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UCAS code F700
Our Ocean Sciences programme takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the ocean environment. With fieldwork opportunities embedded in each year of the course and our strong links to the National Oceanography Centre, Liverpool is an excellent place to study Ocean Sciences.
The ocean plays a central role in the Earth’s climate system by regulating the transfer of heat and carbon over the globe. The effect of the ocean on Earth’s climate and on life can only be fully understood by addressing the fundamental biological, physical and chemical processes operating in the environment. This degree route takes a multidisciplinary approach to developing an understanding of the ocean and climate system.
We have strong links with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre in Liverpool, who provide guest lectures and supervision of projects.
On the Ocean Science programme you will acquire a broad interdisciplinary understanding of the ocean environment from a physical, chemical and biological perspective. The oceanography route is suitable if you don’t have a strong background in mathematics, physics or chemistry as remedial courses are provided.
This programme has an important focus on practical aspects of marine science and will provide grounding in hands-on quantitative studies of biological, chemical and physical marine science. There will be the opportunity to participate in field/project work throughout the course of your studies, as well as a full sea practical during year three. You will undertake a major research project in your final year. The degree in Ocean Sciences at Liverpool is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.
A number of the School’s degree programmes involve laboratory and field work. Fieldwork is carried out in various locations, ranging from inner city to coastal and mountainous environments. We consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same basis as all other students, and reasonable adjustments will be considered to address barriers to access.
The degree in Ocean Sciences at Liverpool is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.
IMarEST - The Institute of Maring Engineering, Science and Techonology - is the international professional body for all marine professionals.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Students are pre-registered for ENVS128 which provides quantitative skills for ecology, marine biology and related subjects. Students wanting more fundamental maths can switch to ENVS117. No mathematical knowledge above GCSE level will be assumed in either module.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| CATCHMENT HYDROLOGY (ENVS217) | 15 |
| CLIMATOLOGY (ENVS231) | 15 |
| GEOMORPHOLOGY: ICE, SEA AND AIR (ENVS252) | 15 |
| CHANGING ENVIRONMENTS (ENVS214) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| OCEAN CARBON AND CLIMATE (ENVS335) | 15 |
| CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN OCEAN AND CLIMATE SCIENCES (ENVS366) | 15 |
| OCEAN DYNAMICS (ENVS332) | 15 |
| SEA PRACTICAL (ENVS349) | 30 |
| INDEPENDENT RESEARCH PROJECT (ENVS306) | 30 |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS: SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL CHANGE (ENVS376) | 15 |
| CARBON, NUTRIENTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION (ENVS381) | 15 |
| MODELLING ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS (ENVS397) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.
Teaching takes place through lectures, practicals, workshops, seminars, tutorials and computer based learning, with an emphasis on learning through doing.
Students value the learning opportunities provided by field classes, including the rapid feedback on performance. You will typically receive at least 15 hours of formal teaching each week. Between 30 and 100 hours of fieldwork and hands-on activities are provided each year depending on the discipline.
A typical module might involve two or three one-hour lectures each week, and often a three- hour laboratory or computer-based practical as well. Tutorials typically involve groups of 4-7 students meeting with a member of staff at least every two weeks in year one and two. In year three, you will undertake an Honours project, which is a piece of independent research (field, laboratory or data analysis) on a topic of your choice, supervised by a member of staff. In years three and four students meet with their project supervisor on a weekly or more frequent basis. As you progress through your degree, you will be increasingly challenged to engage with current debates, to think critically and to study independently.
A number of the School’s degree programmes involve laboratory and field work. The field work is carried out in various locations, ranging from inner city to coastal and mountainous environments. We consider applications from prospective students with disabilities on the same basis as all other students, and reasonable adjustments will be considered to address barriers to access.
Assessment matches the learning objectives for each module and may take the form of written exams, coursework submissions in the form of essays, scientific papers, briefing notes or lab notebooks, oral and poster presentations and contributions to group projects. Coursework is designed around the types of problems encountered, and the skills needed, in commercial, research and public sector jobs. Emphasis is placed on good laboratory practice and maintaining useful lab notebooks in the context of scientific integrity and scientific data management.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.
You don't need to decide now - you can choose to add a year in industry after you've begun your degree.
To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
Teaching takes place in well-equipped lecture theatres and seminar rooms across the University campus, including in our award-winning Central Teaching Laboratory.
Your course will be delivered by staff from the Department of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences, all of whom are actively involved in ocean research and who bring the results of their research into your lectures and laboratories. Our staff collaborate with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre, which has a research centre on the Liverpool campus.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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Our degree programmes are designed to provide you with the skills to tackle these global environmental challenges.
After completing this course, the employability options are extensive and include: