(Full time) 2021 start
Microbiology MBiol, BSc
Overview
The study of microbiology at the University of Leeds requires expertise in a range of areas, such as immunology, genetics, biochemistry and cell biology, which we'll train you in throughout your degree.
On our undergraduate degree, you’ll study a range of microbiological topics affecting humanity today, such as bacterial resistance to antibiotics, use of microbes in biotechnology for food production and agriculture, and how microbes cause disease.
Microbiology is the study of living organisms that are too small to be visible with the naked eye, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. You will be able to make an impact with this degree as these microbes are key to our understanding of life on this planet – from human and animal disease, to better food production and microbial involvement in global cycles.
Course highlights:
Microbiology achieved 100% student satisfaction (NSS 2019).
Microbiology achieved 100% graduate prospects (DLHE).
An opportunity to study disciplines complementary to microbiology such as biochemistry and genetics.
A wide range of research-led optional modules including applied biology and agriculture, introduction to pharmacology, chemotherapy and the power of genomics.
Extensive training opportunities in microbiological and molecular techniques – essential for careers in scientific research.
Flexible Degrees
All our degrees are flexible, meaning there are opportunities to transfer onto degree courses in biotechnology with enterprise, biological sciences and medical microbiology. Additional degree courses may be available depending on your academic background.
Accreditation
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Advanced Degree Accreditation by the Society recognises academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The Advanced Accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from the programme meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining a substantial period of research experience.
This accreditation is applicable to the following course variants: BSc Microbiology (Industrial); MBiol BSc Microbiology; MBiol BSc Microbiology (Industrial); MBiol BSc Microbiology (International).
Course content
Year 1
You will gain a foundation knowledge by studying themes in microbiology, genetics, immunology, biochemistry and cell biology, as well as learn more about tissues, organs and body processes.
You’ll develop your practical skills with hands-on laboratory sessions, while tutorials and lectures will help strengthen your core theoretical skills – the key foundations needed for success at degree level.
At the end of year 1, there are opportunities to transfer onto degree courses in biotechnology with enterprise, biological sciences and medical microbiology. Additional degree courses may be available depending on your academic background.
Year 2
You will develop a broad understanding of key themes within biosciences, while building on your practical and research skills from the first year. Tailor your degree by focusing on your own areas of interest with our wide range of optional modules such as virology, bacteriology, immunology and genetic engineering.
This allows you to specialise in the detailed examination of microbial activities, from both a medical perspective and in relation to the biochemistry and cell biology of microbial replication and pathogenesis. You’ll have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of how micro-organisms cause disease at the molecular level and the options available for the treatment of these conditions.
At the end of year 2, you will have the opportunity to complete an industrial work placement, study abroad, or combined study and work abroad. This will add an additional year of study to your degree.
Year 3
You will conduct an independent research project under the supervision of one of our world-class scientists applying all the skills you have developed during your degree. This can be laboratory-based, working alongside professional research scientists, literature-based, researching the global understanding of a cutting edge topic or computer-based.
Alongside this, choose between a wide range of specialist and advanced topics such as emerging infections, virus-host interactions and innate immunity, so you can fine-tune the course content to your own needs and interests.
Through this, you will gain a portfolio of skills, knowledge, and experiences that will allow you to pursue your graduate career aspirations.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
You’ll have access to the very best learning resources and academic support during your studies. We’ve been awarded a Gold rating in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2017), demonstrating our commitment to delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials and practicals. Your first and second years will focus on these three teaching methods, building your skills, understanding and knowledge in preparation for your final year research project, which will see you take on independent research and learning with the guidance of leading experts.
Across all years, additional workshop and seminar sessions will complement your lectures and lab practicals, and you will also undertake private study.
As a guide, a typical week in your first year includes nine to twelve hours of lectures, three to six hours of practical sessions in the laboratory, tutorials, workshop and seminar sessions, plus private study.
Independent study and research are also crucial to every year of the course. We have excellent library and computing facilities to support your learning, and the University Library offers training to help you make the most of them.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop a broad range of skills. These include practical work, data handling and problem-solving exercises, multiple-choice tests, group work, online and face-to-face discussion groups, computer-based simulations, essays, posters and oral presentations.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA - AAB
BSc: AAA-AAB
MBiol: AAA
Including Biology or Chemistry and another science or science-related subject. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.
We accept the following:
- Science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics.
- Science-related subjects: computing, environmental science, food science, geography, geology, PE, psychology, science in society, statistics, use of mathematics.
Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.
When an applicant is taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or the Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ) this can be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A-levels, this would be ABB at A-level and grade A in the EPQ (BSc applicants) or AAB and grade A in the EPQ (MBiol applicants).
GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.
-
Access to HE Diploma
BSc:
Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, graded at D45M0P0 to D39M6P0 including distinctions in Biology and Chemistry or Maths.We accept Access courses in Applied Science. We will also consider (depending on subject content):
Biochemical Sciences
Biological and Environmental Science
Biological and Health Science
Biological Sciences
Biosciences
Combined Sciences
Environmental Science
Life and Biological Science
Life Science
Medical and Health Science Professions
Natural Sciences
Physical & Natural Sciences.
MBiol: We do not accept Access to HE.
-
BTEC
BSc: BTEC extended diploma entry requirements: DDM plus A/B in A-level Biology or Chemistry (subject requirements may depend on the subject applied for and the BTEC subject)
MBiol: We do not accept BTEC qualifications.
-
Cambridge Pre-U
BSc: D3/D3/D3-D3/D3/M1 including D3 in Biology or Chemistry plus one other science or science-related subject. Global Perspectives excluded.
MBiol: D3/D3/D3 Including Biology or Chemistry plus another science or science related subject. Global Perspectives excluded.
When an applicant is taking Global Perspectives this can be considered alongside Pre-U subjects and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. This would be D3/M1/M1 and grade D3 in Global Perspectives (BSc applicants) or D3/D3/M1 and grade D3 in Global Perspectives (MBiol applicants).
-
International Baccalaureate
BSc: 35-34 (with 18-17 at higher level) including 6 in higher level Biology or Chemistry and another science or science-related subject at higher level.
MBiol: 35 (with 18 at higher level) including 6 in higher level Biology or Chemistry and another science or science-related subject at higher level.
-
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
BSc: H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 - H2,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 including H2 in Biology or Chemistry and another science or science-related subject at higher level.
MBiol: H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including Biology or Chemistry and another science or science-related subject at higher level.
-
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BSc: Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AA-AB in 2 Advanced Highers including Biology or Chemistry and another science or science-related subject. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.
MBiol: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AA in 2 Advanced Highers including Biology or Chemistry and another science or science-related subject. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.
We accept the following:
Science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics.
Science-related subjects: PE, geography, use of mathematics, psychology, statistics, geology and computing.
Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer
BSc – A level: BBB
MBiol – A Level: ABB
Specific A Level subjects required – see entry requirement section above.
GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.
Access to Leeds: Pass
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
We welcome applications from mature students. We welcome applications from mature students from all backgrounds onto both full-time and part-time programmes.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £24,500 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Career opportunities
As well as providing you with subject-specific knowledge, we aim to equip you with the best possible skills for a variety of future careers. All of our degrees have a strong emphasis on practical based teaching, small group teaching, online learning and problem solving.
Throughout the degree, you’ll gain a wide range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. Supported by the faculty student opportunity team, Leeds for Life scheme and your academic and personal tutor, you’ll be ideally placed to focus on your personal development and make the most of your time at university.
Given the huge importance of microorganisms to all aspects of our lives, microbiologists will always be in demand. Microbiology is an exciting, challenging and rewarding subject; it has a key role to play in the health and development of mankind.
Typical graduate careers include:
Microbiologist
Clinical Scientist
Biomedical Scientist
Forensic Scientist
Graduate medicine/dentistry
Examples of recent graduate destinations include:
PhD Biochemistry
Diagnostic technician
Product technology scientist
Commercial analyst
Careers support
We have a dedicated student opportunity team in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who work closely with the University’s Careers Centre.
We offer a host of additional opportunities beyond core course content, including volunteering and placements. These include our annual student-alumni networking event, where graduates are invited back to talk about their work and network with our students, and our STEM Careers Fair, which gives you the chance to meet bioscience employers, such as AstraZeneca, Covance, GSK, Nuffield NHS Ecological consultancies, speak to alumni, attend workshops and get masses of information.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
If you choose to undertake a study abroad option, you will spend the third year of your course studying abroad. This will extend your studies by 12 months.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.
Industrial placements are taken after your second year. This will extend your studies by 12 months. For your work placement in industry, the staff at Leeds will help you with your CV and recruitment process and provide details of organisations.
Placements abroad are possible. We work together with your industrial supervisors to make sure you get the most out of this year. A year working in industry gives you an excellent opportunity to get used to the demands of the world of work, to develop new skills and to augment your CV.
Combined study and working abroad
Our new module allows you to combine both a study abroad and industrial work placement into one additional year of study. Over the year you will study for a semester at one of our partner universities and complete an industrial work placement for 6 months abroad or in the UK.
Find out more about Combined study and work abroad.