Marine Science

When you study a PhD or MPhil in Marine Science with the University of Liverpool, you’ll help us to further our understanding of the ocean and its importance in shaping our world. Marine Science focuses on all aspects of the marine system, from the physics of how the ocean moves across the planet and the chemistry of micronutrients and pollutants, to the biology of single cells phytoplankton, all the way to marine mammals. By undertaking a PhD or MPhil in Marine Science, you’ll integrate research groups that will train you to become an independent researcher while developing a range of transferable skills. We provide an emulative and exciting research environment to all postgraduate researchers to help them to succeed during their time with the University and beyond. Our academic staff are internationally recognised with expertise in physics, chemistry and/or biology. We offer research topics that often cross boundaries, aiming to answer fundamental questions about the functioning of the ocean, now and in the future. When you undertake postgraduate research with theDepartment of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences, you’ll join a legacy of historically-renowned research. The study of oceanography at the University of Liverpool celebrated its centenary in 2019. Liverpool has always had a close connection to marine sciences, from the young Jeremiah Horrocks who studied the influence of the moon on tides in 1640, to William Hutchinson who recorded sea level twice a day for 30 years. It’s no surprise that the Liverpool Tidal Institute – the first oceanographic department in the UK – was opened in Liverpool in 1919.

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 TOEFL iBT: If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. Pearson PTE Academic: 61 overall, with no component below 59 Your most recent IELTS score: Pre-sessional English course length 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5: 6 weeks 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0: 10 weeks 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0: 12 weeks 5.0 overall, with no component below 5.0: 20 weeks 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5: 30 weeks 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0: 40 weeks

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5

International students: £5,238

UK students: £5,238

UK/Home: £5,238

International: £5,238

Year round

Rolling admissions - check project listing

• Liverpool, United Kingdom