Oceanographers study the seas and oceans, conducting research into the effects of climate change, or the impact of pollution and offshore engineering on marine ecosystems.

Oceanographers use a variety of techniques to collect data, including the use of:

• remote sensors on satellites
• instruments on towed or self-powered submersibles
• apparatus on moored or drifting buoys
• probes lowered into the sea
• drilling into the seabed and acoustics.

There are four main specialist disciplines within oceanography:

• marine biology - the study of marine plants and animals
• marine chemistry - the study of the chemical composition of seawater
• marine geology - the study of the structure and composition of the ocean floor
• marine physics - the study of properties such as water temperature and density, wave motion, tides and currents.

An oceanographer will often use a multi-disciplinary approach to their work, applying elements from some or all of the specialisms in order to conclude their research.

Hours and Environment

Hours worked will depend on the project being undertaken. Much of an oceanographer’s work is based in laboratories or offices. Fieldwork can involve several days to some months at sea, either on a research ship or on offshore platforms, often in remote locations and in potentially hazardous or physically demanding conditions.

Oceanographers may have to go into the sea using diving equipment or submersible vehicles.

Skills and Interests

To be an oceanographer, you should:

• have strong mathematical and scientific skills including observational, practical, research, and problem solving
• have the flexibility to go beyond subject specialism
• be accurate and meticulous
• have good physical health and fitness for fieldwork
• be able to work alone and with others
• have excellent oral and written communication skills
• be prepared to travel.

Entry

To become an oceanographer you must hold a degree in a science-based subject or oceanography. Increasingly, postgraduate qualifications are needed in order to secure work. For example, to work as a physical oceanographer you could study physics at degree level followed by an MSc in Oceanography.

The Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) hold details of relevant undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and funding; see Further Information.

For entry to an undergraduate degree course you will need at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) including English, plus two A levels/three H grades, or equivalent. Many universities demand more than the minimum.

An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

Even though maths at A level/H grade may not be required for entrance to some degree courses most employers consider this to be essential.

Training

Various specialised or combined degree courses are available, and these typically take up to four years to complete and will usually include fieldwork.

A number of universities offer taught postgraduate MSc degrees, research degrees and PhD programmes.

Oceanographers receive on-the-job training, which is often combined with attendance on short courses, self-managed learning, seminars and conferences.

The SUT hold details of courses including a modularised Continuing Professional Development programme offered by a consortia of universities known as MTEC (Marine Technology Education Consortium).

Opportunities

Employment is mainly research based, with most UK posts offered by centres that are wholly or partly funded by the Natural Environment Research Council. These include:

• National Oceanography Centre, Southampton 
• Proudman Oceanography Laboratory
• Sea Mammal Research Institute
• British Antarctic Survey
• British Geological Survey
• Centre for Ecology and hydrology.

Other national organisations that employ oceanographers include environmental protection agencies, the Royal Navy, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Environment Agency and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Opportunities also arise in industries or consultancies concerned with the extraction of offshore oil and gas, offshore and coastal constructions and marine instrumentation.

There may also be opportunities to work in universities, and abroad.

In smaller organisations, internal promotion prospects are usually limited and short contracts from one to five years are common.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

New entrants to the profession may earn between £19,000 and £22,000 a year, more if they have a postgraduate degree.
Experienced oceanographers may earn around £30,000 per year.
Those in senior positions such as a project leader role can earn up to £58,000.

Further information

80 Coleman Street
London
EC2R 5BJ
Tel: 020 7382 2601

Polaris House
North Star Avenue
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411500