The study of marine sciences is rewarding and fun – going on to working in further research and employment can be even more exciting. But the vision of adventure and discovery that attracts lots of people to study marine sciences means that real dedication is required to have a successful career.
Voluntary work will often help you find employment later.
There are many opportunities for a career in marine sciences, and you don’t have to be a biologist or a diver to become a “marine scientist”.
For students unable to attend full-time university education the Open University provides courses which may be undertaken at home.
A career in marine science should begin at school, with your choices of subjects at GCSE/Standard Grade, and then ‘A’ levels/Higher Grades. For degree courses you will need good qualifications in sciences, with mathematics to at least GCSE/S level an important addition. There are several reference publications available that provide details about entry requirements for courses - these can be found in public libraries and careers centres.
For university courses in marine science, click here.
Most marine science courses involve three years of study. Your study will require commitment, and willingness to apply yourself to every task – you will need to be thorough and logical no matter how laborious research and revision can be. Visions of relaxing after a day’s sampling coral reefs in the Maldives seem a distant dream when you are sifting through worms in wintry UK mud!
Following graduation from a first course, you may decide to study for a higher degree. With so many graduates looking for employment every year, it is advisable to study a Master of Science or similar higher degree, either taught or as a supervised researcher.
Embarking upon research for a PhD doctorate means long hours of study and research in the field and laboratory, and requires great commitment, dedication, self discipline and, above all, enthusiasm for your chosen field of study. By the time you have completed your doctorate, you will be well on your way to becoming an “expert in your own field” (you will also be poorer than your friends who may have gained employment already!).
There are a whole range of occupations open when you are ready for employment, both at home or overseas, from polar regions to the tropics. “The world’s your oyster”, as they say!
As a marine scientist, you could get involved in the following types of career:
Conservation
Teaching
University research in UK or overseas
Government laboratory research
Environmental scientist with eg. the Environment Agency
Research diver/ scientist with a government agency
Non Government Organisation (such as MCS) officer
Journalism
Geographic Information Systems
Oceanographic modelling
Environmental Consultancy
Biotechnology
Coastal management
Aquaculture
Research instrument design and technology
Engineering
Data processing
