Ocean Exploration and Surveying, BSc (Hons)

This course in hydrographic surveying and marine exploration equips students for careers in offshore and environmental fields, covering topics such as marine remote sensing, oceanography, underwater acoustics, digital mapping, and geographical information systems. With a strong emphasis on practical applications, students gain essential skills in seafloor mapping and measurement using advanced technology. Ranked in the top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences (QS World University Rankings 2023), the program offers hands-on experience through industry-standard equipment, a fully-equipped fleet, and options for professional diving qualifications, overseas field courses, and strong industry links, enhancing employment prospects.The first year introduces foundational marine science topics and practical skills through field activities. The second year focuses on offshore technologies like computerised mapping, marine positioning, and underwater acoustics, with optional modules in meteorology or scientific diving. A placement opportunity provides workplace experience, while the final year delves into coastal and offshore surveying, including a residential field course and a research project. Assessment details are available on the institution's website; the course does not award qualified teacher status (QTS).

Your first year, shared across the Marine Science Undergraduate Scheme, introduces the full range of topics within the degree and develops your underpinning scientific knowledge and practical skills. You’ll develop your understanding of the Earth’s oceans and the key physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur in these systems. You’ll build practical skills and enhance your ability to analyse, present and interpret scientific data through field-based activities. Your second year introduces specialist technology used offshore, including computerised mapping and analysis software. You'll cover marine positioning topics as well as developing an understanding of the physical coastal environment. The application of acoustics to measurement underwater provides a strong scientific background to the use of sonar and related remote sensing and surveying methods. You’ll also be able to broaden your studies by taking an option module in meteorology, remote sensing or scientific diving (for suitably qualified individuals). Gain relevant industrial or workplace experience with the Ocean Science placement. The final year modules focus on hydrographic surveying in coastal and offshore environments, including surveying for ports, construction and exploration for hydrocarbons and minerals. You’ll participate in a residential field course to utilise and further develop your practical skills and be able to broaden your studies to include an option module, for example in marine pollution, marine policy and planning or coastal processes. A significant part of the year is spent completing a research project, carrying out your own in-depth investigation, potentially involving practical work, under the guidance of a member of academic staff. The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry and up to date information can be found on our website.