Programme structure Master's programme in Physical Oceanography
Students can choose from a variety of courses and degree projects to complete a Master's degree in Physical Oceanography. On this web page we present the programme structure, courses, internships, exchange studies, and how to perform a degree project with suggestions in our Degree Project Catalogue.
The Master's degree in Physical Oceanography is awarded when a student has completed the course requirements of 120 credits, comprising:
- at least 60 credits at advanced level in Physical Oceanography,
- no more than 30 first-cycle credits,
- a degree project of at least 30 credits.
Degree projects may be 30, 45 or 60 credits.
The degree project can be completed at the University of Gothenburg, or elsewhere in Sweden, or abroad via an exchange study agreement. Students from the Master’s programme in Physical Oceanography are encouraged to go abroad during their second year of studies.
60 credits (1 credit = 1 ECTS) corresponds to one-year of full-time study.
First year AS 2024 / SS 2025
Period 1: August – November, 15 credits
Course OCM100, Physical Oceanography I, 15 credits
This course provides a basic introduction to the principles governing motion in the ocean, covering scales from the smallest turbulent eddies to world ocean circulation.
Read more about OCM100, Physical Oceanography I, 15 credits.
Period 2: November – January, 15 credits
Course OCM210, Physical Oceanography II, 15 credits
This course – a continuation of OCM100, Physical Oceanography I – provides an introduction to time-dependent phenomena in the sea, such as waves and instabilities at both small and large scales.
Read more about OCM210, Physical Oceanography II, 15 credits.
Period 3: January – March, 15 credits
Course GVN465 Climate modelling
Climate Modelling studies the physical and dynamic processes that affect and control the climate system as well as the mathematical and computational methods used to calculate them.
Read more about GVN465 Climate modelling, 15 credits
Period 4: March – June, 15 credits
Course OC4920, Observing the Ocean from Micro to Macro Scale, 15 credits
The course will provide an understanding of the ocean processes that impact its motion (e.g. circulation and property exchange) and the scales that they occur.
Read more about OC4920 Observing the Ocean from Micro to Macro Scale
Second year AS 2025 / SS 2026
Period 1: August – November, 15 credits
For period 1, year 2, students have three choices:
- take an elective course,
- seek an internship,
- begin degree project (45 credits) in Sweden or abroad.
Period 2: November – January, 15 credits
Degree project: Begin (30 credits) or continue (45 credits) degree project in Sweden or abroad
Period 3: January – March, 15 credits
Course OC6310, Ocean Models, 15 credits
This course introduces geophysical fluid dynamics, relevant equations, and different kinds of models. After this course you will be able to build your own mathematical models of aquatic system such as seas and ocean basins.
Read more about OC6310, Ocean Models, 15 credits.
Period 4: March - June, 15 credits
Complete degree project (30 or 45 credits) in Sweden or abroad.
Internship (Applied project)
Internships can be at the Department of Marine Sciences, or externally at another university, or at a public or private organization in Sweden or abroad. The student has the responsibility to search and find a host organization and supervisor.
The Erasmus programme offers opportunities to apply for a placement grant for an internship in Europe (outside of Sweden).
Read more about Placement Grant
Read more about MARI40, Applied Project (Internship), 15 credits
Exchange study opportunities
Students from the Master’s programme in Physical Oceanography are encouraged to go abroad during their second year of studies. You can choose to participate in exchange studies at any of our partner universities, complete an internship, and/or carry out your degree project abroad.
Read more about Exchange study opportunities.
How to perform a Degree Project
During the degree project, the student performs scientifically structured, experimental, or theoretical work in the field of physical oceanography under the supervision of an academic with relevant expertise in the subject area. Degree projects may be 30, 45 or 60 credits.
For available degree projects, please visit the Degree Project Catalogue.
Individual study plan
An individual study plan is required to be completed (in collaboration with the supervisor), and approved before commencement of the project. The completed project is presented and assessed in the form of a written report.
The project can be done at:
- the Department of Marine Sciences,
- another institution in a relevant discipline, in Sweden or abroad,
- externally at a company, institution or authority.
Degree Project Study Routes
For a 30 credit Degree Project:
- Choose a course or an internship Year 1 period 4,
- choose a course or an internship Year 2 period 1,
- begin and complete degree project period 3 and 4.
For a 45 credit Degree Project:
- Choose a course or an internship Year 1 period 4,
- begin degree project Year 2 period 1,
- complete degree project period 3 and 4.
For a 60 credit Degree Project, please contact our Study Guidance.
Degree Project Catalogue
In the Degree Project Catalogue, you will find suggestions on degree projects. The Degree Project Catalogue is for all Bachelor's and Master's levels within the subjects: oceanography, marine biology, marine chemistry, marine geology, and also interdisciplinary projects within all the marine sciences. Each project is presented on a web page.
You can contact the supervisor for more information about the projects.
