Marine Biology Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Marine Biology Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Summary:
Discover life beneath the surface. On this Marine Biology degree, you will explore the diversity of ocean life and the ecosystems that support it, from microscopic organisms to complex marine environments.
Based at our Waterfront Campus at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton, you will study marine systems in a world-leading research environment. Your learning connects theory with real experience, as you spend time at sea applying your knowledge in the field.
By combining biology with chemistry, physics and mathematics, you will build a br...
Summary:
Discover life beneath the surface. On this Marine Biology degree, you will explore the diversity of ocean life and the ecosystems that support it, from microscopic organisms to complex marine environments.
Based at our Waterfront Campus at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton, you will study marine systems in a world-leading research environment. Your learning connects theory with real experience, as you spend time at sea applying your knowledge in the field.
By combining biology with chemistry, physics and mathematics, you will build a broad scientific understanding and develop the skills to work in marine science around the world.
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.
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).
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
2027-09-20
Campus
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
A46-D94
Institution Code
S27
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
A level
ABB to include Biology and one further science subject (minimum grade B). 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
offer-distinction: 30.0, offer-merit: 15.0
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 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.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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 + AB at A-Level (or equivalent), to include Biology and one further science subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.
Extended Project
BBB 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
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 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
AB 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)
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 + AB 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)
H2, H3, H3, H3, H3, H3 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 + AB 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
D3, M2, 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.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU, International | £0 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| Channel Islands, England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Republic of Ireland | £10,050 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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