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Ocean Sciences BSc (Hons)

UCAS code: F700 | Full-time | 3 years

Entry requirements

View entry requirements

UK/Ireland fees:

£9,250 per year

International fees:

£27,200 per year

Starts on:

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Clearing 2024: find your place at Liverpool

We may have limited places for entry in 2024 for high achieving applicants.

Clearing is open for applications from international students, as well as UK and Republic of Ireland students who have their results. Limited places are available for high-achieving students.

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.

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Entry requirements

Home entry requirements

If you've received your results, you can apply now. You’ll usually need to have achieved BBC or above at A level or meet our requirements for other accepted qualifications. Higher entry criteria may apply for a small number of courses.

If you live in a postcode area where you’re less likely to go to university, or if you’ve spent any time in social care, we’ll take this into account when considering your application. We may be able to make you a reduced offer for the course you want to study.

International entry requirements

International Baccalaureate

26 points overall including 5 in two HL science subjects, 5 in SL English or 4 in HL English plus 5 in SL Maths/Maths Studies or 4 in HL Maths/Maths Studies

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

443 from 2 electives (including two science subjects) plus one core subject (excluding Citizenship and Social Development) and a minimum grade 3 in core Mathematics. Grade 4 (with no component less than 4) in HKDSE English Language

India Standard XII

Overall average of 70% from four core subjects including 75% in two science subjects, a minimum of 75% in English dependent on exam board (not including Hindi, Regional Language, Environmental Education and PE) and a minimum of 50% for Standard X Maths
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Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

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Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £9,250
Year in industry fee £1,850
Year abroad fee £1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year £27,200
Year abroad fee £13,600
Fees are correct for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes the cost of a lab coat, food and drink during compulsory field courses, and dissertation expenses.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

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Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes the cost of a lab coat, food and drink during compulsory field courses, and dissertation expenses.

Students should expect to cover the following costs.

Lab coat:

Approximately £10-20. Students are advised to purchase a lab coat before the start of their studies. The first lab practical will take place in teaching week one and all students are required to wear a lab coat.

Compulsory field courses:

The School will usually cover the cost of accommodation and travel for year one and three field courses. Students will cover the cost of sustenance.

Project/dissertation costs:

The School may provide a budget of up to £200 for certain field or lab-based projects. Desk-based projects receive no budget from the School.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to provide tuition fee discounts and help with living expenses while at university.

Check out our Liverpool Bursary, worth up to £2,000 per year for eligible UK students. Or for international students, our Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship offers a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 for eligible international students starting an undergraduate degree from September 2024.

Discover our full range of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries

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Contact us

Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.

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Last updated 27 June 2024 / Programme terms and conditions