Biology and Marine Biology BSc (Hons)
University of Southampton
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.1) View reviews

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Different course options
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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

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Location

Main Site - Highfield Campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

22-SEP-25

time
Duration

3 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Main Site - Highfield Campus

Study mode

Full time

Start date

22-SEP-25

Duration

3 Years

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Subjects

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Biological Sciences
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Exam type

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A level
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Scottish Higher
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Scottish Advanced Higher
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Access to HE Diploma
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Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
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Extended Project
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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
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Location

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England
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Scotland
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Wales
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Northern Ireland
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Channel Islands
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EU
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Rest of World
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Course info

Explore the living world, from the molecular level through to entire ecosystems.On your three-year Biology and Marine Biology degree you will study living organisms at several levels and gain an understanding of biology from an evolutionary perspective. You will learn through lectures, laboratory work, and fieldwork in the UK and abroad and will graduate prepared for a career in research and in professions including conservation, inshore fisheries, and habitat management.Based at the National ...Read more

Explore the living world, from the molecular level through to entire ecosystems.On your three-year Biology and Marine Biology degree you will study living organisms at several levels and gain an understanding of biology from an evolutionary perspective. You will learn through lectures, laboratory work, and fieldwork in the UK and abroad and will graduate prepared for a career in research and in professions including conservation, inshore fisheries, and habitat management.Based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the leading research centres globally for ocean science, you will get the opportunity to undertake a balanced programme in both subjects and the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time on our 22m research vessel R.V. Callista, getting hands on experience out in the field. The breadth of modules and fieldwork will prepare you for a wide variety of higher degrees and careers.Our biology and marine biology degree is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) and 98% of Ocean and Earth Science graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2020/2021).

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
83/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
27th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
20th
Biology (Non-Specific)
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 91 = 9% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
9%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
95%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Biology (Non-Specific) graduate salary at this uni
£21,000
UK Biology (Non-Specific) graduate salary
£20,000
Earth Sciences
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 96 = 4% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
4%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
85%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Earth Sciences graduate salary at this uni
£22,000
UK Earth Sciences graduate salary
£21,000
What students say
R
Rhiannon
22 Feb 24

Getting wellbeing and study support through the uni was very quick and easy, and there are many different fun societies to choose from. I am based at NOCS and the facilities there..Read more

T
Thomas
08 Feb 24

The facilities are very good especially for marine biology but it feels like there is very little student..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

ABB Grades / Points required

Scottish Higher:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Scottish Advanced Higher:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Access to HE Diploma:

D:30,M:15 Grades / Points required

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal:

D3,M2,M2 Grades / Points required

Extended Project:

A Grades / Points required

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

32 Grades / Points required

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

H1,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 Grades / Points required

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

DD Grades / Points required

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

D Grades / Points required

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

DDD Grades / Points required

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015):

B Grades / Points required

ABB including Biology and one further science subject. Preferred subjects are Chemistry, Maths, Environmental Science, Geology, Geography or Physics. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

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"

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.We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

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. If you are unsure whether the Access you are studying would be accepted, please contact the Admissions Team before submitting an application.

D3, M2, M2 to include Biology and one further science subject. Science subjects considered include Chemistry, Maths, Physics, and Geography.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.

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.

Pass with overall score of 32 points, with 16 points required at higher level, including 5 points at Higher Level Biology and one further Higher Level science subject. Science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation), Environmental Science, Geography and Geology. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programmes (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.

H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 to include Biology and one further science subject. Science subjects considered include Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Environmental Science, Geography and Geology. 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.

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.

D + AB at A-Level (or equivalent), to include Biology and one further science subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

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.

AB from two A levels including Biology and a further science subject and B from the Advanced Skills certificate. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

Popular A-level subjects

Biology (Non-Specific)

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Biology
86%
Chemistry
52%
Mathematics
45%
Geography
22%
Psychology
22%
HESA
Earth Sciences

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Biology
63%
Geography
55%
Mathematics
52%
Chemistry
46%
Physics
26%
HESA

Tuition fees

Students living in

England

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Scotland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Channel Islands

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£27,400 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£27,400 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Marine Biology reviews

Marine Biology
Marine Biology
Biology (General)
R
Rhiannon
22 Feb 24
Marine Biology MSci (Hons)
Getting wellbeing and study support through the uni was very quick and easy, and there are many different fun societies to choose from. I am based at NOCS and the facilities there...
Read more
T
Thomas
08 Feb 24
Marine Biology MSci (Hons)
The facilities are very good especially for marine biology but it feels like there is very little student...
Read more
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How Marine Biology students rated:

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( 4.3) 19 reviews
5 star
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4 stars
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Student rating
( 4.1) 1,312 reviews
5 star
28%
4 stars
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Uni info

University of Southampton
University of Southampton , Southampton

The University of Southampton is a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, internationally renowned for its education...

Student rating
( 4.1) View reviews
CUG ranking
20th
University of Southampton
Highfield Southampton Hampshire SO17 1BJ United Kingdom
Nearest train station: St Denys  0.6 miles away

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