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Marine Biology with foundation year

Entry requirements


A level

A,B,B

ABB at A-level to include no more than one science subject relevant to your application.

Access to HE Diploma

D:30,M:15

60 credits overall with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3 of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 at Merit. 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.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

D3,M2,M2

D3, M2, M2 to include no more than one science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology 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. 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.

Extended Project

A

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBB to include no more than one relevant science subject and grade A in the EPQ

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

32

Pass with 32 points overall with a minimum of 16 points at Higher Level, to include no more than one relevant science subject. 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. 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.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

H1,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3

H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 to include no more than one science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. 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.

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma

DD

DD + B at A-Level (or equivalent), to include no more than one relevant science subject. 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.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate

D

D + AB at A-Level (or equivalent), to include no more than one relevant science subject. 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.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

DDM

to include Distinctions in the majority of modules 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.

OCR Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma

DD

DD + B at A-Level (or equivalent), to include no more than one relevant science subject. 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.

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)

DDM

to include Distinctions in the majority of modules

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

DD

DD + B at A-level (or equivalent) to include no more than one relevant science subject

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)

D

D + AB at A-Level (or equivalent), to include no more than one relevant science subject.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

DDM

to include Distinctions in the majority of modules

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. 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.

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" 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.

T Level

D

An overall distinction with grade A in the core element

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

B

ABB from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-Levels, to include no more than one relevant science subject. 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.

UCAS Tariff

128

We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.

About this course


Course option

4years

Full-time | 2024

Subject

Marine sciences

The University of Southampton Science Foundation Year is designed to provide you with a route to a science degree if you do not have the traditional entry qualifications. Please see our website for the full list of degree programmes which you can automatically progress on to after successful completion of the Science Foundation Year.

Our foundation year offers you a rapid introduction to biology, chemistry and mathematics, equipping you with the knowledge, skills and attributes that are needed to meet the challenges of your chosen undergraduate degree. You will undertake laboratory work and a variety of assignments to develop your critical thinking and problem solving.

This programme may suit you if you are studying for A levels in subjects different from those normally required for these degrees. It may also interest you if you are a mature applicant, with skills and experience from employment and can show recent study, or if you come from a part of the world where the education system is different from the British A level system.

Join an Ocean Science community ranked 1st in the UK and 4th globally in the academic rankings among world universities, Shanghai Ranking, Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (Oceanography), 2022.

Modules

Whatever degree course you are aiming for, you will take all the modules listed below. All modules are studied for the whole year. The coursework module integrates elements from the different disciplinary modules and is assessed by a range of approaches.
Modules:
GSCI0008 Fundamentals of Biology,
GSCI0009 Fundamentals of Chemistry,
GSCI0011 Laboratories and Coursework,
GSCI0010 Mathematics for Scientists,
GENG0014 Routes to Success.

For more information, visit the course page.

Assessment methods

You will be assessed through unseen written exams, short tests, assessed coursework in the form of laboratory log books and reports, problems and other set assignments.

Tuition fees

Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:

Channel Islands
£9,250
per year
England
£9,250
per year
EU
£23,620
per year
International
£23,620
per year
Northern Ireland
£9,250
per year
Republic of Ireland
£9,250
per year
Scotland
£9,250
per year
Wales
£9,250
per year

The Uni


Course location:

Main Site - Highfield Campus

Department:

Ocean and Earth Science

Read full university profile

What students say


We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.

76%
Marine sciences

How do students rate their degree experience?

The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Earth sciences

Teaching and learning

86%
Staff make the subject interesting
94%
Staff are good at explaining things
81%
Ideas and concepts are explored in-depth
75%
Opportunities to apply what I've learned

Assessment and feedback

Feedback on work has been timely
Feedback on work has been helpful
Staff are contactable when needed
Good advice available when making study choices

Resources and organisation

90%
Library resources
91%
IT resources
86%
Course specific equipment and facilities
51%
Course is well organised and has run smoothly

Student voice

Staff value students' opinions
Feel part of a community on my course

Who studies this subject and how do they get on?

92%
UK students
8%
International students
57%
Male students
43%
Female students
94%
2:1 or above
0%
First year drop out rate

Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)

A
A
B

After graduation


The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Earth sciences

What are graduates doing after six months?

This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.

£22,000
high
Average annual salary
96%
med
Employed or in further education
73%
med
Employed in a role where degree was essential or beneficial

Top job areas of graduates

20%
Natural and social science professionals
11%
Business, research and administrative professionals
8%
Sales, marketing and related associate professionals

This is quite a specialist degree and although graduates are more likely to go to work in the environment and conservation than anything else, it can be dependent to an extent on securing funding and so the jobs market can be competitive. This is also one of those subjects where graduates don’t usually go to London to work, so if you want to work in the south-west — or overseas — this might be a good subject. Graduates tend to get jobs in the environment, and as lab technicians. They can also be targeted to fill our serious gaps in recruitment in surveying. Like a lot of other subjects, if you want a job in research, start planning to take a doctorate. The stats also include a small number of oceanographers and meteorologist who are often in demand.

What about your long term prospects?

Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.

Earth sciences

The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.

£22k

£22k

£28k

£28k

£31k

£31k

Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.

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Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):

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This information comes from the National Student Survey, an annual student survey of final-year students. You can use this to see how satisfied students studying this subject area at this university, are (not the individual course).

This is the percentage of final-year students at this university who were "definitely" or "mostly" satisfied with their course. We've analysed this figure against other universities so you can see whether this is high, medium or low.

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This information is from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), for undergraduate students only.

You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.

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Post-six month graduation stats:

This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.

It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.

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Graduate field commentary:

The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show

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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?

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