MSc Ocean and Earth Science by Research 12 months Postgraduate Program By University of Southampton |Top Universities
Subject Ranking

# =38QS Subject Rankings

Program Duration

12 monthsProgram duration

Application Deadline

29 Jul, 2025Application Deadline

Scholarship

YesScholarships

Program overview

Main Subject

Earth and Marine Sciences

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Join one of the largest marine science communities in Europe and a global top 100* university and address some of our biggest environmental challenges.
Training alongside scientists at a world-leading training centre, you'll conduct research both in the field and in the laboratory and have the chance to: - Explore a diverse range of topics, from the processes operating on the Earth and its oceans to the impact of natural and human activity on ecosystems - Specialise your studies to better suit your background and career goals - Complete a research project using the latest marine environment knowledge.
You’ll study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), our school for marine education and research. You’ll benefit from access to our very own research vessel, the R.V. Callisata, as well as a range of other modern technologies and facilities.
This course is especially suitable if you already have a foundation in marine or Earth science. It will allow you to develop a specialism from your first degree as you build your knowledge and research skills.
A Master of Science by Research course differs from a conventional MSc in the balance between teaching and research. As an MSc by Research student, you’ll spend more time getting hands-on experience with your research project, and less time with formal teaching.
You'll graduate primed to start your career or to continue your exploration in further research.
*QS World University Rankings 2025

Program overview

Main Subject

Earth and Marine Sciences

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Join one of the largest marine science communities in Europe and a global top 100* university and address some of our biggest environmental challenges.
Training alongside scientists at a world-leading training centre, you'll conduct research both in the field and in the laboratory and have the chance to: - Explore a diverse range of topics, from the processes operating on the Earth and its oceans to the impact of natural and human activity on ecosystems - Specialise your studies to better suit your background and career goals - Complete a research project using the latest marine environment knowledge.
You’ll study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), our school for marine education and research. You’ll benefit from access to our very own research vessel, the R.V. Callisata, as well as a range of other modern technologies and facilities.
This course is especially suitable if you already have a foundation in marine or Earth science. It will allow you to develop a specialism from your first degree as you build your knowledge and research skills.
A Master of Science by Research course differs from a conventional MSc in the balance between teaching and research. As an MSc by Research student, you’ll spend more time getting hands-on experience with your research project, and less time with formal teaching.
You'll graduate primed to start your career or to continue your exploration in further research.
*QS World University Rankings 2025

Admission requirements

6.5+
UK 2.1 Bachelor Hons degree or above or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University in a relevant marine or Earth science discipline.
Other backgrounds may be considered (e.g. biology, maths, environmental science, natural sciences, relevant engineering disciplines) where the applicant’s background is relevant to the intended field of study.
29 Jul 2025
1 Year
Sep

Tuition fee and scholarships

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:
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Where to look for scholarship opportunities

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A list of available scholarships around the world

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The University of Southampton shares your passion to learn and encourages you to explore and evolve in a friendly and vibrant community.

Southampton’s academics and diverse student community will inspire, challenge and support you. Studying at Southampton can help you make your mark on the world.

You can explore new cultures through study abroad opportunities and international student societies, get advice from our global alumni community, and make friends with people from a multitude of backgrounds.

With over 350 courses to choose from, you can customise your degree and explore beyond your chosen subject. Southampton has the resources, staff and support you need to learn in your own way and get the most out of your degree.

You could choose to do a Year in Employment, work experience placement or internship as part of your degree; all great ways to develop your skills in the workplace alongside your learning and stand out to employers.

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Working with the University of Southampton’s inspiring academics in a world-changing research environment, you can achieve the remarkable with a postgraduate degree from Southampton.

The University breaks down the traditional boundaries between disciplines and subjects, in order to solve the world’s greatest challenges, make a difference to people’s lives and impact industry. 

Working collaboratively together in this way combines different expertise, perspectives and experiences to focus on some of the biggest global issues, such as climate change, infectious disease and hi-tech crime. Working in this way achieves groundbreaking results, and produces even more opportunity for breakthroughs.

Southampton is home to many cutting-edge research centres, groups and institutes, creating

connections between disciplines to make this possible.

Sharing ideas and knowledge also means that Southampton courses benefit directly from the latest work, enabling you to learn from the source of the research and giving you and your education the edge.


Taught programmes

A master’s degree from Southampton will help you realise your career ambitions, deepen your knowledge and further your potential.

Southampton is a founding member of the Russell Group – a UK organisation of research-intensive universities – which means your education will be informed by research as it unfolds. It is also a member of the World Universities Network.

96 per cent of Southampton’s research environment is assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent (latest Research Excellence Framework, 2014).

High-profile organisations such as Apple, Ernst & Young, IBM, the MoD, the BBC and the NHS recruit our graduates.


Research programmes

With the chance to work alongside world-leading academics, with access to cutting-edge facilities and global collaborations, a research degree at Southampton is the first step to becoming a leader in your field.


Southampton partners with global businesses, including Rolls-Royce, Microsoft, Lloyd’s Register, Formula 1 and PwC.

It is also part of the Science and Engineering South Consortium, the most powerful cluster of research-intensive universities in the world.

Southampton will give you support to enable you to build your profile as a researcher – from writing research papers and enhancing your presentation skills, to applying for funding to attend international conferences and research visits.


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