Oceanographer
Study the seas and oceans to help us learn more about the marine environment, plants and animals.
Also known as: marine physicist, marine geologist, marine chemist, marine biologist
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
Ā£442
Entry level
Ā£865
Experienced
Monthly
Ā£1,917
Entry level
Ā£3,750
Experienced
Yearly
Ā£23,000
Entry level
Ā£45,000
Experienced
3,700
people are currently employed
High growth
200 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would study the seas and oceans to help us learn more about the marine environment, plants and animals.
Youād do research, for example, on the effects of climate change or the impact of pollution and offshore engineering on marine life.
There are four branches of oceanography in which you could specialise:
Biological ā studying marine plants and animals
Physical ā exploring water temperature, density, wave motion, tides and currents
Geological ā examining the structure and make-up of the ocean floor
Chemical ā analysing the chemicals in sea water and the impact of pollutants
Youād collect data to observe and track changes in the marine environment.
You would:
Plan and carry out research expeditions
Manage a research project and lead a team of researchers and technical staff
Prepare scientific equipment at sea or in a laboratory
Spend time at sea collecting data and samples
Create experiments to test your ideas in the laboratory
Use computers to produce models like maps of the ocean floor or populations of marine animals
Youād write reports about your research for publication. You would present your findings to the public and other scientists.
Youād use a variety of scientific equipment to collect samples and data, including:
Remote sensors on satellites
Instruments on towed or self-powered underwater vehicles
Scientific apparatus like sensors on moored or drifting buoys
Probes lowered into the sea
Drills to collect sediment cores from the seabed
Microphones to measure acoustics
Marine robots to explore the seabed
Diving equipment or submersible vehicles
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- understanding
- analysing
- taking initiative
- sorting
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- innovative
- working with technology
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Engineering Science
Environmental Science
Geography
Mathematics
Physics
Skills for Work: Maritime Skills
Applications of Mathematics
You would need a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in a relevant subject such as:
Oceanography
Ocean scienceĀ
Environmental science
A postgraduate degree (SCQF level 11) in oceanography or marine science is required by some employers.
Entry to an oceanography or marine science degree course (SCQF level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and four to five Highers (SCQF level 6).
To enter a postgraduate qualifications usually requires an honours degree in a relevant subject; some courses also ask for relevant work/voluntary experience.
Qualifications and experience that show a strong interest in science and the environment such as Skills for Work Laboratory Science (SCQF level 5) or Energy (SCQF level 5).
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