Biology and Marine Biology
About this course
Integrated Masters degree in Science in Biology and Marine Biology, a biology and marine biology degree centred on the study of living organisms from molecular and cellular levels to entire terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods, and Fieldwork. Students engage in practical work involving laboratory sessions, shore-based classes, and boat-based fieldwork utilising research vessels. The first year covers core foundations through Earth and Ocean System, Fundamentals of Biochemistry, and Marine Invertebrates, introducing fundamental environmental processes and biological systems. The second year expands into ecological principles and methods with modules such as Animal Behaviour, Coastal Ecology Field Course, and Marine Benthic Ecology, alongside optional residential field courses. In the third year, students study Global Challenges in Biology and Shallow Water Survey Techniques, with choices including Field Research Project, In-Silico Research Project, and Laboratory Research Project. The final year offers advanced specialisation through options like Advanced Independent Research Project, Biological Data Science in R, and Tropical Marine Biology Field Course.
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 (minimum grade B) and one further science subject IB: Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 and 6 at Higher Level Biology one further Higher Level science subject
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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
- 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: 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 90 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 91%
- Baccalaureate: 4%
- Access course: 1%
- Foundation course: 2%
- Other HE qualification: 1%
- No formal qualifications: 1%
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
- Evolution and Development
- Evolution and Genetics
- Field Research Project
- In-Silico Research Project
- Laboratory Research Project
- Marine Conservation and Policy
- Marine Fisheries Ecology
- Marine Microbial Ecology and Biotechnology
- Ocean and Earth Science Research Training
- Seascape Ecology
- Understanding Coral Reefs
- Advanced Field Research Project
- Advanced Independent Research Project
- Advanced Research Project
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Biological Data Science in R
- Contemporary Topics in Ocean and Earth Science
- Current Research
- Deep Sea Ecology
- Ecological Modelling
- Evolution and Genetics
- Marine Reproduction
- Tropical Marine Biology Field Course
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of 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 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 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 Biology and Marine Biology at University of Southampton?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 150 UCAS points.
Is 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 Biology and Marine Biology at University of Southampton?
94% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.