Biology and Marine Biology MSci
Course Overview - Biology and Marine Biology MSci
About this course
Explore the living world, from the molecular level through to entire ecosystems.
On your four-year integrated Biology and Marine Biology masters degree youll study living organisms at several levels and gain an understanding of biology from an evolutionary perspective.
Based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the leading research centres globally for ocean science, youll have the opportunity to undertake a balanced programme in both subjects and the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time on our 22m resear...
About this course<br/>Explore the living world, from the molecular level through to entire ecosystems.<br/><br/>On your four-year integrated Biology and Marine Biology masters degree youll study living organisms at several levels and gain an understanding of biology from an evolutionary perspective.<br/><br/>Based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the leading research centres globally for ocean science, youll have the opportunity to undertake a balanced programme in both subjects and the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time on our 22m research vessel R.V. Callista, getting hands on experience out in the field. The breadth of modules and fieldwork will prepare you for a wide variety of higher degrees and careers.<br/><br/>Key features of the course:<br/>• Based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the leading research centres globally for ocean science<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Benefit from the flexibility to select modules aligned to your interests, across Biology, Marine Biology, and beyond<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Learn through a mixture of lectures, laboratory work, and field work, graduating with real-life skills suited to industry to enhance your employment prospects<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Become part of a department ranked 8th in the UK and top 40 globally, QS World Rankings by Subject (Earth and Marine Science) 2026<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Join a University where 99% of Ocean and Earth Science graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2022/2023, published 2025).<br/><br/><br/><br/>Student support<br/>Our supervisors will mentor you throughout your studies as you gain the expertise needed to take the next steps in your career. They will help you decide on optional modules, and discuss your future career plans to ensure you are on the right path for you.<br/><br/>Further information<br/>This course is open to UK and international applicants and is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
21/09/2026
Campus
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
7N16
Institution Code
S27
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4.
Access to HE Diploma
D:39,M:6
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 39 credits must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit. A core science Access to HE Diploma to contain Level 3 modules in Biology (to include ecology) and either Chemistry, Physics or Environmental Science and Maths is required. If you are unsure whether the Access you are studying would be accepted, please contact the Admissions Team before submitting an application.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
34
Pass with overall score of 34 points, with 17 points required at higher level: including 5 and 6 points from Biology and from one further science subject. Science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Environmental Science, Geography and Geology. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): The University of Southampton accepts the IBCP for entry to their degree programmes, recognising the value of combining academic skills with practical skills, providing a solid preparation for university level work. Offers will be made on the individual components of the IBCP. Applicants not taking the full IBCP but presenting with a combination of a Level 3 vocational qualification and IB Certificates may still be considered. Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton Intern
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDD
We do not accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma without two A-levels to include Biology and one further science subject. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DDD + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include Biology and one further science subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H1,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2
H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 to include Biology and one further science subject. Science subjects considered include Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Environmental Science, Geography and Geology. Applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at ILC Grade C or 04, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/grade 4.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD
We do not accept the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma without two A-levels to include Biology and one further science subject. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DD + AA at A-Level, to include Biology and one further science subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.
Scottish Advanced Higher
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information. Applicants are also required to have achieved a pass in Maths and English at Standard Grade Grade 3 or National 5 Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/Grade 4.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3,D3,M2
D3, D3, M2 to include Biology and one further science subject. Science subjects considered include Chemistry, Maths, Physics, and Geography. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Extended Project
A
ABB in 3 A-levels to include Biology and one further science subject plus Grade A in EPQ. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D
D + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include Biology and one further science subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.
A level
A,A,B
AAB to include Biology and one further science subject. A level science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Environmental Science, Geography and Geology. Science practical components must be passed.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
B
AA from two A-Levels, to include Biology and one further science subject and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
| EU, International | £30,300 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |























