Program Overview

Programme Overview

The MSc Microbiology program is available to start in January or September. The program is taught through a flexible mix of lectures and small group tutorials, practical classes, practical computer workshops, and research tutorials. There is also an expectation of self-learning, where students will engage with current microbiology research literature to enhance their knowledge gained and discussed in taught sessions.

Programme Structure

The program consists of three stages:

Stage 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Current Microbiology (MC5009)
  • Applied Statistics (PU5017)
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
  • Biotechnology (BT5014)
  • Bioinformatics (MB5021)
• Optional Courses:
  • Molecular Genetics (MB5025)
  • Profiles of Immunology (MB5028)

Stage 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Evaluating and Communicating Research (MB5529)
  • Host - Pathogen Interactions (MB5516)
  • Advanced Bioinformatics and Genome Sequencing (MB5522)
  • Advanced Biotechnology with Computation (BT5511)
• Optional Courses:
  • Biologic Drug Discovery (BT5509)
  • Advanced Genomic Tools in Biomedical Research (MB5528)

Stage 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Masters Research Project (Laboratory) (MB5904)
  • Masters Research Project (PU5922)

Programme Fees

• EU/International students: £26,250 (2025/26 Academic Year)
• UK students: £12,200 (2025/26 Academic Year)
• Self-funded international students commencing eligible postgraduate programs in 2025/26 will receive a £8,000 tuition waiver.

Entry Requirements

• A second-class Honours degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent qualification in Microbiology or other biological science degree is required for entry onto this program.
• English Language Requirements:
  • IELTS Academic: 6.5 (with 5.5 in Listening, 6.0 in Reading, 5.5 in Speaking, and 6.0 in Writing)
  • TOEFL iBT: 90 (with 17 in Listening, 21 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing)
  • PTE Academic: 62 (with 59 in Listening, 59 in Reading, 59 in Speaking, and 59 in Writing)
  • Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: 176 (with 162 in Listening, 169 in Reading, 162 in Speaking, and 169 in Writing)

Careers

The MSc Microbiology program will provide students with the academic, analytical, and practical skills to assist them in many careers. Many graduates choose to continue in research careers and begin PhDs or become research scientists (research assistants or technicians). Scientists have obtained posts in universities, industry (including oil and gas), biotechnology, and hospital diagnostic and pathology laboratories.

Facilities

The Institute of Medical Sciences is focused on developing future effective therapies and houses nearly 400 researchers and support staff working on cutting-edge biomedical subjects aimed at understanding the human body's response to infection and disease. The Foresterhill Health Campus is one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe, which includes the Medical School, large teaching hospital, the Institute of Medical Sciences, and the Rowett Institute.

Contact

For more information, please contact the University of Aberdeen's Student Recruitment & Admissions team.