Microbiology MBiol, BSc

Course overview

Microbiology is the study of organisms too small to be visible with the naked eye, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. Your course will cover an area of science fundamental to the understanding of life on this planet – from human and animal disease, better food production to microbial involvement in global cycles.

You will study a range of microbiological topics with a biomedical focus, such as bacterial resistance to antibiotics, the use of microbes in biotechnology, and how new pathogens, such as the cause of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), emerge and cause disease.

By studying at Leeds, you’ll be part of the next generation of expert scientists, developing specialist knowledge and skills, whilst building on the foundations of microbiology within areas such as immunology, genetics, biochemistry and cell biology.

This integrated Masters (MBiol) gives you an additional year of specialist training, to study advanced research topics and undertake your own extended research project. You may also choose to apply for our 3 year BSc and transfer to an MBiol up until the end of your second year, subject to suitable academic performance.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA

Including biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject. Critical thinking and general studies excluded.

We accept the following:

• Science: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics.

• Science-related: computing, environmental science, food science, geography, geology, PE, psychology, statistics.

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 any of the following:

• Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

• Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ)

• Core Maths (if A-level Maths or Further Maths isn't studied as a full A-level)

• AS Maths (if A-level Maths or Further Maths isn't studied as a full A-level)

• Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate

It will 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 a 1 grade drop from the standard offer. For example an A in one of the above qualifications with AAB at A-level (MBiol applicants).

GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English. The Faculty of Biological Sciences will accept Level 2 Functional Skills as equivalent to C/4 in GCSE English.

International Baccalaureate

Career opportunities

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 and has a key role to play in the health and development of mankind.

We aim to equip you with the best possible skills for your future career. 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.

Typical graduate careers include:

• Microbiologist
• Clinical Scientist
• Biomedical Scientist
• Forensic Scientist
• Graduate medicine/dentistry

Examples of recent graduate destinations include:

• Further study at the University of Leeds, or other institutions
• Enrolled on PhD (~70%)
• Enrolled on MSc (~20%)
• Enrolled on teacher training (~5%)
• Medical/dental student (Graduate entry) (~5%)

Employment as research scientist, other related positions

• Labcorp
• Other companies, including Astrazeneca, GSK, Qiagen, Mars
• University of Leeds/other institutions
• Employment in NHS/UKHSA
• Laboratory research assistant
• Clinical scientist training scheme
• Healthcare scientist