BSc Marine Biology
About this course
Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, a marine biology degree focusing on ocean ecosystems and biological processes. Core topics include Research Methods and Fieldwork. The course is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). The first year introduces the fundamental processes of the Earth and ocean system through compulsory modules such as Earth and Ocean System, Introduction to Functional Marine Biology, and Marine Invertebrates, alongside studies in scientific literacy. The second year builds on this foundation with modules including Coastal Ecology Field Course, Marine Benthic Ecology, and Molecular Tools for Marine Biology Research. The final year centres on an Independent Research Project, complemented by compulsory training in Shallow Water Survey Techniques. Students can also choose from optional modules covering topics such as Deep Sea Ecology, Ecotoxicology, and Understanding Coral Reefs.
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 (minimum grade B) IB: Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level Biology and one further Higher Level science subject
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Real offers for this course
Applicants have posted 1 UCAS decision for BSc Marine Biology (F713) at the University of Southampton for 2027 entry so far. The published offer is ABB at A level.
What students say
Based on about 7 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 98%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 73%
- Academic support: 86%
- Organisation and management: 77%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 79%
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: 20%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- 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 280 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 11%
- London: 24%
- South East: 43%
- South West: 13%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 45 students who started
- A levels: 85%
- Baccalaureate: 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
- How to be Scientifically Literate
- Introduction to Environmental Biogeochemistry
- Introduction to Functional Marine Biology
- Introduction to Marine Ecology and Evolution
- Marine Invertebrates
- Physics of the Ocean
- Coastal Ecology Field Course
- Marine Benthic Ecology
- Marine Vertebrates
- Molecular Tools for Marine Biology Research
- Monitoring Coastal and Estuarine Environments
- Phytoplankton and Primary Production
- Sediment in the Environment
- Zooplankton Ecology and Processes
- Independent Research Project
- Shallow Water Survey Techniques
- Behavioural Physiology
- Deep Sea Ecology
- Ecotoxicology
- Fish Evolution and Ecology
- 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 Marine Biology at University of Southampton earn?
The median salary is £28,500 after 15 months, £27,000 after 3 years, £35,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £45,000. The £35,500 median after five years is £9,500 more than the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
What do graduates of BSc 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 Marine Biology at University of Southampton?
98% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Marine Biology at University of Southampton?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 145 UCAS points.
Is BSc 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 Marine Biology at University of Southampton?
94% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.