Biology
About this course
Integrated Masters degree in Science in Biology, a biology degree spanning molecular structures, whole organisms, and global ecosystems. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students undertake practical laboratory work and field trips, and complete independent research projects alongside academic staff. The first year covers core foundations through Fundamentals of Biochemistry, Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Physiology, and Origins of Biodiversity. The second year introduces analytical training via Quantitative Methods in Biological and Environmental Science alongside Plant Development and Function, with options spanning fields like Animal Behaviour and Bioinformatics. In the third year, optional study areas include Advanced Geographical Information Systems, Biomedical Parasitology, and Conservation Ecology, complemented by specialized project options such as the Laboratory Research Project or Field Research Project. The final year centres on the compulsory Current Research module alongside advanced choices like Biological Data Science in R, Molecular Pharmacology, and Systems Neuroscience.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAB including Biology and one further science subject. IB: Pass with overall score of 34 points, with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 points at Higher Level in Biology and one further science subject
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What students say
Based on about 38 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 72%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 89%
- Learning resources: 96%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 50 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 19 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Teaching Professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Secretarial and related occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 50%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 70 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 1%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 24%
- South East: 50%
- South West: 10%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 40 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 95%
- Foundation course: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Fundamentals of Biochemistry
- Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Physiology
- How to Think Like a Scientist
- Organisms and their Environment
- Origins of Biodiversity
- Plant Development and Function
- Quantitative Methods in Biological and Environmental Science
- Adaptive Physiology
- Animal Behaviour
- Applied and Environmental Biochemistry
- Behaviour and Ecology Field Course
- Bioinformatics
- Cell Biology
- Conservation Ecology Field Course
- Environmental Microbiology
- Exploring Proteins: Structure and Function
- Flow of Genetic Information
- Freshwater Ecosystems
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
- Global Sustainability Challenges
- Immunology, Infection and Inflammation
- Palaeobiology
- Population and Community Ecology
- Vertebrate Development
- Vertebrate Zoology
- Advanced Geographical Information Systems
- Applied Plant Biology
- Behavioural Ecology
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Biomedical Parasitology
- Biomedical Technology
- Cancer Chromosome Biology
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Ecosystem Cycles and Microbial Communities
- Evolution and Development
- Evolution and Genetics
- External Research Project
- Field Research Project
- Global Challenges in Biology
- Human and Social Adaptation to Climate and Weather Hazards
- Immunology
- In-Silico Research Project
- Laboratory Research Project
- Microbiomes and Health
- Molecular Cell Biology
- Molecular and Structural Basis of Disease
- Musculoskeletal Physiology of Movement
- Neurodegenerative Disease
- Selective Toxicity
- Tropical Ecology Field Course
- Current Research
- Advanced Field Research Project
- Advanced Research Project
- Applied Plant Biology
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Biological Data Science in R
- Biomedical Technology
- Cancer Chromosome Biology
- Cell Signalling in Health and Disease
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Evolution and Development
- Evolution and Genetics
- Global Challenges in Biology
- Microbiomes and Health
- Molecular Cell Biology
- Molecular Pharmacology
- Molecular Recognition
- Neurodegenerative Disease
- Pharmacology of Neuropsychiatric Disorders
- Selective Toxicity
- Skills in Biological Optical Imaging
- Skills in Molecular Bioscience
- Skills in Structural Biology
- Systems Neuroscience
- The Molecular and Structural Basis of Disease
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of Biology at University of Southampton earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £26,500 after 3 years, £35,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,500 and £45,000. The £35,500 median after five years is £5,000 more than the UK median for Biology.
What do graduates of Biology at University of Southampton do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on Biology at University of Southampton?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for Biology at University of Southampton?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 148 UCAS points.
Is Biology at University of Southampton accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Does Biology at University of Southampton include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on Biology at University of Southampton?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.