Studying here

Choose Southampton and you will become part of a strong postgraduate research and taught student community, work collaboratively with internationally-respected academics and be a part world-leading research as it happens. If you choose to study at Southampton you will gain access to state-of-the-art facilities, expert support services and a wide range of training and development opportunities

Within Biological Sciences, we have around 75 postgraduate research students, supervised by 40 academic staff committed to high quality research and teaching.

Our research activities focus on three themes: Molecular Biosciences, Ecology and the Environment, and Neurosciences.

World-class facilities

Our facilities are first rate. The University has invested £50m in the Life Sciences Building, which became Biological Science’s home in autumn 2010. The building creates a thriving collaborative environment with cutting-edge facilities for life sciences researchers.

Supporting your studies

As a postgraduate researcher you will have the freedom to set your own timetable and agenda. We recognise that it can feel very different to undergraduate study, and will provide you with plenty of advice and support along the way.

Our first-class postgraduate induction programme will help you work both safely and effectively from the outset. You will also benefit from one-to-one academic mentoring and support throughout your research. Your personal supervisor will help you to draw up a personal development plan to make sure you are equipped for the challenges ahead.

Part of the research community

Research today is often driven by international collaborations, both formal and informal, and we aim to offer you the opportunity to travel during your PhD. Meeting scientists from all over the world, through presenting your own work at national and international conferences or by working in partner laboratories, you will become part of a global research community.

Closer to home, all Biological Science postgraduates are members of the student-run Biological Sciences Postgraduate Society, which arranges extracurricular activities including social events, seminars, sports and more.

The city

Southampton is a thriving modern city, steeped in history and with a vibrant mix of recreation, culture and entertainment. Cinemas, sports facilities, internationally acclaimed arts venues and one of the UK’s top shopping centres – the city has something for everyone.

The city and surrounding areas offer a rich resource for bioscientists. Southampton Common, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is next to our campus, and the New Forest, the Jurassic Coast and the Isle of Wight are all within easy reach.

Unilink buses provide easy access to the city, the airport and coach and train stations. As well as excellent links to Europe via cross-channel ferries from Portsmouth and Poole, there are frequent flights to continental destinations from Southampton and Bournemouth International Airports.