Program Overview

MSci Microbiology with Professional Experience

The MSci Microbiology with Professional Experience course is designed to expand students' knowledge of the planet's smallest life forms and contribute to research projects with global impact. This integrated course offers a strong practical basis, allowing students to learn various techniques such as microbial genetics, biochemistry, and propagation.

Overview

The course provides an in-depth understanding of the fundamental properties, genetics, and physiology of diverse microbes. Students can choose optional modules to focus on areas that interest them, including medical, environmental, or food microbiology.

Why Study Microbiology at the University of Reading?

• Students can apply for Chartered Biologist status upon graduation, accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
• The University offers membership of the Microbiology Society and strong links with industry.
• Networking opportunities are available with biochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, cell biology, and informatics companies.
• The University is ranked 9th in the UK for biosciences by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
• 97% of School of Biological Sciences students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024).

What You'll Study

The MSci follows the standard undergraduate curriculum but with an additional year of study and a master's level qualification. The course has a strong practical basis, covering techniques such as microbial genetics, biochemistry, and propagation. In the first year, students learn about the structure and function of microbes and their interrelationships with other organisms and the environment. The second year enhances knowledge of how microbes function, including a deeper understanding of infectious diseases. The third year emphasizes the application of knowledge and skills, with the final year offering the chance to work on an Advanced Research Project.

Placements

Students can enhance their employability with a year-long industrial placement between their second and third years. The University has contacts with numerous microbiology-related companies and organizations, offering opportunities for placements in the UK and abroad.

Your Learning Environment

The new ｣60m Health and Life Sciences building is the home of the School of Biological Sciences, offering state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratories, seminar rooms, and study and social spaces.

Facilities and Equipment

Students gain hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, including:

• A cardiovascular imaging facility
• Advanced microscopy suites
• Tissue culture suites
• Multi-mode microplate readers
• Multicolour flow cytometry
• Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and digital gel scanning
• Spectrophotometers, centrifuges, and ultra-centrifuges
• Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

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.

Structure

The course is structured over five years, with compulsory and optional modules each year. Compulsory modules include:

• Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life
• Fundamentals of Microbiology
• Fundamentals of Biochemistry
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Advanced Studies in Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Research and Professional Skills
• Infectious Diseases
• Haematology and Immunology
• Molecular Microbiology
• Professional Experience
• Research Project
• Pathogens
• Applied Microbiology
• Advanced Research Project
• Critical Analysis and Problem Solving
• Project Planning, Laboratory Skills and Experimental Design

Optional modules are available in various areas, including evolution, ecology, biochemistry, genetics, and more.

Fees

• New UK/Republic of Ireland students: ｣9,790 for 2026 entry.
• New international students: ｣30,650 for 2026/27.
• Placement year fees: 15% of the usual tuition fee for that year.

Careers

The MSci Microbiology with Professional Experience prepares students for professional or academic success in microbiology. Graduates can pursue careers as researchers or scientists, or move on to further study. Past graduates have gone on to work for employers such as Abbot Laboratories, Oxford Biomedica, NHS, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and the Civil Service. Overall, 91% of graduates from the School of Biological Sciences are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation.