About this course

This course will give you knowledge about the biology of the marine environment and how it relates to physical and chemical oceanography. You'll cover advanced topics like data management for biologists and advanced oceanography fieldwork. This will prepare you for a range of careers such as research and wildlife management, or for work in government agencies.

This degree examines the biology of marine organisms within their environments, from intertidal coasts to deep sea and hydrothermal vents systems. You'll learn how marine plants and animals interact with their environment and respond to change.

You'll become part of one of the largest marine science communities in Europe through the world-leading research institution, the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS). Our research vessels are only a 10-minute walk from the lecture theatres. Boat-based fieldwork is an important part of the programme.

With this course, you can:

gain detailed knowledge of marine biota and the physics, chemistry and sedimentology that influence them
cover a broad variety of topics, from hydrothermal vents to coastal lagoons
take part in a full fieldwork programme including residential trips
complete an independent research project working alongside active research staff
get practical experience of doing experiments, learning to adapt to sea state and weather conditions, collect samples, and use ocean instrumentation
select optional modules depending on your area of interest – for example, you can study palaeobiology and explore how fossils are used to study ecology
choose from a variety of semester abroad study opportunities

This degree is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).

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).

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 2024-25 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

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.

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 and 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

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,

RQF BTEC

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

Course structure

All modules are compulsory in the first 2 years, providing the foundations for the rest of the course. In year 2 you'll specialise and gain the practical skills you'll need for research in years 3 and 4.

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 the animals and plants that live in the marine environment. 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
chart reading

Year 2 overview

You'll begin the year with a residential course at Millport, Isle of Cumbrae in Scotland, which provides a practical introduction to shore ecology. You'll then develop your knowledge through compulsory modules in coastal oceanography and phytoplankton.

Optional modules cover topics such as marine sediment habitats, marine vertebrates, and an introduction to geographical information systems (GIS).

Year 3 overview

You'll develop your research skills in scientific data analysis. You'll also carry out a 10-day field course in Plymouth, including 4 days at sea collecting samples and data from the coastal environment.

A compulsory module in zooplankton looks at the fundamental role they play in marine ecosystem function.

Further optional modules allow you to specialise in areas such as:

climate change
marine conservation
fisheries
coral reefs

Year 4 overview

The advanced research project is an opportunity for you to apply scientific methodology to the investigation and interpretation of a marine biological or oceanographic problem of your choice. You'll carry out practical, field, database, or laboratory-based research work. To complement this, you'll investigate the latest research in oceanography and marine biology.

Optional modules allow you to specialise in areas such as deep sea ecology, seafloor explorations or tropical marine biology. The tropical marine biology module is run as a 2-week field course in Thailand.

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.

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...

Introduction to Environmental Biogeochemistry

Introduction to Functional Marine Biology

Introduction to Marine Ecology and Evolution

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...

Physics of the Ocean

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:

33%

Scheduled learning & teaching

67%

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:

55%

Written exam

31%

Coursework

14%

Practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Martin Solan is the course leader.

Careers

You'll graduate from this marine biology with oceanography master's with the specialist skills and knowledge to start a successful career in marine biology, oceanography, or a related field.

Our graduates work for government agencies such as the British Antarctic Survey and the Environment Agency, and global corporations such as BP.

They often continue their studies to postgraduate taught degree or PhD level. They also embark on careers at universities, museums 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 offering 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.

Contact us to speak to a careers advisor.

Careers services at Southampton

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.

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.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £28,800.

The Government has recently announced changes to UK tuition fees from September 2025 onwards. We will update our website to reflect this shortly.

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 £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 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: F7C2
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: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

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