Biology (BSc)

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).

English language requirements

All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.

Band B IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in all components

We also accept other English language tests.

Non-academic entry requirements

There are no additional requirements

International qualifications

Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country.

This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.

Science Foundation Year

If you don’t have the right qualifications for direct entry into this course, you may still be able to enrol by taking our Science Foundation Year.

This programme may suit you if:

• you are studying for A levels in subjects other than those we normally ask for

• you are a mature applicant with skills and experience from employment and can show recent study

• you come from a part of the world where the education system is different from the British A level system

Contact us if you have a question about what qualifications you have or might need.

Other ways to qualify

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

• our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)

• skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)

Find out more about our Admissions Policy.

Year 1

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:

• cell biology and genetics

• macromolecules

• systems physiology

• 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:

• Metabolism and Metabolic Disorders

• Integrative Mammalian Physiology

• Cell and Tissue Histology

Year 2

You'll take a number of compulsory modules. These will explore areas such as

• evolution

• plant development and function

• quantitative methods

Optional modules allow you to further develop your personal interests. These include:

• Cell Biology

• Neuroscience

• Flow of Genetic Information

• Animal Behaviour

• Medical Microbiology

• Adaptive Physiology

You can take our New Forest field course and enhance your fieldwork experience.

Year 3

You'll choose an independent research project from a range of types, including:

• laboratory

• field

• in-silico (computer based)

• bioscience business

• bioscience education

• science communication

You can also develop the skills you've learned so far through a broad range of optional modules, including:

• Tropical Ecology Field Course in Belize

• Current Topics in Cell Biology

• Biofilms and Microbial Communities

• Immunology

• Behavioural Ecology

• Cellular and Genetic Aspects of Animal Development

Support for your studies

You'll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

How you’ll spend your study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:

How we’ll assess you

We’ll assess you using:

• coursework, laboratory reports and essays
• essays
• individual and group projects
• oral presentations
• written exams

Your assessment breakdown, year by year:

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.

UK/EU fees

You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.

International student fees

You’ll pay £21,580 each year. This fee will stay the same throughout your studies.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees

• calculate your student finances

You'll need to consider extra costs for the following:

• approved calculators

• costs linked to the semester abroad

• costs linked to optional field courses

• printing and photocopying

• computer disks or usb drives

• computer hardware

• textbooks

• stationery

• printing

• parking

Extra costs you might have to pay

• Stationery
• Field course clothing
• Parking costs (including on placements at hospitals)
• Lab Coats
• Software Licenses
• Computer discs or USB drives
• Printing and Photocopying Costs
• Hardware
• Travel Costs for placements
• Textbooks
• Fieldwork: logistical costs
• Laboratory Equipment and Materials
• Placements (including Study Abroad Programmes)
• Approved Calculators

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.

Clubs, societies and facilities

Our campuses have:

• cafes and restaurants

• bars

• health centres

• banks

• a post office

• student shops

• a hairdresser

Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.

We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.

Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.

Support while you study

We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:

• mental health, learning difficulties and disability

• money and accommodation

• childcare

• computers and IT

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.