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Marine and ocean sciences courses

If you are fascinated by marine life or the role oceans play in controlling our climate and shaping our coastline you may be interested in marine biology or oceanography. Courses include core sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics and geology, practical lab work, field trips on research boats and could include diving. These courses prepare you for careers in areas such as research, oil exploration, conservation, environmental monitoring and weather forecasting.

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Introduction Student Views Entry Requirements Career Prospects Recommended Courses

Example course modules

Marine organisms and ecosystems
Oceanography
Marine animal science
Basic and scientific diving
Introduction to marine ecology
The Earth system
Quantitative earth and ocean science
IT communication, field and laboratory skills
Dynamic earth
Geomorphological processes

Teaching hours / week

Average for this subject

Hours

Average for all subjects

Average hours for this subject: 19 (Low N/A - High N/A). Average hours for all subjects: 14.

The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.

More on studying and contact hours at uni

Who studies this subject

Female : 39%

Male : 61%
Mature : 42%

School leaver : 58%
Full-time : 99%

Part-time : 1%

Student

"With oceanography, there is a lot more contact time than with arts degrees. You usually have two hours of lectures per module per week, with labs and boatwork scattered around y..."

2nd year, University of Southampton

Student

"Amazing course, with a reasonable amount of lecture time, but a lot expected externally. Quite challenging as it covers such a broad subject."

2nd year, University of Southampton

Subjects you need

A-levels (or equivalent) usually required

Choose two from biology, chemistry, physics and maths

Useful to have

geography
Geology

More advice on A-level requirements

Application checklist

Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.

January application
October application
Personal statement
Portfolio
Interview
Entry test
Work experience
Audition

More advice on applying to uni

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!

Personal statement tips and advice

The recession has been difficult for some environmental scientists, with jobs and funding cuts, so bear that in mind when you look at the figures. This is also one of those subjects where graduates don’t usually go to London to work, so if you want to work in East Anglia or the South West – or overseas – this might be a good subject. Graduates tend to get jobs in the environment, in surveying and as lab technicians, but, like a lot of other subjects, if you want a job in research, start planning to take a doctorate. The stats also include a small number of oceanographers and meteorologists.

Professional and accrediting bodies:

Six months after graduating

Typical graduate job areas

Natural and social science professionals

Sources: DLHE & Graduate prospects

Longer term career paths

Jobs where this degree is useful

Oceanographer
Marine surveyor
Environmental officer

Other real-life job examples

Geophysicist

Students of marine and ocean sciences can gain subject-specific skills in the biology, physics, chemistry and geology of the marine environment; in oceanographic and marine field skills and training in experimental practice and design. You'll also gain a whole suite of sought-after transferable skills including numeracy, communication, data handling, team-working and problem-solving skills. Marine and ocean science graduates work in industries including oil and gas, scientific research, higher education, technical consultancy, museums and zoos and government.