Biology (MSci)

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

You'll study a number of compulsory modules each year. In years 2, 3 and 4, you'll also choose from a range of optional modules. These 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.

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

Mark Chapman is the course leader.

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.

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.

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.

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

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:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges, and expenses regulations 

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.

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.

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.

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: C101
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

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.

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000