Marine Biology (MSci)

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

All modules are compulsory in the first 2 years, providing the foundations for the rest of the course. In years 3 and 4 you'll be able specialise in topics at the forefront of marine science knowledge. You'll also have the opportunity to carry out supervised original research.

You do not need to select your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.

Year 1 overview

Compulsory modules introduce you to marine animals and plants. You'll study their ecology, taxonomy and physiology. You'll also develop an understanding of the physical and chemical oceanography of the sea.

You'll gain the practical field skills needed by marine biologists, including:

• safe boat work

• taking samples

• logging data

• basic navigation skills

Year 2 overview

You'll expand your practical and fieldwork knowledge by including coastal ecology. You'll also take part in a 10-day field course in Plymouth. You'll work from boats collecting samples and data that describe the marine chemistry, physics and biology of the estuarine and coastal environment.

Compulsory modules cover marine vertebrates, phytoplankton and marine sediment habitats.

Year 3 overview

You’ll take compulsory modules to extend your knowledge in:

• zooplankton

• marine ecophysiology

• fisheries and aquaculture

• marine molecular biology

Optional modules cover topics such as coral reefs, marine conservation and human-caused global change.

Year 4 overview

The advanced research project is an opportunity for you to apply scientific methodology to the investigation and interpretation of marine biological or oceanographic problems. You'll carry out practical, field, database, and laboratory-based research on a project you design yourself.

Optional modules allow you to specialise in areas including:

• disease in marine systems

• data modelling

• the use of satellites in oceanography

• tropical marine biology

The tropical marine biology module is run as a 2-week field course. Exclusive to final year MSci students, there is an option to travel to Thailand.

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

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:

Course leader

Martin Solan is the course leader.

You'll graduate from this master's degree in marine biology 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 graduates often continue their studies to postgraduate taught degree or PhD level. 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:

• marine scientist

• oceanographer

• conservation officer

• geologist

• fisheries officer

• oil spill consultant

• marine science officer

You can boost your employability by volunteering to work our research aquarium.

Our careers and employability service will help you to 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.

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). 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

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'll also gain experience that will add to your employability when you graduate.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £25,000.

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

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice

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 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 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.

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: F703
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for 2023 entry

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