We have places available on some courses for 2026 entry. Find the course that’s right for you and begin your application.
UCAS code G1F7
Climate change is a major challenge we all currently face. Combining Ocean and Climate Sciences with Mathematics, this programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge to be able to understand some of the most important issues facing the scientific community, providing an excellent foundation for a career in Ocean and Climate Science.
Predicting climate and climate change is a major challenge facing the scientific community.
The oceans regulate the planet’s climate by storing and transporting heat and carbon as well as modifying the properties of the overlying atmosphere. Complex issues such as climate change and sea-level rise can only be understood if the role of the ocean and atmosphere is fully appreciated.
This degree provides an understanding of how the ocean and atmosphere operate in the climate system, as well as offering a strong grounding in mathematics. It is offered in collaboration between the Department of Mathematics in the School of Physical Sciences, the Department of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences within the School of Environmental Sciences, and the internationally renowned National Oceanography Centre in Liverpool, providing excellent preparation for careers in computer modelling in oceanography, meteorology or environmental monitoring.
You will acquire a broad knowledge of mathematics and the analytical and numerical techniques for solving problems, and the ability to apply those techniques with confidence. You will gain an understanding of how the climate system behaves, how the atmosphere and ocean transport heat, why jets and eddies emerge on a rotating planet, how tracers are transported and mixed, and how these processes affect phytoplankton growth.
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.
Our degree is one of only a handful in the UK to be accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMAREST), opening up opportunities for students and graduates of our programmes.
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 acquire mathematical skills including calculus and dynamic modelling, as well as obtaining a grounding in ocean and climate sciences.
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.
Students develop their mathematical skills including methods of applied mathematics. Students gain skills in processing and manipulating ocean and climate data using an industry standard software (Matlab) and, collect and interpret observations from the open and coastal ocean.
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS (MATH221) | 15 |
| CLASSICAL MECHANICS (MATH228) | 15 |
| NUMERICAL METHODS (MATH226) | 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.
Students apply their mathematical and ocean sciences skills during an independent research project supervised by an Ocean Scientist at the University or from the National Oceanography Centre. Students have the opportunity to engage in activities at sea during a three day research cruise.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| OCEAN CARBON AND CLIMATE (ENVS335) | 15 |
| CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN OCEAN AND CLIMATE SCIENCES (ENVS366) | 15 |
| SEA PRACTICAL (ENVS349) | 30 |
| INDEPENDENT RESEARCH PROJECT (ENVS306) | 30 |
| OCEAN DYNAMICS (ENVS332) | 15 |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MODELLING ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS (ENVS397) | 15 |
| MATHEMATICS OF NETWORKS AND EPIDEMICS (MATH338) | 15 |
| MATHEMATICAL BIOLOGY (MATH335) | 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 year three 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:
Day to day teaching will take place across campus, with laboratory and computer-based learning taking place in the Central Teaching Laboratories, a state-of-the-art facility for practical work.
Our staff are all actively involved in marine and climate research and 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.
Your course will be delivered by the Department of Mathematical Sciences and the Department of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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A mathematically-based degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities, including some of the most lucrative professions.
We produce highly employable ocean and climate scientists, trained in industry-relevant skills and modern equipment and software, who can apply their knowledge to a wide range of fields, including modelling, environmental consultancy and monitoring, aquaculture, pollution and further research.
Our graduates have a diverse range of careers in areas such as finance and insurance, environmental consultancy, administration, academia, the media, teaching, local and national government and international banking.
Recent graduate careers in the sector include:
Many choose to continue their studies at master’s or PhD level on topics such as the impact of benthic fishing on blue carbon, marine planning and upwelling dynamics around the Galapagos.
Recent employers of our graduates include: