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Marine Biology

  • Master of Science (with Honours)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 20 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Main Site - Highfield Campus
More about University of Southampton

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Summary:

Explore the processes that drive our global Earth system on land, in the ocean, in the crust, and in the atmosphere.

Based at our Waterfront Campus at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton, you will learn in one of the world’s leading environments for ocean science. Your studies connect theory with real experience, as you spend time at sea applying your knowledge in marine settings.

By combining biology with chemistry, physics and mathematics, you will build a deep understanding of marine systems and graduate ready to contribute to global environmental solutions or continue into advanced research.

Key features of the course:

Study at our Waterfront Campus, based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton, a global hub for ocean and earth science research.

Shape your degree through flexible module choices, exploring the areas of marine biology that interest you most.

Spend time on research vessels, gaining hands-on experience and applying your learning in real marine environments.

Learn through lectures, laboratory work and fieldwork, building practical skills valued by employers and research organisations.

Join a department ranked 8th in the UK and top 40 globally for Earth and Marine Science (QS World Rankings by Subject 2026).

Be part of a university where 99% of Ocean and Earth Science graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, published 2025).

Student support:

You will be supported throughout your studies by academic staff who will mentor your development and help you build the expertise needed for your future.

They will guide your module choices, support your academic progress and help you plan your next steps, whether that is a career in industry or further study.

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

Course 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

  • Master of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 20 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

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
Points of Entry:
Year 1

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
13 January 2027

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

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

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.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

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.

Access to HE Diploma
Distinction: 39 Merit: 6

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 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.

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.

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.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 34

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.

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.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2H2H2H2H2H2

H2, 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.

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.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3D3M2

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). https://www.southampton.ac.uk/oes/undergraduate/courses/marine_biology/f703_msci_marine_biology.page?#entry_requirements ____________________

Additional entry requirements

Interview

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.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.

Learn more on the University of Southampton website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£10050
EU & InternationalTBC

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 regarding tuition fees.

We anticipate that international tuition fee levels for 2027 entry will be confirmed in August 2026.

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