About this course
We've changed some parts of this course for the 2020 to 2021 academic year due to coronavirus (COVID-19). These changes may affect how we'll teach you and which modules you'll take.
The programme specification addendum (PDF, 166 KB) has all the latest details.
This flexible, integrated master's course looks at life at all levels, from molecules and cells, to whole organisms. It also covers species, communities and entire ecosystems. You'll develop your research skills and work closely with our researchers as they address major global issues.
This degree will help develop your practical skills and experience. You'll have many opportunities for field trips and laboratory work.
Each year you'll improve your skills and knowledge and use our wide range of expertise in biological science. This includes:
-
ecology
-
microbiology
-
neuroscience
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 advanced biology courses.
On this master's in biology you can:
-
choose from a range of modules and specialise in an area of biology that best suits your interests and career plans
-
carry out fieldwork in the New Forest, Exmoor, Spain and Belize
-
work alongside our active research staff on 2 independent research projects
-
spend a semester studying at a university in Europe or Australasia.
-
take a year out to work in industry
-
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
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
AAA 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.
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:
AAB including Biology and one further science subject, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants 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 an applicant'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, as follows:
AAB including Biology and one further science subject.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass with overall score of 36 points, with 18 points at Higher Level, including 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 at HL6) , 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
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +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. You'll complete independent research projects in years 3 and 4.
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, covering:
-
physiology
-
molecular science
-
cell biology
-
genetics
You'll also explore the patterns of life and learn key biomolecular techniques.
A residential field trip within the UK will be a highlight of the year. This will help you develop essential fieldwork skills.
Year 2 overview
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 enhance your practical experience with fieldwork options. You can choose from:
Year 3 overview
You'll complete an independent laboratory, field or in-silico (computer-based) research project, building on your areas of interest.
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
Year 4 overview
You'll complete an extended laboratory or field research project in an area that interests you.
You can choose from a range of optional modules, including:
-
Global Change Biology
-
Cell Membranes
-
Advanced Quantitative Methods
-
Applied Ecology
-
Plant Cell Biology
-
Systems Neuroscience
-
Skills in Molecular Bioscience
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 modules
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)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
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. They're tackling climate change and disease, and helping policy makers to understand how humans, animals and plants can co-exist.
You'll graduate with the specialist skills and knowledge needed to embark on a career in a number of sectors. You could also continue your studies with a master's or PhD.
With a master's degree in biology, you can go on to work in areas like:
-
research
-
teaching
-
medicine
-
biotechnology
-
conservation and the environment
-
agriculture
-
industry
-
journalism
Transferable skills in analysis, research, problem solving and teamwork make you ideally suited to work in many other areas.
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 students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £22,760.
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:
-
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
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 EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: C101
- 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?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
