Best Oceanography Schools In Europe

In order to answer the question “What are the best oceanography schools in Europe?”, this article will talk about top European universities that offer degree programs in disciplines related to the sea and its related ecosystem. Some of the types of degrees open to students include Biological Oceanography, Marine Biology (Ecology), Marine Biology (Marine Mammals), Marine Biology (Invertebrates and Algae), along with others.

What is the best oceanography school in Europe? If you’re looking to study oceanography and marine science, or just want to learn more about this fascinating field, it’s important to find a university that meets your needs and goals.

We’ve taken the time to research the top oceanography schools in Europe and compiled them into this list so you can compare them all at once. We also included some helpful information on the different types of degrees available at these schools so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you, in conjunction with best oceanography undergraduate programs & best oceanography universities in the world.

Best Oceanography Schools In Europe

There are a lot of great European universities that are pushing the boundaries of oceanography. We’ve put together this list of schools that we think deserve special recognition in this field.

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, UK

The National Oceanography Centre, Southampton is a world-leading marine research facility run by the University of Southampton. Located on the south coast of England, it’s a major hub for oceanographic research and education in Europe. The centre was established in 1960 as part of the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council. It became part of the University of Southampton in 2005 and has been at its current site since 1987.

The NOC offers an undergraduate degree program with three different options: Marine Biology; Physical Oceanography; or Marine Geosciences & Technology (MGT). There are also graduate programs available for those who want to study towards a PhD or MSc degree.

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is a Norwegian university located in Trondheim, Norway. It was established in 1910 as a response to the growth of industry and technology in Norway. The school has over 23,000 students spread across eight schools which focus on different fields of study.

One of the most prestigious institutions in Europe for oceanography is NTNU’s Department for Marine Technology & Ocean Engineering (DMTOE). DMTOE offers undergraduate degrees and graduate programs in marine technology and ocean engineering, including such courses as:

  • Marine Engineering
  • Naval Architecture & Shipbuilding Engineering
  • Wind Energy Engineering

GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Germany

GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Germany

The GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Germany is a well-respected institution in the area of oceanography and marine sciences. It has been in operation since 1970 and has become one of the most important research centers on the subject. In addition to conducting its own research, GEOMAR also provides training opportunities for students from all over Europe who want to pursue a career in marine science research or conservation. This school offers three doctoral programs: one with a focus on physical oceanography; another with a focus on biology; and yet another which focuses on geology and geophysics.

University of Hamburg, Germany

The University of Hamburg is one of the oldest universities in Germany and has a long tradition as an important research institute. It was created in 1919, after World War I, when the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg decided to establish a university that would be independent from any religious organization or political party.

The university is now one of the largest institutions for higher education in Germany with over 40,000 students and over 6,000 staff members. It has won several awards for its teaching programs and research departments. For example, it was ranked second overall among German universities by QS World University Rankings in 2018.

On top of this, University of Hamburg also belongs to a group known as League of European Research Universities (LERU), which consists only 9 elite universities within Europe: Cambridge; Oxford; Imperial College London; ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (Switzerland); KU Leuven – Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium); Eindhoven University of Technology (Netherlands); Uppsala University

Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands

Delft University of Technology is a Dutch public university in the city of Delft, the Netherlands.

It is one of the largest and most prestigious science, technology and medicine universities in the world. It is a triple-campused university, with its main campus located in Delft, two smaller campuses located in Gouda and Rotterdam, and a fourth campus planned for Amsterdam by 2017. TU Delft has been consistently ranked among Europe’s top universities since its inception; it comprises four faculties (Architecture & Civil Engineering; Electrical Engineering & Information Technology; Mechanical Engineering & Mechatronics; Materials Science & Chemistry) along with several graduate schools (Applied Physics; Biomedical Sciences; Chemical Engineering & Process Technology – CCEPT).

TU Delft was founded as the Technische Hogeschool delft on October 12th 1842 by King William II of The Netherlands as an institute for education to promote arts and sciences to support industry and trade in The Netherlands. In 1956 this school became part of TU Eindhoven then later merged into one university called “Technische Universiteit Eindhoven” until 1995 when it regained its independence from both cities again becoming simply known as “Technische Universiteit” or Technical University now commonly referred to simply as TU/e which stands for technical university Eindhoven/Netherlands.”

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands

The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands is a research university established in 1880. It’s one of Europe’s most prestigious universities and has an international reputation for its top-notch research.

The university offers more than 200 study programmes, including engineering, social sciences, humanities and medicine. The school also offers a wide range of courses such as marine biology, geology or astronomy to name just a few.

