Like its BSc counterpart, this four year degree focuses on the study of marine sediments within an Earth system science context. This degree focuses on the study of marine sediments within an Earth system science context. It is concerned with sedimentary processes (the origin, transport and deposition of particles in the marine environment), and with marine sediments and rocks, in particular those formed in the past 2 million years, but also further back in time. It differs from the BSc course in that it places emphasis on gaining skills and knowledge of direct relevance to the offshore survey and hydrocarbon industry.

Geological Oceanographers are  required to tackle issues such as offshore site investigation related to renewable energy infrastructure and oil and gas exploration, climate and sea-level change, and coastal erosion. These are challenging and buoyant areas of development; there is currently a deficit of suitably qualified people for these roles. Upon graduation, students will not only have a deep understanding of the ‘earth system’, but they will also have a broad range of practical skills in sedimentology, geophysics and Geotechnics. Data integration capabilities across these disciplines are in short supply within the offshore industry, but it is widely recognized by employers as being of great value.