Program Overview

---

Course summary

In your first year, you will gain a broad understanding of biomedical sciences and take units in microbiology and diseases caused by microorganisms. In addition to learning about the immune system, you will also study pathology and biochemistry.

In year two you will study the cellular and molecular basis of human diseases caused by microorganisms, such as shigella and tuberculosis, and viruses including SARS-CoV-2. As well as learning about the immune response to a variety of infectious microbes, you will investigate how bacteria acquire antibiotic resistance.

Our eBiolabs online resources will help you prepare for practical laboratory sessions in the first and second year. You will also have the opportunity to develop your transferable and employability skills in the Biomedical Research, Employability and Enterprise Skills unit in the second year.

In your third year, you will take infection units and an optional unit. You will also undertake a grant proposal or a research project working in our research projects laboratory within the Biomedical Sciences Building or in one of the hospitals.

The four-year BSc Medical Microbiology with Study in Industry course is available via transfer after securing a placement during your second year.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: AAB
• A-level contextual offer: BBB
• Go to entry requirements for the full entry criteria and contextual offer eligibility.

Programme duration

• 3 year(s) full-time.
• Part-time study is not available for this course

Application method

• UCAS (Code: C521)

Location

• Clifton campus

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £32500 per year, international students
• More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Fees quoted are for 2025 entry only. Fees for 2026 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2025.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A-level standard offer

• AAB including Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Physics, Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics and Further Mathematics

A-level contextual offer

• BBB including Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Physics, Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics and Further Mathematics

BTEC

• DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five specified Chemistry units

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 (in any order) at Higher Level in Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Physics, Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics and Further Mathematics

International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer

• 31 points overall with 15 at Higher Level, including 5, 5 at Higher Level in Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Physics, Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics and Further Mathematics

European Baccalaureate

• 80% overall, with 8.0 in Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Physics, Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics and Further Mathematics

Scottish Qualifications Authority

• Advanced Higher: AB (in any order) in Chemistry and another science/mathematics subject, and Standard Higher: AAABB. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Physics, Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics and Further Mathematics

Access to HE Diploma

• Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: 24 credits at Distinction and 21 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits (with 9 at Distinction) from Chemistry units and at least 12 credits (with 9 at Distinction) from units in another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Physics, Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics and Further Mathematics

Welsh Baccalaureate

• Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.

Cambridge Pre-U

• Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.

International qualifications

• The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

GCSE profile requirements

• No specific subjects required.
• Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.

English language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all skills
  • GCSE English Language grade C or 4
  • an alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level E.
• Further information about English language requirements and profile levels

Selection process

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
• If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
• Full information about our selection processes for Medical Microbiology can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Related courses

• MSci Medical Microbiology
• BSc Medical Microbiology with Study in Industry
• Biochemistry
• Biomedical Sciences
• Pharmacology