The way that the Earth behaves as a system results from interactions between the land, the oceans and the atmosphere.

Complex issues such as climate change, sea level rise and environmental pollution can only be fully understood if all the different facets of the Earth’s behaviour are considered. While the ocean sciences aspect deals with present day and future climate change scenarios, the link to physical geography provides an understanding of changes in climate over the last several thousand years to provide context for recent climate change. This was the first UK university programme to combine land, ocean and climate studies in an integrated programme of study.

Programme in detail

Your training will cover core topics in oceanography, physical geography, geology and ecology as well as modules in IT and communication skills.

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 your final year. Scientists from the National Oceanography Centre in Liverpool provide guest lectures and supervision of projects. Students without mathematics, physics or chemistry at A level are provided with remedial courses.

The degree in Geography and Oceanography at Liverpool is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.

There has never been a better time to study Ocean Sciences: to understand how the oceans are warming, where sea level is rising, how the oceans are taking up carbon from the atmosphere, and how these changes are affecting plankton and marine life. Our degree programmes are designed to provide you with the skills to tackle these global environmental challenges. The vast majority of our recent graduates gain employment within a degree-related field or continue further within education and research after graduation.