About this course Learn about life at all levels, from molecules and cells to whole organisms, on this three-year Biology degree. You'll explore topics looking at species, communities, and entire ecosystems to prime yourself for a broad choice of potential careers. You'll graduate with extensive practical experience and expertise from our academic staff, who embed their high-profile research into our degrees. Through the flexibility to tailor your course to your passions you'll kickstart you career in the sector that interests you most; recent graduates have explored careers in medicine, biotechnology, conservation, and the environment. Key features of the course: - Study surrounded by researchers who shape the programme with their world-changing research - Gain real-life skills suited to industry, to enhance your employment prospects - Benefit from our close links with Marwell Wildlife, from opportunities to study abroad at partner universities around the world, and from field trips in locations across the UK and locations abroad like Spain and Belize - Join a University where 96% of Biological Sciences graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, published 2025). Student support From day one, you'll join a welcoming and supportive Biological Sciences community home to researchers who are paving the way for advancements in science and eager to share their findings with their peers and our student community. You'll be supported by your personal academic tutor and guided throughout your degree to ensure you graduate primed and ready for your future career in industry, in research, or in further study. Further information Biological Sciences programmes at Southampton are accredited by the Royal Biological Society, meaning you'll graduate from a course commended across the sector.
A Level: ABB | ABB to include Biology and one further science subject. A level science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, Science practical components must be passed. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Use of Mathematics are excluded for entry. | 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: 30 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma: 15 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma | 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit. A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. | 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 the pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton's Curriculum for Excellence Scotland statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact the 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. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): DD | If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DD + B in A-Level Biology Science practical component must be passed in A-level Biology. | Extended Project: A | BBB in 3 A-levels to include Biology and one further science subject plus grade A in the EPQ. Science practical components must be passed. | International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: 32 UCAS points | Pass with overall score of 32 points, with 16 points required at higher level, including 5 and 6 points at Higher Level in Biology and one further science subject Science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) , Psychology, Environmental Studies, 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 International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information. | WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales: B | AB from two A levels including Biology and one further a science subject and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. Science practical component must be passed in A-level Biology. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): DDM | We accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in suitable science subjects | Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017): H2H2H3H3H3H3 | H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3 to include Biology and one further science subject. Science subjects considered include Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, 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 Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016): D | D + AB at A-Level, to include Biology and one further science subject. Science practical component must be passed in A-level Biology. | Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal: D3M2M2 | D3, M2, M2 to include Biology and one further science subject. 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.
Band C: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
Throughout this course you'll explore the breadth of the discipline, starting with a broad base and then allowing you to choose from our extensive offering of optional modules, providing flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests and ambitions. Year 1: Fundamentals of biology, from cells to ecosystems, including interactions between humans and life on earth. Year 2: Key principles of biology across life, optional modules to allow you to begin to tailor your degree, and training in statistics and experimental design. Year 3: Choose from a range of projects, from lab to data to field-based, or focussing on bioscience business, education or communication. Select optional modules that give an in-depth focus on concepts and topics that interest you. You will also have opportunities to tailor your learning through fieldwork, lab practicals and if you wish, a semester abroad or a year in employment. Module structure may vary to keep your learning up to date with advances in biology. For full list of all modules available, please visit the course page.
Please see our website for further details and updates regarding tuition fees. We anticipate that international tuition fee levels for 2027 entry will be confirmed in August 2026. — UG 2027 Entry - Home Confirmed, International TBC
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