Program Overview

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Marine Biology with Oceanography (MSci)

Award: Integrated Masters degree in Science

Typical Offer: AAB

Duration: 4 years

Course Type: Full-time

Campus: Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton) and Highfield

UCAS Course code: F7C2

About this course

This course will give you knowledge about the biology of the marine environment and how it relates to physical and chemical oceanography. You'll cover advanced topics like data management for biologists and advanced oceanography fieldwork. This will prepare you for a range of careers such as research and wildlife management, or for work in government agencies.

This degree examines the biology of marine organisms within their environments, from intertidal coasts to deep sea and hydrothermal vents systems. You'll learn how marine plants and animals interact with their environment and respond to change.

You'll become part of one of the largest marine science communities in Europe through the world-leading research institution, the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS). Our research vessels are only a 10-minute walk from the lecture theatres. Boat-based fieldwork is an important part of the programme.

With this course, you can:

• gain detailed knowledge of marine biota and the physics, chemistry and sedimentology that influence them
• cover a broad variety of topics, from hydrothermal vents to coastal lagoons
• take part in a full fieldwork programme including residential trips
• complete an independent research project working alongside active research staff
• get practical experience of doing experiments, learning to adapt to sea state and weather conditions, collect samples, and use ocean instrumentation
• select optional modules depending on your area of interest – for example, you can study palaeobiology and explore how fossils are used to study ecology
• choose from a variety of semester abroad study opportunities

This degree is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).

Practicals which use animals or their tissues are an important part of the course. These practicals follow ethical policies and we'll make adjustments for you if you have valid concerns about taking part.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Entry requirements

• AAB including Biology (minimum grade B) and one further science subject
• 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
• D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus AA in A Level Biology and one further science subject
• 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 39 credits must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit
• H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 including Biology and one further science subject
• D3, D3, M2 in three Principal subjects including Biology and one further science subject at a minimum of M2
• AAB from 3 A levels including Biology and one further science subject or AA from two A levels subject including Biology and one further science subject and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

Course structure

All modules are compulsory in the first 2 years, providing the foundations for the rest of the course. In year 2 you'll specialise and gain the practical skills you'll need for research in years 3 and 4.

You do not need to select your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.

Year 1

• 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

Year 2

• Coastal Ecology Field Course
• Monitoring Coastal and Estuarine Environments
• Phytoplankton and Primary Production
• Sediment in the Environment
• The Dynamic Ocean
• Zooplankton Ecology and Processes
• Marine Benthic Ecology
• Marine Vertebrates
• Molecular Tools for Marine Biology Research
• Ocean Data Analysis and Modelling

Year 3

• Applied Oceanography and Fieldwork
• Ocean and Earth Science Research Training
• Shelf Seas and Shelf Edge Dynamics
• Behavioural Physiology
• Fish Evolution and Ecology
• Global Challenges in Biology
• Large Scale Ocean Processes and Climate
• Marine Conservation and Policy
• Marine Fisheries Ecology
• Marine Microbial Ecology and Biotechnology
• Seascape Ecology
• Understanding Coral Reefs

Year 4

• Advanced Independent Research Project
• Contemporary Topics in Ocean and Earth Science
• Advanced Oceanography Fieldwork
• Biological Data Science in R
• Climate and Climate Change
• Coastal Morphodynamics
• Deep Sea Ecology
• Ecological Modelling
• Marine Conservation and Policy
• Marine Reproduction
• Sea Level Rise and Coastal Management
• Seafloor Exploration and Surveying 2
• Tropical Marine Biology Field Course

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

Careers and employability

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Self-management
• Communication
• Teamwork

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Department for environment
• Research institutes
• Universities
• Government research laboratories
• Armed services
• Charities

Careers directly related to this course:

• Marine scientist
• Oceanographer
• Conservation officer
• Geologist
• Fisheries officer
• Oil spill consultant
• Marine science officer
• Water quality scientist
• Marine ecologist
• Environmental engineer

Wider career opportunities:

• Research scientist
• Data analyst
• Lecturer
• Hydrographic surveyor
• Laboratory technician
• Modeller
• Environmental manager
• Fishery data manager
• Conservation officer
• Hydrogeologist

Fees, costs and funding

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,535
• EU and international students pay £28,800

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

You may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.