Qualifications Offered

Postgraduate Studies

Department of Atmospheric and Oceanographic Sciences

Nelson Mandela University

Why Study at Nelson Mandela University?

Nelson Mandela University offers a unique environment for postgraduate study in ocean and atmospheric sciences.

Key strengths include:

Strategic coastal location

Located in Gqeberha on South Africa’s coastline, the University provides direct access to:

Dynamic coastal and shelf environments
Major oceanographic systems including the Agulhas Current
Estuaries, coastal ecosystems, and marine protected areas

These environments provide exceptional natural laboratories for research.

Ocean Sciences Campus

The purpose-built Ocean Sciences Campus hosts:

Institute for Coastal and Marine Research (CMR)
South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI)
National and international ocean science programmes

Research-intensive postgraduate focus

The department focuses on postgraduate education, ensuring:

Individual supervision
Research-led training
Strong integration with national research programmes

National and international collaborations

DAOS collaborates with:

SAEON (South African Environmental Observation Network)
South African Universities with coastal and marine programmes
National Research Foundation programmes
Government and international ocean research partners

Research Areas

Postgraduate students conduct research across diverse ocean science disciplines.

Current research areas include:

Biological Oceanography

Marine ecosystems
Plankton ecology
Coastal productivity
Ecosystem response to climate change

Coastal and Estuarine Systems

Estuarine dynamics
Coastal ecosystem functioning
Human impacts on coastal systems

Physical Oceanography

Coastal circulation
Ocean currents
Air-sea interaction
Climate variability

Chemical Oceanography

Biogeochemical cycles
Marine carbon systems
Ocean acidification
Nutrient dynamics

Future Plans are to add accredited Atmospheric Sciences postgraduate programmes:

Atmospheric Science

Climate systems
Atmospheric circulation
Air-sea coupling
Regional climate processes

Facilities and Infrastructure

Postgraduate students have access to world-class research facilities through DAOS and the Institute for Coastal and Marine Research.

These include:

Ocean Sciences Campus facilities

Research laboratories
Data analysis and computing facilities
Seminar and training facilities

Field and observational access

Students participate, where applicable, in:

Coastal fieldwork
Vessel-based research
Oceanographic sampling
Environmental monitoring

Research computing and modelling

Students can develop skills in:

Data analysis
Numerical modelling
Remote sensing
Scientific programming

Collaborative research environment

Students interact with:

Academic staff
Research scientists
Postdoctoral fellows
National and international collaborators

Academic Pathway in Ocean Sciences

Students wishing to specialise in Ocean Sciences may enter the Department from a range of Honours backgrounds, including Zoology, Botany, Chemistry, Physics, or Geosciences.

Following Honours, students may pursue one of the following Master’s pathways:

MSc in Biological Oceanography (Research)
MSc in Chemical and Physical Oceanography (Research)
MSc in Ocean Sciences (Coursework) – South African Master of Ocean Sciences (SAMOS)

The South African Master of Ocean Sciences (SAMOS) is a structured coursework Master’s programme designed to provide interdisciplinary training in ocean sciences, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and applied research skills.

After completion of a Master’s degree (research or coursework with research component), students may progress to:

PhD (Oceanography)

Career Opportunities

Graduates with MSc and PhD qualifications in Oceanography are equipped for diverse and impactful careers across research, government, industry, and international sectors.

Research and Academia

Graduates may pursue careers as:

Oceanographers (biological, chemical, or physical)
Marine Scientists
Research Scientists

Employment opportunities exist within:

Universities
National and international research institutes
International ocean and climate research organisations

Government and Environmental Management

Career pathways include:

Government Scientist (fisheries, coastal management, environmental affairs)
Marine Resource Manager
Climate and Coastal Systems Specialist
Marine Spatial Planning Specialist

Graduates work within:

Environmental departments
Marine resource management authorities
Climate science agencies

Industry

Oceanography graduates are also highly sought after in:

Environmental consulting
Marine and offshore industries
Climate services

Roles may include:

Environmental Consultant
Blue Economy Policy or Advisory Specialist

International Careers

Oceanography is a globally relevant discipline. Graduates work internationally in ocean, climate, and environmental science fields, contributing to global sustainability, climate resilience, and blue economy initiatives.

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Qualifications Offered

Introduction

The Department of Atmospheric and Oceanographic Sciences (DAOS) offers postgraduate research degrees at Master’s and Doctoral level in oceanography and related disciplines, as well as participating in the South African Master in Ocean Sciences (SAMOS), a collaborative national Master’s programme.

Postgraduate study in DAOS is research-intensive and requires careful preparation, early engagement with potential supervisors, and timely application for admission and funding.

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Before You Apply: Important Steps

Admission into postgraduate research degrees is competitive and depends on supervisor availability, academic performance, and funding.

