Oceanography (BSc)
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    Oceanography (BSc)

    University of Southampton
    University of Southampton
    United Kingdom
    United Kingdom, Southampton
    University Rank:#87
    Go to Official Website
    Duration3 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 40,747 / Year
    Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026
    Oceanography (BSc)

    About

    On this BSc Oceanography degree you'll study marine ecosystems and ocean processes whilst you explore some of the remotest places on earth. You’ll learn to use the latest technologies in molecular biology, high performance computing and robotic sampling to address the key challenges facing the marine environment.

    Join one of the largest marine science communities in Europe as you study at the world-leading National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS).

    On this course you’ll study topics such as:

    • conservation strategies for vulnerable species and ecosystems
    • ocean currents, globally connecting tropics to poles
    • changing sea levels at our coasts, on timescales from hours to centuries

    Fieldwork, practical skills and independent research are core parts of this programme. You’ll have the opportunity to:

    • work in the field aboard the research vessel the RV Callista
    • use laboratory analysis to examine our diverse marine environment
    • develop computing and data analysis skills essential for research
    • obtain qualifications in first aid and sea survival

    After developing a range of key skills for oceanographers in your first and second years, you’ll tackle an advanced topic of choice for a dissertation in your third year.

    Our BSc Oceanography programme will provide you with the professional-level skills that are ideal for a career in the expanding marine sector, or for progression to more specialised postgraduate study.

    You’ll gain the guidance, support and expertise of researchers at the forefront of their fields, and graduate prepared for a career in industries like:

    • environmental consultancy
    • ocean and climate research
    • coastal engineering and management

    This degree is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).

    Practicals which use animals or their tissues are an important part of the course. These practicals follow ethical policies and we'll make adjustments for you if you have valid concerns about taking part.

    Foundation year

    If you have not studied the required Science subjects for this course, you may be eligible to apply for and enter through our Science Foundation Year.

    We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

    Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    For Academic year 202526

    A-levels

    ABB to include two acceptable science subjects (minimum of grade B)

    A-levels additional information

    Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Acceptable science subject are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Science, Geology or Physics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. You will be required to attend an interview.

    A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

    If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBB to include two acceptable science subjects, and grade A in the EPQ

    A-levels contextual offer

    We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

    or

    International Baccalaureate Diploma

    Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 in two Higher Level science subjects

    International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

    Acceptable science subject are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation), Environmental Science, Geology or Physics. You will be required to attend an interview.

    International Baccalaureate contextual offer

    We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

    International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

    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.

    or

    BTEC

    D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus AB in A Level acceptable science subjects. We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma/ BTEC National Extended Diploma without two AB grades in A Level acceptable science subjects,

    RQF BTEC

    We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.

    Additional information

    Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Environmental Science, Geology, Geography or Physics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

    QCF BTEC

    D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in A Level acceptable science subjects. We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AB grades in A Level acceptable science subjects.

    We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.

    or
    Show more entry requirements
    Access to HE Diploma
    Irish Leaving Certificate
    Scottish Qualification offers
    Cambridge Pre-U
    Welsh Baccalaureate
    T Level

    Access to HE Diploma

    60 credits with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 at Merit

    Access to HE additional information

    A core science Access to HE Diploma to include Level 3 modules in at least two from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Environmental Science. If you are unsure whether the Access you are studying would be accepted, please contact the Admissions Team before submitting an application.

    Irish Leaving Certificate

    Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

    H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 including two science subjects

    Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

    AAABBB to include two preferred subjects.

    Irish certificate additional information

    Acceptable preferred subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Science, Geology or Physics. Applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at ILC Grade C or O4, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/grade 4.

    Scottish Qualification

    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 (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

    Cambridge Pre-U

    D3, M2, M2 in three Principal subjects including two science subject at a minimum of M2

    Cambridge Pre-U additional information

    Acceptable science subject are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Science, Geology or Physics. 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.

    Welsh Baccalaureate

    ABB from 3 A levels including two acceptable science subjects or AB from two A levels subjects including two acceptable science subjects and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

    Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

    Acceptable science subject are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Science, Geology or Physics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. You will be required to attend an interview.

    Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

    We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

    T-Level

    Not accepted for this course. Applicants with a T Level in a relevant subject should apply for the Science Foundation Year

    English Requirements

    • IELTSMin 6.5

    English Program Requirements

    Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.

    English language requirements

    If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

    IELTS score requirements
    overall score
    6.5
    reading
    6.0
    writing
    6.0
    speaking
    6.0
    listening
    6.0

    We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

    Career

    Careers

    All of our oceanography programmes are accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). This Oceanography degree will prepare you for work in a range of oceanography careers and industries.

    Our alumni work in fields including:

    • research institutes (such as NERC)
    • Natural England
    • CEFAS
    • the Environment Agency
    • exploration geophysics and geophysical survey projects

    Alternatively, you can choose to take a specialised Masters degree in fields such as coastal management, marine technology or maritime law.

    Careers services at Southampton

    We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

    • work experience schemes
    • CV and interview skills and workshops
    • networking events
    • careers fairs attended by top employers
    • a wealth of volunteering opportunities
    • study abroad and summer school opportunities

    We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

    Work in industry

    In your final year, you can gain your own teaching skills by taking a placement in a school or college with the Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    40,747 / year
    Oceanography (BSc)
    University of Southampton
    University of Southampton
    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Southampton

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