About this course
Learn about life at all levels, from molecules and cells to whole organisms. You'll also explore species, communities and entire ecosystems. This broad view will give you the skills you'll need to work around the world in the areas of biology that interest you most.
Each year you'll improve your skills and knowledge and use our wide range of expertise in biological science. This includes:
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ecology
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microbiology
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neuroscience
This biology degree will help develop your practical skills and experience. You'll have many opportunities for field trips and laboratory work.
Southampton is a research university. We're home to the UK's first Cancer Immunology Research Centre, and we're a lead university of the Biofilms Institute. Our research feeds directly into what you'll learn on our biology courses.
With this biological science course you can:
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carry out fieldwork in the New Forest, Exmoor, Spain and Belize
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work alongside our active research staff on an independent research project
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choose from a selection of optional modules to tailor your degree to your interests
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spend a semester studying at a university in Europe or Australasia.
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take a year out to work in industry
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develop transferable skills that employers look for
Course location
This course is based at 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
AAB including Biology and one further science subject.
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A level science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. 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. Applicants only offering A Level Biology will be considered on a case by case basis.
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:
ABB including Biology and one further science subject, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
ABB including Biology and one further science subject.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass with overall score of 34 points, with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 and 6 points at Higher Level in Biology and one further science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Science subjects considered include Biology, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) , Psychology, 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 AA in A Level Biology and one further science subject. We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level Biology and one further science subject.
BTEC additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. 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
AAB including Biology and one further science subject.
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A level science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. 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. Applicants only offering A Level Biology will be considered on a case by case basis.
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:
ABB including Biology and one further science subject, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
ABB including Biology and one further science subject.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass with overall score of 34 points, with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 and 6 points at Higher Level in Biology and one further science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology, 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 AA in A Level Biology and one further science subject. We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level Biology and one further science subject.
BTEC additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. 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.
You'll study a number of compulsory and optional modules each year. This will help you develop your interests as you progress through the course.
Every year you'll have opportunities to take laboratory sessions, workshops and field trips.
This course is part of our Innovation Curriculum, so you can choose modules from other subject areas, such as social enterprise or ethics.
You do not need to select your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.
Year 1 overview
You'll learn the major concepts and principles of biological sciences, including microbes, plants and animals. You'll gain a deep understanding of living matter through compulsory modules on topics such as:
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cell biology and genetics
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macromolecules
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systems physiology
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evolution
You'll also study experimental and practical biology on a compulsory field trip in Spain.
You'll choose an additional module from options like:
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Metabolism and Metabolic Disorders
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Integrative Mammalian Physiology
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Cell and Tissue Histology
Year 2 overview
You'll take a number of compulsory modules. These will explore areas such as
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evolution
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plant development and function
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quantitative methods
Optional modules allow you to further develop your personal interests. These include:
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Cell Biology
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Neuroscience
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Flow of Genetic Information
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Animal Behaviour
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Medical Microbiology
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Adaptive Physiology
You can take our New Forest field course and enhance your fieldwork experience.
Year 3 overview
You'll choose an independent research project from a range of types, including:
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laboratory
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field
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in-silico (computer based)
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bioscience business
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bioscience education
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science communication
You can also develop the skills you've learned so far through a broad range of optional modules, including:
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Tropical Ecology Field Course in Belize
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Current Topics in Cell Biology
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Biofilms and Microbial Communities
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Immunology
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Behavioural Ecology
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Cellular and Genetic Aspects of Animal Development
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:
You must also choose from 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
Judith Lock is the course leader.
Careers
Skilled biologists are in demand throughout the world. Biology scientists tackle climate change and disease, and help policy makers understand how humans, animals and plants can co-exist.
You'll graduate with the specialist skills and knowledge needed to embark on biology careers in a number of sectors. These are a few examples of what you can do with a biology degree:
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research
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teaching
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medicine
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biotechnology
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conservation and the environment
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agriculture
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industry
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journalism
Transferable skills in analysis, research, problem solving and teamwork make you ideally suited to work in many other areas.
Alternatively, many of our graduates choose to continue their research by taking a master's or a PhD.
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 the course. You can try out a potential future career and apply the skills and knowledge you have learned in the real world. You'll gain vital professional experience and get a head start in the graduate market.
We have links to a number of local conservation organisations, such as Marwell Wildlife Park. Work placements are available with these organisations for ambitious and talented students.
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:
You'll need to consider extra costs for the following:
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approved calculators
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costs linked to the semester abroad
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costs linked to optional field courses
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printing and photocopying
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computer disks or usb drives
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computer hardware
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textbooks
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stationery
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printing
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parking
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: C100
- 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