmospheric trace constituents and their role in chemical, geological and biological processes, including human influence. The low concentrations and high reactivity of these trace molecules place stringent requirements on the measurement and modelling methods used to study them. Analytical chemistry is the science of obtaining, processing, and communicating information about the composition and structure of matter and plays an essential role in the development of science. Environmental analysis consists of the most recent procedures for sampling, sample preparation and sample analysis and learning how to choose the best analytical methods for different environmental samples. Physical atmospheric chemistry studies focus on the reaction types and reaction mechanisms occurring in the atmosphere, with emphasis on reaction kinetics, thermodynamics and modelling methods.
The programme encompasses the following key ideas:
· Understanding complex marine systems from a range of standpoints. Establishing a core body of knowledge about the marine environment and the physical, chemical, ecological and anthropogenic processes operating on a range of spatial and temporal scales.
· Multidisciplinary approaches. Creating a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and managing the marine environment through integrated field, laboratory and theory-based learning and examine this in the context of the relevant legislative framework and global policy changes.
· Understanding the impacts of both natural and anthropogenic factors on the marine environment alongside environmental change. Using a multidisciplinary approach to the development of applied solutions to managing marine resources and biodiversity in an ever changing situation.
· Use of big marine data. The collection of rigorous scientific data; formulating and testing hypotheses through carrying out scientific investigations and communicating information in a variety of formats to a range of audiences.
· Professional practice and application to real world situations. Understanding the links between scientific ideas and their application to solving marine environmental problems by working with professionals from a range of scientific disciplines. In addition, using industry-standard approaches, equipment and analysis to collect, analyse and report on ecological and environmental data from field and laboratory investigations in the relevant format to inform the public, practitioners in the field, policy makers and scientists.
Themes
The programme allows the progression of students along two main pathways with different core modules to allow for specific career and skill development. Those wishing to pursue a career in fisheries science can follow the MSc Marine Environmental Management (Fisheries) pathway where those students who wish to follow the more ecological route can follow the MSc Marine Environmental Management (Ecology) route.
Example modules:
Optional modules
The programme encompasses the following key ideas:
· Understanding complex marine systems from a range of standpoints. Establishing a core body of knowledge about the marine environment and the physical, chemical, ecological and anthropogenic processes operating on a range of spatial and temporal scales.
· Multidisciplinary approaches. Creating a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and managing the marine environment through integrated field, laboratory and theory-based learning and examine this in the context of the relevant legislative framework and global policy changes.
· Understanding the impacts of both natural and anthropogenic factors on the marine environment alongside environmental change. Using a multidisciplinary approach to the development of applied solutions to managing marine resources and biodiversity in an ever changing situation.
· Use of big marine data. The collection of rigorous scientific data; formulating and testing hypotheses through carrying out scientific investigations and communicating information in a variety of formats to a range of audiences.
· Professional practice and application to real world situations. Understanding the links between scientific ideas and their application to solving marine environmental problems by working with professionals from a range of scientific disciplines. In addition, using industry-standard approaches, equipment and analysis to collect, analyse and report on ecological and environmental data from field and laboratory investigations in the relevant format to inform the public, practitioners in the field, policy makers and scientists.
Themes
The programme allows the progression of students along two main pathways with different core modules to allow for specific career and skill development. Those wishing to pursue a career in fisheries science can follow the MSc Marine Environmental Management (Fisheries) pathway where those students who wish to follow the more ecological route can follow the MSc Marine Environmental Management (Ecology) route.
Example modules:
Optional modules
The accredited MSc Engineering in the Coastal Environment course provides training in coastal engineering for civil engineers and physical scientists. This unique programme is taught jointly between Engineering and the Environment and Ocean and Earth Science at the University of Southampton, with extensive input from industry.
The coastal zone is widely recognised as important at national, European and global levels. Skilled graduates who can understand environmental coastal issues and apply this to engineering problems are in high demand. This course has been designed with your future career in mind and will enable you to acquire core knowledge of environmental coastal engineering; develop key skills such as the use of numerical models, data analysis, environmental impact assessment, and design of coastal structures; and apply this knowledge to address real world problems in the coastal zone.
Why Southampton?
