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Marine Biology
- Msci (Hon)
- 4 Years
- Full-time
- 14/09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Course summary
About this course
Study all forms of marine life and learn how to solve environmental challenges.
On your four-year integrated master's degree you'll study biology and ecology within the specific context of marine systems and will 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:
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Study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the leading research centres globally for ocean science
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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
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Learn through a mixture of lectures, laboratory work, and field work, graduating with real-life skills suited to industry to enhance your employment prospects
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Become part of a department ranked 8th in the UK and top 40 globally, QS World Rankings by Subject (Earth and Marine Science) 2026
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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
The learning activities for this course include the following: lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group, projects and independent learning (studying on your own).
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
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Study options
- Msci (Hon) • Full-time • 4 Years
Start dates
- 14/09/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- F703
- Institution code:
- S27
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
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:
- F703
- 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 - AAB
AAB to include Biology and one further science subject.
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. 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.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD
We do not accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma without two A-levels to include Biology and one further science subject.
If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DDD + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include Biology and one further science subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.
Access to HE Diploma - D: 39 credits M: 6 credits
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 39 credits must be at Distinction and 6 credits 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
We do not accept the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma without two A-levels to include Biology and one further science subject.
If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DD + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include Biology and one further science subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D
D + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include Biology and one further science subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.
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 - 34 points
Pass with overall score of 34 points, with 17 points required at higher level, including 5 and 6 points at Higher Level Biology and one further Higher Level science subject.
Acceptable science subjects include Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, 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
AA from two A levels including Biology and a further science subject and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.
Extended Project - A
ABB in 3 A-levels to include Biology and one further science subject plus Grade A in EPQ. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2
H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 to include Biology and one further science subject.
Applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at ILC Grade C or 04, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/grade 4.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, D3, M2
D3, D3, M2 to include Biology and one further science subject.
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Applicants must hold GCSE English, Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
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
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
Most of the students who enrolled on this course in previous years met their offer conditions at our published entry criteria, securing their place on their chosen course.
We encourage all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, to apply to study with us. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
- Data from:
- This course
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- A*A*A*
- Highest grades
- ABB
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
This course has a required grade that may not be listed in the data. Check the entry requirements for the full qualification requirements.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
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
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 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
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ
Visit our website Visit our course page
Course contact details
Undergraduate Admissions - Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences
Email:AdmissionsUG.ELS@soton.ac.uk
Phone:023 8059 4732
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