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Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton➞Undergraduate study

Marine Biology degrees

Marine biology seeks to understand patterns of biological diversity and quantify change in the marine ecosystem by studying how organisms interact with their environment. Our degrees offer you the opportunity to study at one of the highest ranking Marine Science departments in the UK (REF 2014) at the world-leading National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS).

RV Callista
RV Callista - one of our research vessels

Marine Biology has developed exponentially with the discovery of hydrothermal vents and cold seeps; the ability to conduct experimental programmes at sea; the use of molecular methods in marine biology and the huge expansion of the data base on marine animals.

There has been an increase of interest in marine biodiversity, spanning the causes of and risks to high biodiversity, the scope for exploitation of natural resources and the potential impact of natural and anthropogenically induced change.

Our programmes offer interdisciplinary opportunities for students to expand their biological knowledge base in the broader context of the physico-chemical aspects of the marine environment.

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Professional Accreditation

Marine Biology and Oceanography programmes are accredited by The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). Current students can apply for Student membership (SIMarEST) and once graduated have the option of several types of membership depending on their career path or interest, these include: Affiliate, Elective Member, Associate Member, Member or Fellow.

Why study Marine Biology at Southampton?

The National Student Survey 2018

We rank 6th for Overall Satisfaction in Ocean Sciences among the relevant UK Higher Education Institutes

Bermuda Fieldltrip

Fieldwork opportunities

The development of skills in the field is a crucial component of our degrees, as well as being one of the most challenging and rewarding.

Photo of Josh Hasdell
My MSci in Marine Biology gave me the opportunity to study in a diverse set of locations! I worked with complex underwater scanners while directing a 50ft research vessel off the coast of Cornwall. I worked in Bermuda in a secured underground rock pool with over 100,000 upside-down jellyfish! I also spent time in Dale Fort, Wales and Falmouth in Cornwall. What better way to learn about tropical biology than to swim with tropical turtles in Bermuda?! What other degree in the world lets you do that?!
Josh Hasdell, MSci Marine Biology, 2015
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