Marine Biology with Oceanography at University of Southampton - UCAS

University of Southampton

Degree level: Undergraduate

Marine Biology with Oceanography

University of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

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Open days

8Nov

University of Southampton - Virtual Open Day

Undergraduate

15Nov

Winchester School of Art - Open Day

Undergraduate

Course summary

About this course Uncover the secrets of life in our oceans on this multidisciplinary Marine Biology with Oceanography degree. Gain a detailed knowledge of marine biota and the physics, chemistry, and sedimentology that influence them, explore a broad variety of topics, and take part in a full fieldwork programme that includes residential trips in the first two years. You'll be based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS) - one of the leading research centres globally for ocean science, and will spend a significant amount of time onboard our research vessels where you'll gain hands-on experience directly transferable to the workplace. The blend of multidisciplinary topics and experiences prepares you to working in today’s challenging environment. Graduates progress onto further study and into careers including conservation, biogeochemistry, environmental modelling, environmental consultancy, and research around the world. Key features of the course:

Study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the leading research centres globally for ocean science

Choose modules that cover topics ranging from the deep ocean to shallow seas

Take part in four field courses (two boat-based) across years one, two, three, and four

Learn through a mixture of lectures, laboratory work, and field work, graduating with real-life skills suited to industry to enhance your employment prospects

Become part of a department ranked 8th in the UK and top 40 globally, QS World Rankings by Subject (Earth and Marine Science) 2026

Join a University where 99% of Ocean and Earth Science graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2022/2023, published 2025).

Student support Our supervisors will mentor you throughout your studies as you gain the expertise needed to take the next steps in your career. They will help you decide on optional modules, and discuss your future career plans to ensure you are on the right path for you. Further information This course is open to UK and international applicants and is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)

Modules

We have a varied range of modules for all years, which gives you the opportunity to tailor your studies to your passions and to equip you with the skills and experiences needed for success as a graduate. For full list of all modules available, please visit the course page.

Assessment method

Your learning is delivered, and assessed, through a wide range of methods to ensure you develop a broad variety of skills that will set you up for success after graduation. The learning activities for this course include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group, projects and independent learning. We’ll assess you using coursework, laboratory reports and essays, individual and group projects, oral presentations and written exams.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, Institute of

How to apply

14Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:: F7C1

Institution code:: S27

Campus name:: Main Site - Highfield Campus

Campus code:: -

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - ABB

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD

Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits

60 credits with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 at Merit. A core science Access to HE Diploma to contain Level 3 modules in Biology (to include ecology) and either Chemistry, Physics or Environmental Science and Maths is required. If you are unsure whether the Access you are studying would be accepted, please contact the Admissions Team before submitting an application.

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

Scottish Advanced Higher

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information. Applicants are also required to have achieved a pass in Maths and English at Standard Grade Grade 3 or National 5 Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/Grade 4.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points

Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level Biology and one further Higher Level science subject. Science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Environmental Science, Geography and Geology. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): The University of Southampton accepts the IBCP for entry to their degree programmes, recognising the value of combining academic skills with practical skills, providing a solid preparation for university level work. Offers will be made on the individual components of the IBCP. Applicants not taking the full IBCP but presenting with a combination of a Level 3 vocational qualification and IB Certificates may still be considered. 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.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales - B

Extended Project - A

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, M2, M2

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

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/oes/undergraduate/courses/marine_biology_list.page

Additional entry requirements

Interview

English language requirements

Test	Grade	Additional details
IELTS (Academic)	6.5	Band C: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component

All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.

Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England	£9535*	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9535*	Year 1
Scotland	£9535*	Year 1
Wales	£9535*	Year 1
Channel Islands	£9535*	Year 1
Republic of Ireland	£9535*	Year 1
EU	£30300	Year 1
International	£30300	Year 1

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page

Provider information

Visit our website

University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ

Course contact details

Visit our course page

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Location	Qualification	Study mode	Duration	Start date	Apply
Main Site - Highfield Campus	BSc (Hons) - Bachelor of Science (with Honours)	Full-time	3 years	21 September 2026	Available to Apply	Course option cea097ed-fbc0-4285-a3d2-94905870019b