Oceanographer
What is the work like?
Oceanographers use their knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics and geology to study the seas and oceans. Examples of their work include conducting research into the effects of climate change, and exploring the impact of pollution and offshore engineering on marine ecosystems.
As an oceanographer, you could specialise in one of four areas:
- marine biology – studying marine plants and animals
- marine chemistry – anaylysing the chemical composition of seawater and the behaviour of pollutants
- marine geology – examining the structure and make-up of the ocean floor
- marine physics – studying water temperature and density, wave motion, tides and currents.
You would use a variety of techniques to collect data, including:
- remote sensors on satellites
- instruments on towed or self-powered submersibles
- apparatus on moored or drifting buoys
- probes lowered into the sea
- drills to explore the seabed and acoustics.
Your work could vary depending on the area you specialise in, but will often include:
- researching and writing reports
- presenting and publishing your findings
- working with computer modellers to produce graphical simulations of your research
- managing a project
- leading a team of technical support staff.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will usually need a degree in a science-based subject (such as maths, physics or chemistry) or a joint honours degree in oceanography with either maths, physics or chemistry. Many employers also prefer you to have a relevant postgraduate qualification. For example, a good preparation for working as a marine biologist would be a physics degree followed by an MSc in Oceanography.
Many degree courses in this area include fieldwork and take around four years to complete. If your course does not include work experience, you could try to arrange this yourself through a marine laboratory.
To get onto a relevant science-based degree you will usually need:
- five or more GCSEs (A-C) including English, maths and three science subjects
- two or three A levels, including maths, physics and one other science or computing.
Check with course providers for exact entry details because alternative qualifications may also be accepted.
At postgraduate-level, there are taught Masters degrees, research degrees and PhD programmes. The Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) has details of relevant courses and possible funding options.
What further training and development can I do?
You will usually receive on-the-job training from your employer, which will often be combined with short courses, self-managed learning, seminars and conferences.
To help you keep up-to-date, the SUT has details of courses including a Continuing Professional Development programme offered by a group of universities known as MTEC ( Marine Technology Education Consortium).
Taking advantage of networking opportunities through societies such as the SUT and the Challenger Society for Marine Science may also help you develop your skills and knowledge as well as increase your career prospects.
Where can I go for more information?
80 Coleman StreetLondon
EC2R 5BJ
Tel: 020 7382 2601
North Star Avenue
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411500
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries for oceanographers can be between £17,000 and £22,000 a year.
- With experience this can rise to around £36,000.
- Lecturers can earn around £50,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your hours of work can vary depending on the project. You could spend time based in a lab or office as well as several days (sometimes months) at sea. When carrying out research, you could be working from a ship or an offshore platform in a remote location or potentially hazardous and physically demanding conditions.
This work often includes using diving equipment or submersible vehicles.
You need to be prepared to travel and spend time away from home.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- strong mathematical and scientific skills
- good powers of observation
- practical skills
- good research and problem solving skills
- a flexible approach to work
- accuracy and attention to detail
- good physical health and fitness for research work
- the ability to work alone and as part of a team
- excellent spoken and written communication skills.
What opportunities are there?
Much oceanography work in the UK is created and funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). You will find job opportunities (often funded through the NERC) with organisations such as the National Oceanography Centre (Southampton), Sea Mammal Research Institute and the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research. You could also work within teaching and research with universities specialising in aspects of oceanography.
You may also find work with the government, for example, through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and within industries involved with the extraction of offshore oil and gas, offshore and coastal construction and marine instrumentation.
To gain promotion, you are likely to need between one and five years' experience. Short-term contracts are common in this area of work.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
New Scientist
Nature
Guardian
Earthworks-jobs
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