Oceanographer

You can study for a degree in oceanography or a related subject, like:

• ocean science
• geology
• physics
• marine science
• biology or chemistry
• environmental science

Employers often look for students with postgraduate qualifications, like a master's degree or PhD. They also value experience of working in marine science, engineering or oceanographic research.

You can get experience by choosing a course that includes work placements or internships with a marine company or research centre.

You can find marine companies and research organisations through the Society for Underwater Technology.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

• 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Career Tips

You could contact marine companies to see if you could work with them on a project as part of your university dissertation or postgraduate research. This would allow you to build up contacts in the industry, who may be able to help you find work once you complete your studies.

Further Information

You can find out more about becoming an oceanographer from the:

• Society for Underwater Technology
• National Oceanography Centre
• Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)

As an oceanographer, you might:

• plan and carry out research expeditions around the UK and overseas
• collect water, sediment and rock samples and analyse data
• build computer models of ocean currents and circulation patterns
• create maps of the sea floor and underlying geology
• monitor changes in seawater properties and marine life
• write and present reports of your research findings
• give lectures and lead oceanography students on field trips

You could work in a laboratory, at a research facility or at sea.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.