Oceanographer
Also called Marine scientist.
Oceanographers study seas and currents, marine plants and animals, and the rocks and minerals that lie beneath the sea bed.
- Potential salary
- £23,000 starter to £45,000 experienced per year
- Typical hours
- 37 to 42 variable. Working pattern: evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home.
- Career area
- Science and laboratory work
- Where they might work
- You could work in a laboratory, at a research facility or at sea. Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often. You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
- A typical task
- plan and carry out research expeditions around the UK and overseas
- Subjects that may help
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- Typical route
- You can study for a degree in oceanography or a related subject, like:
- Interest area used here
- Asking questions and research, Making, fixing and working outdoors
What you might do
- plan and carry out research expeditions around the UK and overseas
- collect water, sediment and rock samples and analyse data
- analyse satellite data and observations to understand oceanic changes
- build computer models of ocean currents and circulation patterns
- create maps of the sea floor and underlying geology
- monitor changes in seawater properties and marine life
More tasks (2)
- write and present reports of your research findings
- give lectures and lead oceanography students on field trips
Could this suit me?
Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.
- knowledge of geography
- maths knowledge
- excellent written communication skills
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
More skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
Routes into this career
University route
- You can study for a degree in oceanography or a related subject, like:
- ocean science
- geology
- physics
- marine science
- biology or chemistry
- environmental science
- Employers often look for students with postgraduate qualifications, like a master's degree or PhD. They also value experience of working in marine science, engineering or oceanographic research.
- You can get experience by choosing a course that includes work placements or internships with a marine company or research centre.
- You can find marine companies and research organisations through the Society for Underwater Technology.
- You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
University courses that could lead to this career
These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.
- Environmental science
Alternative route. Only if marine systems are a real part of the degree.
- Geology
Alternative route. Marine geology is one corner of oceanography, not the whole subject.
- Marine biology
Alternative route. Relevant if the course includes physical or chemical ocean work. Oceanography degrees are closer for that title.
- Oceanography
Direct qualifying route. The closest title. Physics or mathematics plus postgraduate study is also a real route.
Career progression
- As your career develops you could become a project leader or manager. You might also wish to specialise in a particular field of oceanography, such as:
- coastal modelling
- sealife research and conservation
- the impact of a changing climate on ocean currents
- There are opportunities to work on research projects while studying for higher qualifications, for example, with the:
- Marine Technology Education Consortium
- Natural Environment Research Council
- Interdisciplinary Southampton Partnership for Investigators Researching the Environment (INSPIRE)
- There are also openings in higher education, working as a researcher or lecturer, and scientific journalism.
Subjects that may help
Subject guidance
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study