Undergraduate studies
A range of disciplines relate to the study of oceanography. The National Oceanography Centre’s hosting partners; the Universities of Southampton and Liverpool, make excellent undergraduate opportunities available through the many courses that they offer -more information on which can be found below.
The University of Southampton
The University of Southampton has a global reputation for academic excellence. We are ranked among the top 100 universities in the world in the most recent (2010) Times Higher Education World University Rankings. A member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities, we are one of the leading universities in the UK.
Southampton’s Ocean and Earth Science degree programmes are taught at our Waterfront Campus, the prestigious National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS). We have a well established reputation for our outstanding research, and offer professionally accredited degree courses in oceanography, marine biology, geology, geophysics and ocean, Earth and climate science.
We are recognised both nationally and internationally for our excellence in teaching and for providing a relaxed, informal and stimulating learning environment for students studying at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Our challenging degree programmes are taught by academic staff who are pushing back the frontiers of scientific knowledge with their research. We also place a strong emphasis on field training, which develops key transferable skills that help our students to prepare for professional careers in a cutting edge research environment.
Our unique waterfront location overlooks the working port of Southampton, home to the great ocean liners. The city is one of the liveliest and most dynamic in the region, with superb opportunities for waterborne activities, a 24/7 social scene, cultural opportunities and one of the greenest environments within a major urban centre. The beaches of Bournemouth, the open spaces of the New Forest and the Isle of Wight are all within easy reach, making Southampton a vibrant and diverse location in which to study.
Find out more about The University of Southampton and studying there →
The University of Liverpool
At Liverpool, undergraduate students do not usually study at the NOC itself, however the centre is located on the University of Liverpool campus and enjoys strong links with the School of Environmental Sciences and with the Department of Engineering, both of which provide a range of degree courses. A number of the University’s students have gone on to further study or employment at the NOC, and additionally the centre provides valuable one year work-placements for students on sandwich courses*.
We usually offer one-year placements for up to 10 sandwich students at our Liverpool site (mainly students studying physical sciences, mathematics and computing degrees). If you are interested in being a sandwich student contact Polly Hadziabdic[link to her page]
Liverpool is a vibrant city with a glorious maritime history, world-beating musical heritage, two of the premierships biggest football teams, two majestically different cathedrals and a wealth of shops, restaurants, hotels and bars, in addition to the museums and galleries of its significant cultural offering.
The University is a Russell Group Institution –the original redbrick university- with a strong research focus, situated in one of the most creative and inspiring cities in the UK. Students benefit from high quality teaching and learning designed to encourage active participation and support independent thinking, and excellent learning resources such as the newly refurbished libraries and state of the art technology provision. There is a strong community and social element to studying here, and facilities include a Sport and Fitness Centre, and the Guild – with one of the most active student unions in the country.
Find out more about The University of Liverpool and studying there →
