Program Overview

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MSci Medical Microbiology (C522)

2026 entry

Course summary

Our MSci course is ideal if you want to continue in research or to stand out when applying for a PhD or employment.

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 are available to help you prepare for practical laboratory sessions in the first and second year.

You will take infection units and an optional unit in your third year. You will write a grant proposal or undertake a research project, working in our research projects laboratory in the Biomedical Sciences Building.

Our programmes are flexible and if your interests change, you can transfer to another of our programmes.

The additional fourth year includes an extended research project and research skills training with an emphasis on enterprise. You will plan projects, communicate with a variety of audiences and learn to translate and commercialise research.

We focus on 'Turning science into medicine' and these courses aim to launch you into a research career with an emphasis on translational research.

Overview

Typical offer

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

Programme duration

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

Application method

• UCAS (Code: C522)

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 required 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 Medical Microbiology 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

• BSc Medical Microbiology
• BSc Medical Microbiology with Study in Industry

Related Subjects

• Biochemistry
• Biomedical Sciences
• Pharmacology