Ocean Sciences
UCAS code F700
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
About this course
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.
Introduction
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.
What you'll learn
- How the atmosphere and the oceans transport heat
- How the climate is changing
- How nutrients and carbon are cycled over the globe
- The effects of ocean acidification
- How life operates in the dynamic ocean environment
Accreditation
The degree in Ocean Sciences at Liverpool is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.
Accreditation in detail
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.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
Students are pre-registered for ENVS128; students wanting a more advanced maths module can switch to ENVS117.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
Modules
| 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.
Year three
Modules
| 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.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
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.
How you're assessed
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.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
BBC |
| BTEC Level 3 national extended diploma |
DDM. Forensic Science is not accepted. |
| BTEC combinations |
BTEC National Extended Certificate M plus BB including two science subjects at A level. |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced |
Grade B, plus grades BC at A level including two science subjects. |
| Access |
Pass relevant Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits with 27 at Distinction and 18 at Merit |
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
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.
Year in China
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
- Learn Chinese
- Study in a bustling world heritage city
- Improve employment prospects
- Study Chinese culture
- 30 minutes from Shanghai
- Learn new skills
Year abroad
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
- Choose from up-to 26 countries
- Experience another way of life
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA
Semester abroad
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Summer abroad
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
- Study abroad without adding an extra year
- Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
- Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline
Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
Year in industry
Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.
- Develop key employability skills that graduate employers are looking for
- Experience and understand workplace culture and discipline
- Understand the relationship between academic theory and real world application
- Begin your professional network
- Gain industry insight and insight into potential career options.
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.
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Your experience
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.
Explore where you'll study
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Careers and employability
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:
- Government agencies (Environment Agency, Met Office)
- Environmental consultancy and management
- Climate research
- Accountancy and insurance brokers
- Education
- Renewable energy industries