Program Overview

Microbiology

Key Facts

• UCAS Tariff: 128 - 120
• Course duration: 4 years
• Available for September start 2025

Course Overview

Our Microbiology degree courses have a strong practical emphasis, and you will learn a wide variety of techniques in areas such as microbial genetics, biochemistry and propagation.

The study of microbiology requires expertise in immunology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology and research methods, and you will receive training in these throughout your degree. You will learn about worldwide concerns such as antimicrobial resistance and emerging pathogens, as well as the beneficial use of microbes in biotechnology for food production and agriculture.

Throughout the course there is a strong focus on practical training in microbiological and molecular techniques, which will prepare you for a career as a professional scientist. There are practical modules in Years One and Two and an advanced research project makes up one third of your final year.

You will be taught by passionate teaching staff who are experts in their fields and who conduct research in all areas of microbiology. You will also have access to our state-of-the-art facilities that include a bio-imaging and microscopy suite, modern laboratories and fermentation facilities.

Modules

Year 1

• Cell Biology
• Ecology and Conservation
• Genetics, Evolution and Diversity
• Microbial and Plant Diversity
• Skills for Biologists

Year 2

• Environmental Microbiology and Monitoring
• One Health Microbiology
• Practical and Professional Skills in Microbiology
• Research Methods

Year 3

• Biotechnology
• Microbial Pathogenesis
• Research Project

Year 4

• Field and Laboratory Techniques
• Frontiers in the Biosciences
• Infection and Immunity
• MBiol Research Project

Careers

Our graduates have been working successfully as:

• research scientists
• clinical molecular geneticists
• nature conservationists
• educators

Students from our department have also progressed to undertake training in Dentistry and Medicine.

Teaching & Learning

The course will be delivered through lectures, workshops, tutorials and practical sessions.

You will be assessed through essays, practical exercises, oral presentations, worksheets, reports, statistical exercises, portfolios, Wikis, magazine articles, field notebooks, and exams.

Typical Entry Requirements

• UCAS Tariff: 128 - 120
• A Levels: ABB-BBB with B in Biology or Human Biology
• GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4): English or Welsh, Mathematics and a Science subject

English Language Requirements

See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements

International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.

Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.