About this course

With our MSci degree in biology and marine biology, you’ll develop knowledge about the living world from the molecular level to entire ecosystems across both terrestrial and marine biology. You'll learn through through lectures, laboratory work, and by doing fieldwork in the UK and abroad. You’ll be well equipped for careers involving research, conservation, inshore fisheries and habitat management.

Our master's degree in biology and marine biology will give you knowledge and understanding of living organisms at several levels - from the molecular, through cells and whole organisms, to ecosystems. It will also give you an understanding of biology from an evolutionary perspective.

Through the world-leading research institution, the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), you'll become part of one of the largest marine science communities in Europe. Our research feeds directly into what you'll learn on our biology and marine biology master's degree programmes. Our research vessels are only a 10 minute walk from the lecture theatres and boat-based fieldwork is an important part of the programme.

In this MSci Biology and Marine Biology course, you can:

take part in a full fieldwork programme including residential trips in the UK and abroad, including Thailand.
combine scientific work in the laboratory with practical skills classes on shore and on the water
complete an independent research project working alongside research active staff – this will set you up for career in further research or a specialised master's
choose from a selection of modules depending on your area of interest - for example, you can study the business biosciences, which looks at the process of drug discovery, clinical trials, marketing and the sale of drug products
learn highly sought-after transferable skills, including team working, written and oral communication, time management, planning, data collection, analysis and presentation

Practicals which use animals or their tissues are an important part of the course. These practicals follow ethical policies and we'll make adjustments for you if you have valid concerns about taking part.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Accreditations

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 Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

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ODT

Download 2025-26 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

A-levels

AAB including Biology (minimum grade B) and one further science subject

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Maths, Environmental Science, 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.

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

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.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 and 6 at Higher Level Biology 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 Science, 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.

or

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus AA in A Level Biology and one further science subject We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma/ BTEC National Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level Biology and one further science subject,

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.

Additional information

Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Maths, Environmental Science, 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.

QCF 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.

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.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

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

A-levels

AAB including Biology (minimum grade B) and one further science subject

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Maths, Environmental Science, 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.

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

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.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 and 6 at Higher Level Biology 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 Science, 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.

or

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus AA in A Level Biology and one further science subject We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma/ BTEC National Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level Biology and one further science subject,

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.

Additional information

Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Maths, Environmental Science, 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.

QCF 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.

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.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science at 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

All modules are compulsory in the first year, providing the foundations for the rest of the course. There is an opportunity to choose more specialist options from year 2. In years 3 and 4, the focus is on research, with field work opportunities and exposure to the latest thinking with marine biology.

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.

Optional modules allow you to study topics such as marine invertebrates or the types of macromolecule that constitute living cells.

Year 2 overview

Compulsory modules covers evolutionary processes, phytoplankton and quantitative methods in environmental science.

A wide range of optional modules allow you to develop practical skills and specialise in topics such as:

animal behaviour
neuroscience
coastal ecology
marine sediment habitats

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 field work 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:

bioinformatics
plant cell biology
fisheries
coral reefs

Year 4 overview

The advanced research project is an opportunity for you carry out practical, field, database, or laboratory-based research on a project you design yourself. Alongside this, you'll attend seminars where the latest research is presented, in order to gain insight into how research is carried out and peer-reviewed.

Optional modules allow you to specialise in areas, such as biodiversity, applied ecology or tropical marine biology.

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

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Earth and Ocean System

An introduction to the fundamental processes which determine the environment of the Earth and the general functioning of the Earth as a system.

Fundamentals of Biochemistry

The aim of this module is initially to explain the characteristics and roles of molecules that constitute living cells, including DNA, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Subsequently, the fundamental metabolic pathways will be explored, along with the co...

How to be Scientifically Literate

Scientific literacy refers to the ability of individuals to understand, evaluate, and engage with scientific information and concepts in a meaningful way. It involves not only knowing scientific facts but also understanding the processes of scientific inq...

Marine Invertebrates

An exciting journey through the weird and wonderful world of marine invertebrates. You will learn how to identify key representatives of the marine invertebrate phyla and understand how their characteristic body plans allow them to thrive in habitats that...

Origins of Biodiversity

In this module you will explore and explain patterns of global biodiversity over space and time, affecting a wide variety of lineages. We will begin as 18th century natural historians, considering the impact of new discoveries, due to the invention of the...

Learning and assessment

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:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

28%

Scheduled learning & teaching

72%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

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

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

52%

Written exam

27%

Coursework

21%

Practical exam

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 and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

Research
Critical thinking
Self-management
Communication
Teamwork

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

Laboratories,

Charities,

Government Organisations,

Think Tanks,

Higher education,

Ocean Survey companies,

Renewable energy organisations,

Port and harbour authorities,

DEFRA,

The Environment Agency,

Higher education,

Marine monitoring organisations,

Local authorities.

Careers directly related to this course:

Marine ecologist
Reef restoration project manager
Aquaculture biologist
Environmental engineer
Oil spill response specialist
Marine biotechnologist
Marine policy expert
Consultant in marine ecology
Marine conservation officer
Marine biologist

Wider career opportunities:

Marine scientist
Fishery data manager
Nature Conservation officer
Science writer
Geophysicist
Hydrogeologist
Meteorologist
Research scientist
Scientific laboratory technician
Water quality scientist

Example job titles of Southampton MSci Biology and Marine Biology graduates*:

Programme officer
Decision science analyst
Sustainability executive
Environmental consultant
Field studies tutor
Hydrographic surveyor
Marine biologist and aquarist
Marine laboratory scientist
Wildlife guide
Environmental manager

Job prospects for MSci Biology and Marine Biology graduates

£28k

Average professional salary

87%

In a skilled profession or further study

98%

Graduate employment rate

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. 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.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,535.
EU and international students pay £28,800.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

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:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 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 to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub 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: 7N16
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

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

Related courses

Biology and Marine Biology (MSci) is a course in the Ocean and Earth science and Biological sciences subject areas. Here are some other courses within these subject areas:

b

BSc