About this course
On this biology and marine biology degree, you'll learn about the living world from the molecular level to entire ecosystems. Study through lectures, laboratory work, and fieldwork in the UK and abroad. You'll be prepared for a career in research, conservation, inshore fisheries or habitat management.
This course will give you knowledge and understanding of living organisms at several levels - from the molecular, through cells and whole organisms and ecosystems. You'll also gain an understanding of biology from an evolutionary perspective. Be part of one of the largest marine science communities in Europe, the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS). Our research feeds directly into what you'll learn on our biology and marine biology courses. Our research vessels are a short walk from the lecture theatres, and boat-based fieldwork is an important part of the programme.
You can:
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take part in a fieldwork programme including residential trips at home and abroad
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do independent research project, working with research staff, to prepare for a career in research or a specialised master's
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take modules such as business biosciences, which looks at drug discovery, clinical trials and drug product sales
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learn sought-after skills including team working, time management, planning, data collection, analysis
Our biology and marine biology degree is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).
Course locations
This course is based at Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton) and Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
A-levels
ABB including Biology and one further science subject
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology, Geography or Physics.Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer:
BBB including Biology and one further science subject, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
BBB including Biology and one further science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level Biology and one further Higher Level science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Acceptable science subjects include Chemistry, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation), Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in A Level Biology and one further science subject. We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AB grades in A Level Biology and one further science subject.
BTEC additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology, Geography or Physics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
A-levels
ABB including Biology (minimum grade B) and one further science subject (minimum grade B)
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology, Geography or Physics.Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer:
BBB including Biology and one further science subject, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
BBB including Biology (minimum grade B) and one further science subject (minimum grade B)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level Biology and one further Higher Level science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Acceptable science subjects include Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology.
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in A Level Biology and one further science subject. We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AB grades in A Level Biology and one further science subject.
BTEC additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology, Geography or Physics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
There are core, compulsory and optional modules in each year. You'll undertake a balanced programme of modules spilt 50/50 between terrestrial and marine topics. Year 1 lays the foundations of the course with the opportunity to specialise later on. You don't need to select your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.
Year 1 overview
You'll cover topics introducing you to marine animals and plants; their ecology, taxonomy and physiology. You'll also develop an understanding of the physical and chemical oceanography of the sea supported by practicals and boat work. An 8-day residential field course normally in Andalusia in southern Spain, will introduce you to biology fieldwork.
Optional modules allow you study topics such as marine invertebrates or the types of macromolecule that constitute living cells.
Year 2 overview
A compulsory module covers evolutionary processes, while optional modules allow you to develop your practical skills. You can choose to carry out fieldwork in coastal ecology, learn quantitative research methods in environmental science or laboratory work in molecular biology.
Further optional modules cover topics including neuroscience, cell biology and marine vertebrates.
Year 3 overview
You'll carry out either a laboratory-based, field-based, computer-based or marine science research project. This is an opportunity for you show that you can undertake independent study.
A compulsory fieldwork module will develop your skills in shallow water biological survey techniques, using a range of methods from transect surveys to a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
Further optional modules allow you to specialise in areas such as:
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zooplankton
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biodiversity
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marine conservation
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deep sea ecology
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Phillip Fenberg is the course leader.
Careers
You'll graduate from this course with the specialist skills and knowledge to embark on a successful career as a marine biologist, or in a related field such as conservation or oceanography.
Our marine biology graduates often continue their studies to postgraduate taught level, or pursue marine biology PhD opportunities. They also embark on careers at universities or consultancies, or with employers such as NERC (Natural Environment Research Council), CEFAS (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science), Natural England or the Environment Agency.
Transferable skills in analysis, research, problem-solving and teamwork mean you'll also be ideally suited to work in many other areas.
Roles our marine biology graduates have gone into include:
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marine scientist
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oceanographer
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conservation officer
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geologist
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fisheries officer
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oil spill consultant
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marine science officer
You can boost your employability by volunteering to work our research aquarium.
Our careers and employability service will help you find work placements and graduate jobs, as well as offer specialist careers advice.
You’ll also be supported by your personal academic tutor and an employability coordinator, who can advise you on your career path throughout your course.
Contact us to speak to a careers advisor.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
You'll have the chance to complete a paid year in employment between the second and third years of your course.
This will allow you to try out a potential future career and apply the skills and knowledge you have learned during your course to a real-world setting.
You will also gain experience that will add to your employability when you graduate.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK/EU students pay £9,250.
- International students pay £21,580.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: 7N15
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000