There are over 30 doctoral programmes available at VUA where you can get your PhD degree in many different fields of study including oceanography (or ocean science).

Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain

Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain

This school is one of the oldest in Europe and has a great reputation. It’s also a state university, which means it’s free. It’s located in Barcelona and draws students from all over Europe and beyond—the main language spoken on campus is English, so you don’t have to worry if you’ve been learning Spanish only!

University of Bologna, Italy

  • University of Bologna, Italy

This is the oldest university in Europe. It was founded in 1088 and is still one of the most prestigious universities in the world today. The university has a very diverse student body, with students coming from all over the world to study here. It also has a great reputation for its research facilities, so if you want your studies to be backed up by some serious scientific know-how, this could be a great place for you!

University of Iceland Faculty of Earth Sciences

  • University of Iceland Faculty of Earth Sciences
  • University of Iceland

If you’re looking for a degree in oceanography, the University of Iceland has one of the best programs in Europe. The program is designed to give students a broad understanding of oceanography while also providing them with hands-on experience through field trips and research projects. In addition, they offer courses on marine biology, geology, geography and environment science.

The ten best European oceanography schools are discussed. They are ranked in order according to their scientific contributions in research.

  • University of Plymouth
  • University of Southampton
  • University of Edinburgh
  • National Oceanography Centre (NOC) Southampton

The above universities should be a good start for your search. They are all excellent universities with strong international reputations in an area that it is easy to find employment in. Consider studying oceanography at one of them!

best oceanography undergraduate programs

To determine the best value schools for a bachelor’s in oceanography, our editors used College Navigator to identify the initial pool of 22 colleges and universities that offer this undergraduate degree. From there, we considered each school’s tuition and financial aid numbers (as reported by College Navigator) as well as program information from each school’s website using the ranking methodology above to identify the following 10 top value bachelor’s in oceanography degree programs.

Reviewing the Best Oceanographer Colleges

#10 – University of Washington—Seattle

Bachelor’s in Oceanography

Seattle, Washington

Points: 7
The University of Washington—Seattle’s School of Oceanography offers an interdisciplinary bachelor’s in oceanography degree programs with both BA and BS tracks. In addition, students can further customize their curriculum by choosing from orientations in either life sciences or physical sciences. Some sample course titles include Methods of Oceanographic Data Analysis, Foundations of Ocean Sensors, Marine Biogeochemical Cycles, and Coastal Oceanography. Oceanography degree students have access to several state-of-the-art facilities and resources including the RV Thompson and the Friday Harbor Laboratories.
Tuition: $11,839

#9 – University of North Carolina—Wilmington

Bachelor’s in Physical Oceanography

Wilmington, North Carolina

Points: 7
The University of North Carolina Wilmington offers a unique bachelor’s in oceanography that combines the disciplines of physics and physical oceanography. In order to fulfill the requirements for the major, students must complete the general education requirements, the physics core, and additional courses with an oceanography emphasis. Specific course titles include Computational Physics and Complexity, Coastal and Estuarine Systems, and Observational Methods and Data Analysis in Physical Oceanography. Bachelor’s degree in oceanography students will also participate in an undergraduate cruise experience prior to graduation.
Tuition: $6,691

#8 – Stockton University

Bachelor’s in Marine Science: Oceanography

Galloway, New Jersey

Points: 8
Stockton University’s bachelor’s in oceanography offering is a major in marine science with both BS and BA tracks in oceanography. This oceanography concentration features specialty course titles such as Global Ocean Basins, Coastal Sedimentary Processes, Marine Geology, and Data Methods in Marine Science. In addition to traditional coursework, oceanography degree students regularly participate in lab experiments and undergraduate research projects at the nearby Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve as well as at the Stockton Marine Field Station.
Tuition: $12,820

#7 – Coastal Carolina University

BS in Marine Science: Atmosphere/Ocean Dynamics

Conway, South Carolina

Points: 8
Coastal Carolina University’s bachelor’s in oceanography is technically a marine science major with an emphasis in Atmosphere/Ocean Dynamics. The program is primarily designed for students planning to study physical oceanography or atmospheric science at the graduate level. Students will enroll in courses such as Hydrographic Techniques, Coastal Processes, Marine Environmental Issues, and Geographic Information Systems. Bachelor’s degree in oceanography students may choose to double major in any other bachelor of science program.
Tuition: $10,530

