Entry requirements
A level
AAB to include two science subjects. A level science subjects considered include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. A Level French is preferred but at least grade A GCSE French is required. Science practical components must be passed. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Use of Mathematics are excluded for entry.
The University of Southampton recognises the educational value of taking AS Levels alongside three A Levels and the breadth of studying additional subjects. However, all of our programmes express their entry criteria in terms of three subjects offered at A Level with selection decisions being informed, in part, by actual or predicted grades in those subjects (excluding General Studies, Use of Maths and Critical Thinking).
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3, D3, M2 to include two science subjects. Science subjects considered include Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics and Geography. Third subject would preferably be French. Otherwise, grade A in GCSE French is required. 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
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4). Either GCSE French at grade A, or French A Level required.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Pass with overall score of 34 points, with 17 points required at higher level: including 6 points from two science subjects. Science subjects considered include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Higher level French is preferred but at least grade 5 standard level French is required. 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.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 to include two science subjects. Science subjects considered include Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Higher Level French is preferred. Applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics, English and French at ILC Grade C or 04, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/grade 4.
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
DD + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include at least one science subject. A-Level French is preferred.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
D + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include at least one science subject. A-Level French is preferred.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
DDD + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include at least one science subject. A-Level French is preferred.
OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
D*D* + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include at least one science subject. A-Level French is preferred.
OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma
D + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include at least one science subject. A-Level French is preferred.
OCR Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma
D*D* + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include at least one science subject. A-Level French is preferred.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include at least one science subject. A-Level French is preferred.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include at least one science subject. A-Level French is preferred.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDD + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include at least one science subject. A-Level French is preferred.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
D + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include at least one science subject. A-Level French is preferred.
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.
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) 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.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
AAB from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-Levels, to include at least one science subject. A-Level French is preferred.
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About this course
If you aspire to work in organisations such as the European Union or the United Nations, then a second language is often a fundamental requirement. This four year integrated masters explores the broad study of the oceans whilst developing a good working knowledge of French.
Studying under the supervision of world-leading research staff, you will gain a full understanding of a variety of marine processes from waves, tides and ocean currents, to sediment transport, fisheries and marine ecosystems. You will continue to improve your French, particularly specialist science language and communication skills, making yourself highly employable with a range of transferable skills.
Three of your four-year degree will be spent at our unique Waterfront Campus at the world-leading National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), with one-year being taught in French at the University of Bordeaux, which will enhance your language skills. Your year in Bordeaux will also give you a choice of units, some of which are not available in Southampton, allowing you to discover a wide range of topics.
All of our Oceanography courses are accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology.
Modules
Typical course content includes: French Language (these modules will continue throughout your degree); Key Skills for Marine Scientists; Earth and Ocean System; Methods in Oceanography; Geochemistry; MSci Advanced Independent Research Project; Applied and Marine Geophysics; Large Scale Ocean Processes and Climate.
See course page for a full list of modules available.
Assessment methods
You will be assessed through unseen written exams, short tests, assessed coursework in the form of laboratory log books and reports, problems and other set assignments.
Tuition fees
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The Uni
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Ocean and Earth Science

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Ocean sciences
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