Microbiology (MSci)

Microbiology impacts all aspects of our lives and the world around us. Study MSci Microbiology in the UK and learn about the roles of microbes in global challenges like antimicrobial resistance, food security and the climate crisis.

You'll develop knowledge in medical and environmental microbiology, including how we can control infectious diseases or use microbes in beneficial ways.

On this MSci Microbiology degree, you'll develop skills across a range of microbiology areas and explore topics such as: 

• antimicrobial resistance and it’s link to One Health
• understanding the microbiome – from human to planetary health
• use of microbes in biotechnology
• understanding biofilms and their impact 

Throughout the course, you'll also cover a wider range of subjects available across our biology and biomedical science degrees to expand your knowledge.

You'll study compulsory modules in your first year. Your second year will be a blend of compulsory and optional modules which you'll have a range to choose from. Your third year will also have a mix of compulsory and optional modules, and you'll complete a core research project in a subject area of your choice.

In your fourth year, you'll study a core Advanced Microbiology module, and have the opportunity to choose optional modules. You'll also complete another core project in an area of microbiology research that interests you.

Your learning experience

As part of this master's degree in microbiology, you'll complete independent projects to deepen your exploration of the subject. You'll study with the support of leading researchers in the Life Sciences building. The building includes a £50 million state-of-the-art laboratory, teaching and research spaces.

This course also offers the chance to spend a year working in industry between years 2 and 3, and the chance to spend a semester at a partner university abroad during year 2.

Career opportunities

Once you've graduated from this course, you'll be prepared for a range of career opportunities, including:

• agriculture, water, and oil
• marine
• medical and pharmaceutical industries
• education
• communication and management

You'll also be in an ideal position to continue building your expertise through further study.