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Marine Biology at University of Southampton - UCAS

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Course summary

About this course Explore all forms of ocean life, studying biology and ecology within marine systems and spend a significant amount of time on our research vessels carrying out boat-based field work and getting hands on experience. On your three-year Marine Biology degree, you'll be based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS) - one of the leading research centres globally for ocean science. You'll broaden your knowledge of biological sciences, chemistry, physics, and maths and develop the skills needed to work around the globe. Key features of the course:

  • Study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the leading research centres globally for ocean science
  • Benefit from the flexibility to select modules aligned to your interests, and spend a significant amount of time on our research vessels where you'll put theory into practice
  • 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, to offer 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. Examples of modules for year one include: Earth & Ocean System Introduction to Functional Marine Biology Introduction to Marine Ecology & Evolution Introduction to Ocean Biogeochemistry Key Skills for Marine Scientists Marine Invertebrates Physics of the Ocean Data Literacy & Analysis For full list of all modules available, please visit the course page: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/marine-biology-degree-bsc#modules Please note: information included was correct at time of publication, March 2024.

Assessment method

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.

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

Application codes

Course code:
F713
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

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


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5Band 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
0%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
0%
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
Marine Biology at University of Southampton - UCAS