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.
( 4.2) 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

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

SEP-25

Duration

3 Years

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Subjects

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Geology
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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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Course info

Explore all forms of ocean life, studying biology and ecology within marine systems.On your three-year Marine Biology degree, accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), you will broaden your knowledge of biological sciences, chemistry, physics, and maths and develop the skills needed to work around the globe.You will study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the world’s largest centres devoted to research, teaching, and ...Read more

Explore all forms of ocean life, studying biology and ecology within marine systems.On your three-year Marine Biology degree, accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), you will broaden your knowledge of biological sciences, chemistry, physics, and maths and develop the skills needed to work around the globe.You will study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the world’s largest centres devoted to research, teaching, and technology development in ocean and Earth science, where you will make use of the excellent teaching and cutting-edge research labs as well as our fleet of research vessels. As part of your course you will spend a significant amount of time on our research vessels carrying out boat-based field work and getting hands on experience. Over the course of this degree you will gain unique and diverse knowledge and practical skills that are relevant to current global and environmental challenges and will graduate primed to pursue an extensive range of careers.Ocean and Earth Science at Southampton is ranked 8th in the UK and 39th globally, QS World Rankings by Subject (Earth and Marine Science), 2023 and 98% of Ocean and Earth Science graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2020/2021).

Key stats

Geology
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
14th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
20th
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
S
Scarlett
28 Oct 24

Best- social Worse- course organisation isn’t always..Read more

E
Eleanore
28 Oct 24

Best are the societies, Biological Sciences lecturers, and practical student opportunities. Bad parts are the lack of communication between the SOES and BIOL department making..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 to include Biology and one further science subject from Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Environmental Science, Geography and Geology. Pass in the science practical component.

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.

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.

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 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level Biology and one further Higher Level science subject. Science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Environmental Science, 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.

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

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.

£27400 Per year

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Marine Biology reviews

Marine Biology
Marine Biology
Oceanography
S
Scarlett
28 Oct 24
Marine Biology MSci (Hons)
Best- social Worse- course organisation isn’t always...
Read more
E
Eleanore
28 Oct 24
Biology and Marine Biology MSci
Best are the societies, Biological Sciences lecturers, and practical student opportunities. Bad parts are the lack of communication between the SOES and BIOL department making...
Read more
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How Marine Biology students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 23 reviews
5 star
27%
4 stars
65%
3 stars
8%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 1,440 reviews
5 star
32%
4 stars
56%
3 stars
11%
2 stars
1%
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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
( 4.2) 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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