BSc Biology and Marine Biology
About this course
Bachelor of Science in Biology and Marine Biology, a biology and marine biology degree examining the living world across molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological levels. Core topics include Research Methods and Fieldwork. Students take part in boat-based fieldwork and residential trips in the UK and abroad, supported by facilities near the National Oceanography Centre Southampton. The first year introduces the Earth system, cell biochemistry, scientific literacy, marine invertebrates, and global biodiversity patterns. The second year explores animal behaviour, coastal ecology, marine benthic ecology, phytoplankton, and population ecology, with optional modules such as Behaviour and Ecology Field Course, Marine Vertebrates, Palaeobiology, Plant Development and Function, and Zooplankton Ecology and Processes. The final year covers global biological challenges and shallow water survey techniques, alongside optional modules including Applied Plant Biology, Behavioural Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation, Bioscience Business, Deep Sea Ecology, Evolution and Development, Evolution and Genetics, Marine Conservation and Policy, Marine Fisheries Ecology, Marine Microbial Ecology and Biotechnology, Seascape Ecology, and Understanding Coral Reefs. Students may also complete an Independent Research Project, Field Research Project, In-Silico Research Project, or Laboratory Research Project.
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: ABB including Biology (minimum grade B) and one further science subject IB: Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level Biology and one further Higher Level in a preferred subject
See the highest paying Biology & Sport Science degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 64 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 73%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 81%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 76%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 85 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 94%
- Left higher education: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 1%
What graduates do next
Based on about 22 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 5%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 15%
- Teaching Professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Secretarial and related occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- 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 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Foundation course: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) on behalf of the Science Council and IMarEST for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Scientist and Chartered Marine Scientist.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Earth and Ocean System
- Fundamentals of Biochemistry
- How to be Scientifically Literate
- Marine Invertebrates
- Origins of Biodiversity
- Animal Behaviour
- Coastal Ecology Field Course
- Marine Benthic Ecology
- Phytoplankton and Primary Production
- Population and Community Ecology
- Behaviour and Ecology Field Course
- Marine Vertebrates
- Palaeobiology
- Plant Development and Function
- Zooplankton Ecology and Processes
- Global Challenges in Biology
- Shallow Water Survey Techniques
- Applied Plant Biology
- Behavioural Ecology
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Bioscience Business
- Deep Sea Ecology
- Evolution and Development
- Evolution and Genetics
- Field Research Project
- In-Silico Research Project
- Independent Research Project
- Laboratory Research Project
- Marine Conservation and Policy
- Marine Fisheries Ecology
- Marine Microbial Ecology and Biotechnology
- Seascape Ecology
- Understanding Coral Reefs
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Biology and Marine 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 BSc Biology and Marine 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 BSc Biology and Marine 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 BSc Biology and Marine Biology at University of Southampton?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 151 UCAS points.
Is BSc Biology and Marine Biology at University of Southampton accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) on behalf of the Science Council and IMarEST for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Scientist and Chartered Marine Scientist.
How many students continue on BSc Biology and Marine Biology at University of Southampton?
94% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.