Advanced Biological Sciences (MRes)

You’ll need a 2:2 degree in biological sciences or a related subject. 

When you apply, please name up to 3 preferred supervisors in your personal statement.

If you’re a non-UK applicant, you should have completed at least 4 years in higher education.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country. 

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet direct entry requirements, you can apply to complete a Pre-Master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus.

You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the programme. Find out more about Pre-Master's programmes for international students.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for a full 12 months. 

The taught part of the course runs from October to June (semesters 1 and 2) and consists of 4 modules that you’ll choose with the help of your academic supervisor to complement your research project. 

The main research part of the course runs for the whole year. 

You’ll have exams at the end of semesters 1 and 2. Not all modules are assessed by exams

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

The learning activities for this course include the following: 

• lectures
• tutorials
• coursework
• extended research project
• independent learning (studying on your own) 

Assessment

We’ll assess you through: 

• coursework
• exams
• a dissertation 

Dissertation

You’ll spend 1,200 hours of study time carrying out your advanced biological sciences research project and writing a dissertation to present your findings. 

The project is a chance for you to develop your research skills and show in-depth knowledge of your subject.  

You’ll work closely with a supervisor to choose your research topic, and have regular support meetings throughout the process. 

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £11,700.
• EU and international students pay £31,200.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. 

If you study part-time, you may not be eligible for this loan. Find out if you're eligible.

Biological Sciences Global Impact Scholarship

Scholarships of £5,000 and £3,000 off tuition fees are available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in biological sciences.

Find out more about the Biological Sciences Global Impact Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

UK students

The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 19 August 2026, midday UK time.

Part-time students need to apply by Wednesday 19 August 2026, midday UK time.

International students

The deadline for Nationals requiring Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) to apply for this course is Tuesday 21 July 2026, midday UK time.

Other nationalities need to apply by Wednesday 19 August 2026, midday UK time.

Part-time students need to apply by 21 July 2026, midday UK time

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
 

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to submit two academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Inclusion and Respectful Behaviour Policy.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000