BSc (Hons) Microbiology with a Placement Year

Course Overview

Microbiology underpins many of the major questions of our time, from the health and wellbeing of humans and animals to major environmental issues such as climate change and energy production. The growing antibiotic resistance of bacteria and the place of microbes in causing cancer are just two of the many pressing problems which microbiology may be able to solve. UEA’s microbiology course is uniquely formulated to train future scientists with the skills to address these issues.

The School of Biological Sciences brings a strong research-led ethos to every course we offer. As a student here, you’ll benefit from our enviable position as an integral partner of the Norwich Research Park (NRP), which is also home to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and independent, world-renowned research institutes: the John Innes Centre, the Sainsbury Laboratory, the Earlham Institute and the Quadram Institute, all of which have microbiology-related research programmes. Norwich is recognized as a hub for microbiology research and is home to world renowned experts in all aspects of microbiology, including climate change, infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance.

Microbiology research topics range from the smallest molecular processes to the complex interactions of microbial ecosystems.

Alongside the basics of microbiology, you’ll be trained in other related subjects including biochemistry and genetics. A microbiology placement year will allow you to further hone your skills in industry or research lab work. As you progress through your degree, optional modules will allow you to specialise in specific areas of microbiology, and your final year will allow you to devise and carry out an extended research project.

This course is open to

UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.

We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.

You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.

English and Mathematics

All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.

We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.

Typical International Entry Requirements

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.

A levels

AAB including Biology or Human Biology

Where applicable, Science A Levels awarded by an English exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.

International Baccalaureate

33 points overall with HL 5 in Biology

INTO UEA

If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.

English Foreign Language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading): 

• IELTS:  6.0  overall (minimum 5.5  in all components) 

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

  If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Deferred Entry

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.

Admissions Policy

Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.

Recent Study

We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.

Employability

With our growing appreciation of the role of microbes in our world, microbiologists now work in a variety of contexts, including food production, environmental science, medicine and basic research. They work in hospitals, universities, non-profit organisations, private companies, and the government. Our courses don't just provide you with scientific knowledge; they also develop your skills in the areas of research and communication, IT, data collection, analytics and critical thinking and this opens up a range of sectors where these skills are invaluable

The School of Biological Sciences Director of Employability alongside academic advisers work together with UEA’s Careers Service to offer you support at every stage of your course, from choosing a career through to applying for graduate jobs and further study. 

Example of careers that you could enter include: 

• Further study (PhD, MSc or equivalent) and an academic career track.
• Teaching.
• Pharmaceutical industry.
• Biotechnology
• Food industry.
• NHS Clinical Scientist

Discover more on our Careers pages.