United Kingdom: Our Earth’s ocean covers 71% of the planet’s surface and with its condition degrading at an unimaginably fast pace, we require scientists and researchers who can work towards its conservation. To address the need for skilled professionals in this field, the UK-based University of Southampton’s School of Ocean and Earth Science offers a specialized one-year full-time MSc programme in Oceanography. The University is currently inviting applications for September 2019 intake of this programme.
Students pursuing this programme will study at the prestigious waterfront campus of the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), which is the integrated collaboration between the Southampton-based part of the Natural Environment Research Council’s (NERC) National Oceanography Centre and the University’s School of Ocean and Earth Science. The Centre hosts one of the world’s largest groups of scientists and engineers devoted to research, teaching and technology development in Ocean and Earth Science. NOCS is also the operational base for the NERC’s UK fleet of ocean-going research vessels and associated equipment such as Autosub, an autonomous underwater vehicle capable of diving to depths of 6 kilometers. It also houses the UK’s collection of ocean sediment cores as well as the National Oceanographic Library.
The multidisciplinary MSc Oceanography degree is designed for students who have no specialization in marine science, but may possess a degree in science, math, environmental science, geology, physical geography or a related discipline along with an interest in marine science or oceanography. The programme offers students the opportunity to broaden the science background of their undergraduate degree, while allowing advanced level specialization in one or more aspects of the field.
During the programme, students will complete a series of introductory modules, which will provide them a foundation in multidisciplinary marine science. Boat-based practicals in local waters will introduce students to standard measurement and analysis techniques in marine sciences. Students will get the opportunity to attend seminars by leading marine scientists as well as undertake research projects with scientists working at NOCS.
The programme also offers flexibility so that students can develop their specific interests. As such we recommend pathways including Marine Biology and Ecology, Physical Oceanography and Climate Dynamics, Marine Biogeochemistry, Marine Geology and Geophysics and Climate Dynamics. Students can either pursue one of the above pathways or mix options from different pathways, wherever timetable allows, enabling them to pursue broader interests.
After completing the MSc Oceanography programme, the most common employment option for students is in the marine environment sector. Also, around one-third of graduates go on to pursue PhD research in marine sciences both in the UK and internationally.
Eligibility: 60% or above in a Bachelors degree awarded by a recognized University or an equivalent professional qualification approved by the University in any scientific discipline or math, usually with a strong background in one of the following: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biological Science, Environmental Science, Geology or Physical Geography
English Language Qualification: An overall IELTS score of 7.0, with minimum of 6.0 in writing, 6.0 in reading, 6.0 in listening and 6.0 in speaking
Fees: £22,268
Application Deadline: Although applications deadline is 31st July 2019, with only 40 seats available for this programme, it is advisable to apply at the earliest.
