University of Southampton

Marine Biology (BSc)

University of SouthamptonSouthampton, United Kingdom

Course overview

With this 3-year marine biology course, you'll explore all forms of marine life. You'll gain advanced knowledge and practical skills to solve environmental challenges. You'll spend time on our research vessels carrying out boat-based field work.

You'll graduate with highly-respected biological and oceanographic skills for a range of careers. You could work in research, wildlife management or conservation. You'll study biology and ecology within the specific context of marine systems.

The course will broaden your knowledge of biological sciences, chemistry, physics and maths. The facilities are exceptional at Southampton. You can go from classroom or lab to our research vessels within minutes on our Waterfront Campus.

You'll be part of one of the largest marine science communities in Europe, the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS). With this course, you can: learn the most up-to-date marine science knowledge get the opportunity to conduct supervised, original research find o

Key highlights

  • Boat-based fieldwork aboard dedicated research vessels
  • Waterfront Campus puts labs minutes from research vessels
  • Part of the National Oceanography Centre Southampton marine science community
  • Opportunity to conduct supervised, original research
  • Biology and ecology studied within the context of marine systems
  • Broadens knowledge of chemistry, physics and maths alongside biology

Entry requirements

  • A-level: ABB — to include including Biology (minimum grade B) and one further science subject (minimum grade B
  • A-level: BBB — to include including Biology and one further science subject, and grade A in the EPQ; with EPQ
  • A-level: AB — combined with BTEC

Scholarships

  • Biological Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Business School Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Economic, Social and Political Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Education School Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Engineering Global Talent Scholarship

    Up to 5 scholarships of £2,000 are available to international students for the first 3 years of study on an undergraduate degree within the School of Engineering.

    Up to £2,000

  • Geography and Environmental Science Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Health Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Law School Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Ocean and Earth Science Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Physics and Astronomy Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Psychology Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • School of Mathematical Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship

    Successful applicants will get £10,000 towards their tuition fees.

    Up to £10,000

  • Southampton Chemistry Deans International Scholarship

    If you are awarded this scholarship, you'll get £5,000 towards your tuition fees in your first year of study.

    Up to £5,000

  • Southampton Electronics and Computer Science Global Scholarship

    There are 12 scholarships for £5000 each.

    Up to £5,000

  • Southampton Physics and Astronomy Achievement Scholarship

    The scholarships are renewable for subsequent years of study (subject to continuing academic performance) for up to £20,000 total. There are 10 stipend scholarships of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

Careers this course leads to

  • Marine biologist
  • Marine conservation officer
  • Wildlife manager
  • Research scientist
  • Fisheries scientist
  • Environmental consultant

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,535 per year | International: £30,300 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Southampton, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2025 place.

Apply Now
Download Free Guide