#6 – North Carolina State University

BS in Marine Science: Biological Oceanography

Raleigh, North Carolina

Points: 8
North Carolina State University offers a bachelor’s in oceanography option that is technically a BS in Marine Science with a concentration in Biological Oceanography. The program features a mostly prescribed curriculum comprised of courses such as Introduction to Coastal Environments, Physical Oceanography, and Coastal Processes. Bachelor’s degree in oceanography students enjoy access to the 51,000 square-foot state-of-the art Center for Marine Sciences and Technology (CMAST) located on the shore of Bogue Sound where they participate in undergraduate research projects and field studies.
Tuition: $8,581

#5 – Humboldt University

BS in Oceanography

Arcata, California

Points: 8
Humboldt University offers a flexible bachelor’s in oceanography degree program that can be customized according to students’ individual interests and career goals. The core curriculum for the major includes course titles such as Chemical Oceanography, Oceans & Climate, and Sampling Techniques & Field Studies. Oceanography degree students participate in field cruises and research projects near campus and at the university’s marine laboratory in Trinidad. Graduates are well-prepared for entry-level careers as aquaculture technicians, chemical oceanographers, hydrographic surveyors, and marine research assistants, among other related positions.
Tuition: $7,195

#4 – Florida Institute of Technology

Bachelor’s in Oceanography

Melbourne, Florida

Points: 9
Florida Institute of Technology’s bachelor’s in oceanography degree program is interdisciplinary in nature, combining courses from disciplines such as math, physics, meteorology, biology, chemistry, and more. The program is also highly versatile, allowing students to choose from one of five available concentrations: Biological Oceanography, Chemical Oceanography, Coastal Zone Management, Marine Environmental Science, and Physical Oceanography. Florida Tech’s bachelor’s degree in oceanography graduates routinely go on to pursue graduate degrees at prestigious universities such as the University of Alaska, MIT, and Princeton.

Tuition: $39,290

#3 – Hawaii Pacific University

BS in Oceanography

Honolulu, Hawaii

Points: 9
Hawaii Pacific University offers a highly customizable bachelor’s in oceanography degree program with concentrations in Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and Fisheries Science. Specific course titles include Hawaiian Natural History, Evolutionary Genetics, Natural Resource Management, and Geological Oceanography. Oceanography degree students graduate well-prepared to enter careers in marine and aquatic sciences in both the public and private sectors as well as advanced study in the field of oceanography. HPU’s oceanography students enjoy small class sizes and routinely participate in field cruises aboard the university’s 42-foot research vessel.
Tuition: $22,440

#2 – Millersville University of Pennsylvania

BS in Ocean Studies and Coastal Sciences

Millersville, Pennsylvania

Points: 9
Millersville University of Pennsylvania’s bachelor’s in oceanography offering is actually a BS in Ocean Sciences & Coastal Studies with an option in Physical Oceanography. In addition to required earth sciences courses such as Field Methods in Oceanography, Climate Dynamics, and Ocean Data Analysis & Presentation, oceanography degree students will take classes in related disciplines such as chemistry, calculus, and physics. Millersville University’s oceanography students also routinely participate in experiential learning activities and field experiences at the Wallops Island Science Center.
Tuition: $10,918

#1 – Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Bachelor’s in Marine Science: Oceanography

Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Points: 9
The bachelor’s in oceanography degree offering from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is a BS in Marine Science with a concentration in Oceanography. Students pursuing this oceanography track will enroll in courses such as Marine Biology, Physical Oceanography, Remote Sensing, and Physical Geology. Kutztown University’s bachelor’s degree in oceanography students routinely participate in field-intensive experiences at the Chincoteague Bay Field Station located at nearby Wallops Island, Virginia. Students graduate from the program well-prepared for entry-level careers in oceanography and marine science as well as for graduate study.
Tuition: $9,411

best oceanography universities in the world

Here’s a list of the best Oceanography schools…

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Through the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, MIT offers 2 oceanography, chemical, and physical degree programs. It’s a large private university in a mid-sized city. In 2015, 6 students graduated in the study area of Oceanography, Chemical And Physical with students earning 6 Doctoral degrees.

With 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio, MIT ranks No.1 in QS top schools rankings. Furthermore, MIT is dedicated to equipping its students with an education that blends accurate academic study and the excitement of learning with the support and intellectual stimulation of a diverse campus community.

2. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

UCB offers a bachelor’s and a graduate degree in marine biology. This field of marine biology thus requires an understanding of the interactions between the biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere. 

This major is intended to provide students with a broad background in the earth sciences with an emphasis on marine life. Interrelationships between physical, biological, and chemical processes at Earth’s surface will be emphasized. 