All prospective applicants must complete the following steps:

1. Identify and contact a potential supervisor

Before applying, you must contact a potential supervisor whose research aligns with your interests.

Visit the Supervisor Profiles

You should discuss:

Your research interests and proposed topic
Whether your interests align with their research
Whether the supervisor has capacity to supervise
Whether there is funding available for project running costs
Possible funding opportunities

Applications without a confirmed supervisor are unlikely to be successful.

2. Apply online to Nelson Mandela University

Submit your application via the University’s online system below.

Ensure you select the correct:

Department: Atmospheric and Oceanographic Sciences
Qualification
Qualification code (see below)

Applications typically close 30 September for the following academic year, but early application is strongly encouraged.

3. Apply for funding (if financial assistance is required)

Funding applications are separate from admission applications.

National Research Foundation (NRF) Scholarships

All eligible South African students are strongly encouraged to apply.

Typical timeframe:

Opens: February
Closes: April / May

This is the primary funding source for postgraduate students.

Nelson Mandela University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (PGRS)

Internal postgraduate scholarship programme.

Apply online

Typical timeframe:

Opens: September
Closes: End October

Applicants are responsible for ensuring they apply within the correct deadlines.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements are set by the Faculty of Science and Department.

MSc Admission Requirements

Applicants must have:

An Honours degree in Science or a related scientific discipline
Minimum 65% average in Honours
Appropriate background in mathematics and statistics
Stronger quantitative background required for physical and chemical oceanography

Minimum quantitative requirements:

Mathematics / Statistics: minimum 60%
Physical or Chemical Oceanography pathways: 65–70% strongly recommended

Admission is subject to:

Supervisor availability
Faculty approval

The MSc degrees are research-based and completed through a dissertation.

PhD Admission Requirements

Applicants must have:

MSc degree in Biological or Physical & Chemical Oceanography or related discipline
Minimum 65% average in MSc
Demonstrated research capability

Admission is subject to:

Supervisor availability
Faculty approval

The PhD is completed through a doctoral thesis.

Qualifications Offered

MSc Degrees

The Department offers the following research Master’s degrees:

Master of Science in Oceanography: Biological (25031)

Full-time and Part-time

Master of Science in Oceanography: Chemical and Physical (25034)

Full-time and Part-time

These are research-based degrees completed through a dissertation on an approved topic

Typical duration:

Full-time: 2 years
Part-time: 3–4 years

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PhD Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Oceanography) (26517)

Full-time and Part-time

Research-based doctoral degree completed through a thesis

Typical duration:

Full-time: 3–4 years
Part-time: up to 6 years

South African Master in Ocean Sciences (SAMOS)

SAMOS is a special collaborative coursework Master’s programme, distinct from the research MSc degrees.

It is jointly offered by multiple South African universities, including Nelson Mandela University and the University of Cape Town.

Students:

Complete coursework at Nelson Mandela University
Complete dissertation at partner institutions, including Nelson Mandela University
Graduate with Master’s degree awarded by registering institution

This programme provides interdisciplinary training across ocean sciences.

Find out more

About SAMOS

SAMOS is a coursework Master’s degree with research component.

Structure:

Coursework: 90 credits
Minor dissertation: 90 credits
Total: 180 credits
Duration: approximately 2 years

The programme integrates:

Physical oceanography
Chemical oceanography
Marine biology
Quantitative skills
Marine policy and sustainability

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SAMOS Admission Requirements

Applicants must have:

Honours degree in Oceanography or related scientific discipline
Strong academic record
Quantitative skills appropriate for ocean sciences

Admission is competitive and follows SAMOS national selection processes.

SAMOS Application Process

SAMOS applications are separate from DAOS MSc applications.

Information and application details: https://samos-edu.eu/

Funding is typically through NRF and SAMOS-linked scholarships.

Funding and Financial Support

Postgraduate students are expected to secure funding through:

Primary sources:

NRF Scholarships
Nelson Mandela University Postgraduate Research Scholarships (PGRS)
Supervisor-linked research funding

Funding typically covers:

Student stipend
Tuition fees
Research costs (depending on award)

Important Expectations for Postgraduate Study

Postgraduate research requires:

Independent research capability
Strong academic commitment
Full-time effort (for full-time registration)
Regular meetings with supervisors
Completion of thesis / dissertation

Students must also comply with University regulations and Faculty postgraduate requirements

How to Apply: Summary Checklist

Before applying, ensure you have:

✔ Contacted a supervisor

✔ Discussed research topic

✔ Confirmed supervisor availability

✔ Applied online

✔ Applied for funding

Contact Information

Department of Atmospheric and Oceanographic Sciences

Ocean Sciences Campus

Nelson Mandela University

General enquiries: daos@mandela.ac.za