Marine Biology with Oceanography (BSc) at University of Southampton

About

You'll learn how marine plants and animals interact with their environment and respond to change. The course will give you knowledge about the biology of the marine environment, and how it relates to physical and chemical oceanography. Theory, field trips and lab work will prepare you for a career in research, wildlife management or government agencies.

This degree examines the biology of marine organisms within their environments, from intertidal coasts to deep sea and hydrothermal vent systems.

You'll become part of one of the largest marine science communities in Europe through the world-leading research institution, the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS). Our research vessels are only a 10-minute walk from the lecture theatres. Boat-based fieldwork is an important part of the programme.

With this course, you can:

gain detailed knowledge of marine biota and the physics, chemistry and sedimentology that influence them
cover a broad variety of topics, from hydrothermal vents to coastal lagoons
take part in a full fieldwork programme including residential trips in the first 2 years
complete an independent research project working alongside active research staff – this will set you up for career in further research or a specialised masters degree
select modules depending on your area of interest – for example, you can study palaeobiology and explore how fossils are used to study ecology

This degree is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).

Practicals which use animals or their tissues are an important part of the course. These practicals follow ethical policies and we'll make adjustments for you if you have valid concerns about taking part.

Foundation year

If you have not studied the required Science subjects for this course, you may be eligible to apply for and enter through our Science Foundation Year.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Requirements

Entry Requirements

For Academic year 202526

A-levels

ABB including Biology (minimum grade B) and one further science subject (minimum grade B)

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Maths, Environmental Science, Geology, Geography or Physics.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.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBB including Biology and one further science subject, and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants 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 an applicant'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.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level Biology and one further Higher Level science subject

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Acceptable science subjects include Chemistry, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation), Environmental Science, Geography and Geology.

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

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.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

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.

or

BTEC

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus AB in A Level Biology and one further science subject We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma/ BTEC National Extended Diploma without two AB grades in A Level Biology and one further science subject,

RQF BTEC

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.

Additional information

Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Maths, Environmental Science, Geology, Geography or Physics. 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. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in A Level Biology and one further science subject. We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AB grades in A Level Biology and one further science subject.

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.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Show more entry requirements

Access to HE Diploma

Irish Leaving Certificate

Scottish Qualification offers

Cambridge Pre-U

Welsh Baccalaureate

T Level

Access to HE Diploma

60 credits with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 at Merit

Access to HE additional information

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.

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 including Biology at H3 and one further science subject at H3

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

AAABBB to include Biology and one further science subject

Irish certificate additional information

Acceptable science subjects 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 O4, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/grade 4.

Scottish Qualification

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 (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

Cambridge Pre-U

D3, M2, M2 in three Principal subjects including Biology at a minimum of M2 and one further science subject at a minimum of M2

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Acceptable science subjects 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.

Welsh Baccalaureate

ABB from 3 A levels including Biology and one further science subject or AB from two A levels including Biology and one further science subject and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Maths, Environmental Science, Geology, Geography or Physics.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. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

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.

T-Level

Not accepted for this course. Applicants with a T Level in a relevant subject should apply for the Science Foundation Year

English Program Requirements

Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

IELTS score requirements

overall score: 6.5
reading: 6.0
writing: 6.0
speaking: 6.0
listening: 6.0

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Career

Careers

You'll graduate from this course with the specialist skills and knowledge to start a successful career in marine biology, oceanography, or a related field.

Our graduates work for government agencies such as the British Antarctic Survey and the Environment Agency, and global corporations such as BP.

Our marine biology and oceanography graduates often continue their studies to postgraduate taught degree or PhD level. They also embark on careers at universities, museums or consultancies, or with employers such as NERC (Natural Environment Research Council), CEFAS (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science), Natural England or the Environment Agency.

Transferable skills in analysis, research, problem-solving and teamwork mean you'll also be ideally suited to work in many other areas.

Roles our marine biology and oceanography graduates have gone into include:

marine scientist
oceanographer
conservation officer
geologist
fisheries officer
oil spill consultant
marine science officer

You can boost your employability by volunteering to work our research aquarium.

Our careers and employability service will help you to find work placements and graduate jobs, as well as offering specialist careers advice.

You’ll also be supported by your personal academic tutor and an employability coordinator, who can advise you on your career path throughout your course.

Contact us to speak to a careers advisor.

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Work in industry

This will allow you to try out a potential future career and apply the skills and knowledge you have learned during your course to a real-world setting.

You'll also gain experience that will add to your employability when you graduate.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 30,300

Application Fee

GBP

Marine Biology with Oceanography (BSc)

University of Southampton

University of Southampton

Key Facts

Start & Deadlines