BSc Marine Biology with Oceanography
About this course
Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology with Oceanography, a marine biology and earth and environmental sciences degree focused on the biology of marine organisms and physical and chemical oceanography. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Communication & Writing. The programme is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). The first year builds foundational knowledge through compulsory studies such as Earth and Ocean System, Introduction to Environmental Biogeochemistry, Introduction to Functional Marine Biology, Introduction to Marine Ecology and Evolution, Marine Invertebrates, Physics of the Ocean, and How to be Scientifically Literate. Year 2 introduces coastal ecology and monitoring techniques via modules like Coastal Ecology Field Course, Monitoring Coastal and Estuarine Environments, Phytoplankton and Primary Production, Sediment in the Environment, The Oceans in a Changing Climate, and Zooplankton Ecology and Processes, alongside optional choices such as Marine Benthic Ecology or Marine Vertebrates. The final year involves advanced study and practical work through Applied Oceanography and Fieldwork and Independent Research Project, with further specialisation possible via optional modules like Deep Sea Ecology, Ecotoxicology, Fish Evolution and Ecology, 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
See the highest paying Biology & Sport Science degrees in the UK →
See the highest paying Geography & Environmental Science degrees in the UK →
Real offers for this course
Applicants have posted 1 UCAS decision for BSc Marine Biology with Oceanography (F7C1) at the University of Southampton for 2027 entry so far. The published offer is ABB at A level.
What students say
Based on about 11 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 78%
- Learning opportunities: 81%
- Assessment and feedback: 67%
- Academic support: 83%
- Organisation and management: 77%
- Learning resources: 82%
- Student voice: 62%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 26 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 80%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 245 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 15%
- London: 16%
- South East: 34%
- South West: 16%
- Wales: 4%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 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
- Monitoring Coastal and Estuarine Environments
- Phytoplankton and Primary Production
- Sediment in the Environment
- The Oceans in a Changing Climate
- Zooplankton Ecology and Processes
- Marine Benthic Ecology
- Marine Vertebrates
- Molecular Tools for Marine Biology Research
- Ocean Data Analysis and Modelling
- Applied Oceanography and Fieldwork
- Independent Research Project
- Shelf Seas and Shelf Edge Dynamics
- Behavioural Physiology
- Deep Sea Ecology
- Ecotoxicology
- Fish Evolution and Ecology
- Large Scale Ocean Processes and Climate
- Marine Conservation and Policy
- Marine Fisheries Ecology
- Marine Microbial Ecology and Biotechnology
- Seafloor Exploration and Surveying
- Seascape Ecology
- Understanding Coral Reefs
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Marine Biology with Oceanography at University of Southampton earn?
The median salary is £29,000 after 15 months, £27,500 after 3 years, £34,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,000 and £41,500. The £34,500 median after five years is £8,500 more than the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
What do graduates of BSc Marine Biology with Oceanography at University of Southampton do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Marine Biology with Oceanography at University of Southampton?
78% 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 with Oceanography at University of Southampton?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 140 UCAS points.
Is BSc Marine Biology with Oceanography 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 with Oceanography at University of Southampton?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.