Marine Biology
About this course
Integrated Masters degree in Science in Marine Biology is a marine biology degree examining biological systems in aquatic environments. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods, and Fieldwork. This four-year master's programme is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology and includes fieldwork opportunities and a major independent research project. The first year covers core foundations through Earth and Ocean System, Introduction to Environmental Biogeochemistry, and Introduction to Marine Ecology and Evolution. The second year progresses to subjects such as Coastal Ecology Field Course, Marine Benthic Ecology, and Molecular Tools for Marine Biology Research. The third year involves training via Ocean and Earth Science Research Training and Shallow Water Survey Techniques alongside optional modules like Behavioural Physiology and Ecotoxicology. The final year culminates in the Advanced Independent Research Project and Contemporary Topics in Ocean and Earth Science, with further options including Biological Data Science in R and Deep Sea Ecology.
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 and one further Higher Level science subject
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Real offers for this course
Applicants have posted 1 UCAS decision for Marine Biology (F703) at the University of Southampton for 2027 entry so far. The published offer is AAB at A level.
What students say
Based on about 24 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 83%
- Organisation and management: 85%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 80%
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 6 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 90%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 30%
- Sales occupations: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Science, engineering and technology associate 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 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- 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
- Marine Fisheries Ecology
- Ocean and Earth Science Research Training
- Shallow Water Survey Techniques
- Behavioural Physiology
- Ecotoxicology
- Fish Evolution and Ecology
- Marine Conservation and Policy
- Marine Microbial Ecology and Biotechnology
- Seascape Ecology
- Understanding Coral Reefs
- Advanced Independent Research Project
- Contemporary Topics in Ocean and Earth Science
- Biological Data Science in R
- Deep Sea Ecology
- Ecological Modelling
- Marine Conservation and Policy
- Marine Reproduction
- Tropical Marine Biology Field Course
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of 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 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 Marine Biology at University of Southampton?
95% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for Marine Biology at University of Southampton?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 159 UCAS points.
Is 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 Marine Biology at University of Southampton?
94% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.