Program Overview

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BSc Virology and Immunology (C540)

2026 entry

Course summary

Years one and two provide a broad background in biomedical sciences as well as information about viruses and the diseases they cause.

You will study the immune system and how it controls infection. You will also learn about autoimmune diseases that can occur if the immune system attacks the body's own tissues rather than an infectious agent.

In your third year, you will progress to review the main viral diseases of humankind in terms of their natural history, biology, molecular biology, immunology, pathogenesis and epidemiology. These include HIV, hepatitis B and C, papilloma, influenza and measles, among others.

You will learn about cutting-edge issues in virology and immunology, including zoonotic viruses of bats, Ebola, Hendra, Nipah, MERS, and emerging viruses including SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19.

You will also learn about the problems associated with the production of vaccines. You will normally work on a research project in either virology or immunology.

The four-year BSc Virology and Immunology with Study in Industry is available by transfer after securing a placement during the second year.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: AAB
• A-level contextual offer: BBB

Programme duration

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

Application method

• UCAS (Code: C540)

Location

• Clifton campus

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £32500 per year, international students

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: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.

A-level contextual offer

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

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: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.

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: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.

European Baccalaureate

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

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: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.

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: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.

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.

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 Virology and Immunology can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Applicants must also meet these requirements

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

Related courses

• MSci Virology and Immunology
• BSc Virology and Immunology with Study in Industry
• Biochemistry
• Biomedical Sciences
• Pharmacology