Faculty, students, and researchers in the department engage across disciplinary lines to understand atmospheres, oceans, terrestrial surfaces, deep interiors, the biosphere, and the coupling between them.

3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers 2 Oceanography, Chemical, And Physical Degree programs. In 2015, 11 students graduated in the study area of Oceanography, Chemical And Physical with students receiving 9 Master’s degrees, and 2 Doctoral degrees.

The Department of Marine Sciences administers the University’s strong commitment to research, teaching, and public service. In practical terms, they strive to understand the proponents that regulate marine systems and connect these to the other components of the Earth System.

Furthermore, the Department of Marine Sciences grants instruction and research activities in biological, chemical, geological, and physical oceanography.

The Department highlights graduate training and offers an academic minor to undergraduates with occasions for supervised practical experience.

Basic courses are also administered to all undergraduates, regardless of major, who are interested in marine sciences.

4. University of California-San Diego

The University of California – San Diego is on our list of best oceanography schools in the world.

Founded as San Diego Marine Biological Station, Scripps institution of oceanography seeks to, teach, and communicate scientific understanding of the oceans, atmosphere, Earth, and other planets for the benefit of society and the environment. The university awards 3 programs in Oceanography.

Scripps Institution of Oceanography is a global leader in marine biology.  

With over 75 years of graduate and undergraduate education, Scripps offers marine and earth sciences programs internationally recognized for their excellence.

The institution houses world-class researchers and professors that use their distinct backgrounds and talents to improve our understanding of the earth system and train the next generation of scientific and environmental leaders.

5. University of Washington-Seattle Campus

The University of Washington-Seattle Campus offers 6 Oceanography, Chemical, and Physical Degree programs. In 2015, 41 students graduated in the study area of Oceanography, with students earning 24 Bachelor’s degrees, 13 Doctoral degrees, and 4 Master’s degrees.

The School of Oceanography fosters the advancement of the ocean sciences, solutions to problems of societal relevance, and public awareness of the marine environment. The School centers on learning and discovery, equipping students with knowledge and insights, scholarly methods, scientific tools, and communication skills.

They offer the degrees of Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

6. University of Miami

Founded in the 1940s, the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science has grown into one of the top academic oceanographic schools in the world. The School’s basic and applied research interests encompass virtually all marine-related sciences. RSMAS offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Oceanography.

The RSMAS in Oceanography is intended to give students a broad overview of the ocean sciences (physical, chemical, biological and geological oceanography, and ocean-atmosphere interactions as they relate to weather and climate) and specialized knowledge in one or more subdisciplines.

7. United States Naval Academy

United States Naval Academy offers one oceanography degree program. It’s a medium-sized public university in a large suburb. In 2015, 87 students graduated in the study area of Oceanography, chemicals, and Physical with students earning 87 Bachelor’s degrees.

The oceanography major is intended for the “hands-on” student with a strong interest in the physical and dynamic properties of the ocean and atmosphere.

Oceanography majors strengthen knowledge gained in the classroom with underway and computer laboratories and conduct current and scientifically relevant research.

The faculty houses six tenure-track civilian professors, five rotational military instructors with recent fleet experience, four permanent military professors, and two civilian instructors of practical applications.

Oceanography majors take 13 courses in oceanography, meteorology, and applied mathematics; students in the honors program take 14 courses.

8. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Caltech is a renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world’s brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions and pressing societal challenges.

With a 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Caltech is on our list of the best oceanography schools in the world. The Oceanography program focuses on the physics of the ocean’s circulation and its impact on the global climate.

This course will provide a basic introduction to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of Earth’s oceans. Topics to be covered include oceanographic observational and numerical methods as well as the phenomenology and distribution of temperature, salinity, and tracers.

9. University of Wisconsin-Madison

Their Oceanography program investigates a wide range of fundamental physical and geochemical processes in global ocean circulation and the impacts these processes have on the global climate.

Students get to learn about the variability of the ocean from interannual to inter-decadal time scales using state-of-art ocean models and observational data sets.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers nationally approved graduate and undergraduate programs.

10. University of California-Santa Cruz

The Ocean Sciences Department includes faculty, students and staff involved in oceanography and other marine sciences and offers undergraduate and graduate courses in these disciplines

The graduate programs in ocean sciences are meant to prepare students for careers in research and teaching. The fundamental requirement for admission to the program is substantial evidence of superior scholarship and aptitude for original research.

Preparation for admission to the graduate program in Ocean Sciences should comprise an undergraduate degree in the discipline of one of the program’s specialty areas (e.g., biology or marine biology, geology or earth sciences, chemistry, or physical science) or equivalent background.

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