Program Overview

BSc Microbiology

The BSc Microbiology course at the University of Reading offers students the opportunity to expand their knowledge of microbiology and take part in research projects with a global impact. As part of the UK's oldest microbiology department, students can develop laboratory skills in purpose-built microbiology facilities and be taught by world-leading experts, with particular strengths in virology and bacteriology.

Overview

The course has a strong practical basis, and students will learn a wide variety of techniques such as microbial genetics, biochemistry, and propagation. During the final year, students will have the chance to spend three months working on an original research project of their choice. Recent projects have included the molecular engineering of viruses and the mechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity and host colonisation.

Structure

The course is divided into three years, with compulsory and optional modules in each year.

• Year 1:
  • Compulsory modules:
    • Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life
    • Fundamentals of Microbiology
    • Fundamentals of Biochemistry
  • Optional modules:
    • Fundamentals of Evolution
    • History of Life on Earth
    • Human Pathology
    • Fundamentals of Ecology
    • Anatomy and Physiology
• Year 2:
  • Compulsory modules:
    • Advanced Studies in Cellular and Molecular Biology
    • Research and Professional Skills
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Haematology and Immunology
    • Molecular Microbiology
  • Optional modules:
    • Applied Biochemistry: From Disease to Diagnostics
    • Marine Biology and Conservation
    • Medical Genetics
    • Invertebrate Zoology
    • Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
    • Advanced Ecology
    • Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
    • Food Spoilage, Preservation and Hazards
• Year 3:
  • Compulsory modules:
    • Research Project
    • Pathogens
    • Applied Microbiology
  • Optional modules:
    • Venoms and Poisons: From Pharmacology to Therapeutics
    • Evolution in Health and Disease
    • Protein Structure and Function
    • Cancer and Cell Communication
    • Microbiology Field Course
    • Epidemiology of Zoonotic Diseases
    • Forensics
    • Integrated Biochemistry
    • Neuroscience
    • Cardiovascular Biology
    • Gut Microbiota and Health
    • Innovation and Product Development

Entry Requirements

• A Level: ABB with B in Biology, or BBB with B in Biology and B in a second science subject.
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points including 5 in Biology at higher level.
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD, with specific units required.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5.
• Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students are available.

Fees

• New UK/Republic of Ireland students: ｣9,790 for 2026 entry.
• New international students: ｣30,650 for 2026/27.
• Additional costs may be required for field trips and extra resources.

Careers

BSc Microbiology graduates have a range of transferable skills that make them highly employable in both scientific and non-scientific job sectors. Graduates can become members of the Society of Biology and apply for Chartered Biologist status. The programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). Past graduates have gone on to work for employers such as Abbot Laboratories, Oxford Biomedica, NHS, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Civil Service. Overall, 90% of graduates from the School of Biological Sciences are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation.