Oceanographer

Oceanographers study seas and currents, marine plants and animals, and the rocks and minerals that lie beneath the sea bed.

In this guide

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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
  • 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.

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:

There are also openings in higher education, working as a researcher or lecturer, and scientific journalism.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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

Most relevant

  • Geography - Oceanographers study how ocean currents, tides, and coastal processes shape the planet's surface and climate systems. Geography provides a strong foundation in understanding how physical environments interact, including topics like erosion, weather patterns, and the impact of climate change on coastlines.
  • Biology - Oceanographers monitor marine ecosystems, studying everything from microscopic plankton to large marine mammals and how they interact with their environment. Understanding ecology, food chains, and how organisms adapt to different conditions is essential for sealife research and conservation work.
  • Chemistry - Oceanographers analyse the chemical composition of seawater, including salinity, dissolved gases, and pollutants. Understanding chemical processes helps them track ocean acidification, nutrient cycles, and the effects of pollution on marine environments.
  • Physics - Oceanographers use physics to understand wave mechanics, ocean currents, tidal forces, and heat transfer between the ocean and atmosphere. These principles are central to building models that predict how oceans circulate and how energy moves through marine systems.
  • Mathematics - Oceanographers use statistics to analyse large datasets from water samples, satellite readings, and sensor networks. They also rely on mathematical modelling to simulate ocean circulation patterns and predict how currents and sea levels may change over time.
  • Geology - Oceanographers map the sea floor and study the rocks, sediments, and minerals that lie beneath it. Understanding geological processes like plate tectonics, sedimentation, and volcanic activity helps them interpret the structure and history of ocean basins.

Also relevant

  • Computer Science - Oceanographers build computer models to simulate ocean currents, circulation patterns, and climate interactions. Understanding programming and computational thinking helps them process vast amounts of data and develop the simulations that underpin much of modern oceanographic research.
  • Environmental Science - Oceanographers study how human activity and climate change affect ocean health, from rising sea temperatures to plastic pollution. Environmental science provides a broad understanding of sustainability, ecosystems, and the interconnected challenges facing the natural world.
  • English Language - Oceanographers write detailed research reports, present findings at conferences, and sometimes give lectures to students. Being able to communicate complex scientific ideas clearly – both in writing and verbally – is important for sharing research and securing funding.

How to become

You can get into this job through a university course.

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

More Information

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.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an oceanographer from the:

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