• A unique and effective interdisciplinary educational environment with world leading research expertise and access to cutting-edge facilities.
• Strong links to industry and practicing coastal engineers, such as HR Wallingford, Associated British Ports and Channel Coastal Observatory.
• Research projects undertaken in collaboration with (and often based at) leading international coastal consultancies or appropriate government agencies, including AECOM, CH2M, Royal Haskoning, Eastern Solent Coastal Partnership, and the Environment Agency.
• Draws on world-class research expertise from both Engineering and the Environment and the Environment and Ocean and Earth Science, which is based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS).
• More than 98% of graduates successfully move into careers or PhD research in the field within six months.
Our MSc is closely linked with the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI) which develops applied coastal research across the University, nationally and internationally. You will also benefit from our partnership with industry and government.
View the programme specification document for this course
The accredited MSc Engineering in the Coastal Environment course provides training in coastal engineering for civil engineers and physical scientists. This unique programme is taught jointly between Engineering and the Environment and Ocean and Earth Science at the University of Southampton, with extensive input from industry.
The coastal zone is widely recognised as important at national, European and global levels. Skilled graduates who can understand environmental coastal issues and apply this to engineering problems are in high demand. This course has been designed with your future career in mind and will enable you to acquire core knowledge of environmental coastal engineering; develop key skills such as the use of numerical models, data analysis, environmental impact assessment, and design of coastal structures; and apply this knowledge to address real world problems in the coastal zone.
Why Southampton?
• A unique and effective interdisciplinary educational environment with world leading research expertise and access to cutting-edge facilities.
• Strong links to industry and practicing coastal engineers, such as HR Wallingford, Associated British Ports and Channel Coastal Observatory.
• Research projects undertaken in collaboration with (and often based at) leading international coastal consultancies or appropriate government agencies, including AECOM, CH2M, Royal Haskoning, Eastern Solent Coastal Partnership, and the Environment Agency.
• Draws on world-class research expertise from both Engineering and the Environment and the Environment and Ocean and Earth Science, which is based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS).
• More than 98% of graduates successfully move into careers or PhD research in the field within six months.
Our MSc is closely linked with the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI) which develops applied coastal research across the University, nationally and internationally. You will also benefit from our partnership with industry and government.
View the programme specification document for this course
Offshore exploration has become crucial with the expanding demand for energy resources. The MSc Maritime Engineering Sciences / Offshore Engineering course will look at the design and analysis of offshore and marine structures as well as the latest technologies in disaster response, and it is ideally suited to graduates seeking to enter or specialise in Maritime Engineering.
Maritime Engineering Science is an MSc course designed for graduates, or similarly qualified, with an engineering, scientific or mathematical background, who desire to pursue a career in maritime sector. An introductory module is provided at the start to give students the fundamental knowledge necessary for them to succeed in the course.
This MSc Maritime Engineering Science / Offshore Engineering course allows students to design and undertake the structural and hydrodynamic analyses for offshore engineering of fixed and floating structures as well as the understanding of design feasibility and the operating climate.
Offshore engineering is an expanding sector with an even greater demand for skilled engineers. Your compulsory modules will give you a detailed knowledge of offshore engineering and analysis and a professional understanding of maritime robotics for oceanography, offshore exploitation and disaster response.
Your option modules will enable you to broaden your knowledge to cover such topics as renewable energy from environmental flows, design optimisation and thermofluid engineering for low carbon energy.
You will tap into our Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute research network and undertake a final research project using our world-class maritime engineering facilities. The project will involve experimental and practical study and the completion of a dissertation.
View the specification document for this course
The maritime sector provides many and varied career opportunities in engineering and project management related roles. Maritime Engineering Science graduates are in strong demand with good starting salaries and excellent career progression opportunities.
Our graduates work across many different organisations. The Solent region around Southampton is the main UK hub for the maritime sector with organisations such as Lloyd’s Register, Carnival, BMT Nigel Gee, Maritime and Coastguard agency and many others based nearby. Organisations such BAE Systems, QinetiQ and Babcock support primarily the defence sector and employ a good number of our graduates. The offshore and marine renewable developments are offering excellent prospects both to work in the UK (locally, London or Aberdeen) or worldwide in places such as Singapore, Houston or Perth, etc.
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