Oceanographer
Oceanographers study seas and currents, marine plants and animals, and the rocks and minerals that lie beneath the sea bed.
Also known as: Marine scientist
- Starter salary£23,000 a year
- Experienced£45,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 42 a week
What you'll do
As an oceanographer, you might:
- 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
- write and present reports of your research findings
- give lectures and lead oceanography students on field trips
Working environment
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.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- 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
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become a oceanographer
You can get into this job through a university course.
University
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.
Entry requirements
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
Career path and 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.
Career tips
You could contact marine companies to see if you could work with them on a project as part of your university dissertation or postgraduate research. This would allow you to build up contacts in the industry, who may be able to help you find work once you complete your studies.
Guides for this industry
Related roles
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