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Oceanography

  • BSc (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 14/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Main Site - Highfield Campus
More about University of Southampton

Course options

2026-2027
Apply

Course summary

About this course
Delve into marine ecosystems and ocean processes whilst exploring some of the most remote places on earth. On your three-year Oceanography degree, accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology, you'll learn how to use the latest technologies in molecular biology, high performance computing, and robotic sampling to address the key challenges facing the marine environment.

You'll be based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS) - one of the leading research centres globally for ocean science - and will benefit from a mix of fieldwork, practical skills, and an independent research project that equips you with the skills you need to progress onto a career or further study in areas such as research institutes, environmental consultancies. governmental and non-governmental environmental organisations such as Fugro or the United Nations.

Key features of the course:

  • Explore the four marine science disciplines (biology, chemistry, physics and geology), with emphasis on developing skills and knowledge in marine aspects of physics, chemistry and geology

  • Study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the leading research centres globally for ocean science

  • Work in the field aboard our research vessel, the R.V. Callista

  • Use laboratory analysis to examine our diverse marine environment, developing computing and data analysis skills essential for research

  • Obtain qualifications in first aid and sea survival

  • Become part of a department ranked 8th in the UK and top 40 globally, QS World Rankings by Subject (Earth and Marine Science) 2026

  • Join a University where 99% of Ocean and Earth Science graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2022/2023, published 2025).

Student support
Our supervisors will mentor you throughout your studies as you gain the expertise needed to take the next steps in your career. They will help you decide on optional modules, and discuss your future career plans to ensure you are on the right path for you.

Further information
This course is open to UK and international applicants and is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)

Modules

We have a varied range of modules for all years, which gives you the opportunity to tailor your studies to your passions and to equip you with the skills and experiences needed for success as a graduate.

For full list of all modules available, please visit the course page.

Assessment method

Your learning is delivered, and assessed, through a wide range of methods to ensure you develop a broad variety of skills that will set you up for success after graduation.

The learning activities for this course include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group, projects and independent learning.

We’ll assess you using coursework, laboratory reports and essays, individual and group projects, oral presentations and written exams.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, Institute of

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site - Highfield Campus

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 14/09/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
F710
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
F710
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - ABB

ABB to include two science subjects. A level science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Use of Mathematics are excluded for entry.

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

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 + AB at A-Leve to include two science subjects.

Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits

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

Scottish Higher

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"

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

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 + AB at A-Level to include two science subjects.

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

D + AB at A-Level to include two science subjects.

Scottish Advanced Higher

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.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points

Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 in two Higher Level science subjects. Science subjects considered include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation), Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Psychology, Statistics, 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.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales - B

AB from two acceptable science A-levels and grade B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.

Extended Project - A

BBB from three A-levels including two acceptable science subjects, and grade A in the EPQ. .

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3

H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3 to include two science subjects. Science subjects considered include Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Psychology, Statistics, 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.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, M2, M2

D3, M2, M2 to include two science subjects. 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.

GCSEs: The University of Southampton requires all applicants to achieve at least a Grade 4 in English, Science and Mathematics GCSEs.

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5Band C: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.

Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

A proportion of students who enrolled on this course in previous years exceeded their offer conditions securing their place on their chosen course with grades higher than our published entry criteria.

We encourage all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, to apply to study with us. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Learn more on the University of Southampton website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course
Date range:
2022-2024

Grades held by accepted students

For University of Southampton, the top and bottom 5% of student grades have been removed from these calculations. This change helps to remove any extraordinary circumstances that could impact the data. Learn more here .
BBC Most common
  1. A*AA
  2. Highest grades
  3. BCC
  4. Lowest grades

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

93% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

This course has a required grade that may not be listed in the data. Check the entry requirements for the full qualification requirements.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

75 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

95 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9535*Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535*Year 1
Scotland£9535*Year 1
Wales£9535*Year 1
Channel Islands£9535*Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535*Year 1
EU£30300Year 1
International£30300Year 1

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page

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