Ocean and Earth Science (Research)

Join the University of Southampton, a global top 100* research-intensive university.

Postgraduate study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS),one of the world’s largest centres devoted to research and teaching in Earth and marine science, is an inspiring and rewarding experience home to a Graduate School that supports all PhD students throughout their time with us.

Working closely with a supervisory team, you'll undertake in-depth research into your chosen area of Ocean and Earth science.

Key areas of doctoral research include:

• Benthic Processes

• Biogeochemical Cycles

• Climate Dynamics and Climate Change

• Coastal, Shelf and Estuarine Studies

• Hydrothermal processes

• Mineralisation, Ocean Circulation and Mixing

• Palaeoceanography and Palaeoclimatology

• Pollution and Global Sustainability

• Tectonics and Crustal processes.

*QS World University Rankings 2025.

During your first year (full time) you will participate in the Research Training Programme. See website for more details.

You'll need to demonstrate satisfactory progress at the end of each year. Your supervisor will complete an annual report that takes into account how you have progressed against your agreed targets, which include training and development activities.