Microbiology

University College Cork

Ireland, Cork

University Rank:#246

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Duration4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 27,979 / year(s)

Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026

Microbiology

About

Key facts

Microbiology graduates have a choice of working in diverse industries, pursuing further training or research careers

95% of UCC microbiology graduates either secure a job or commence further education shortly after graduation

The School of Microbiology has the highest research standing of any microbiology department in Ireland. Students are taught by academic staff who are international experts in their research field

A microbiology degree is a foundation for a future career in microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, cell biology or biotechnology.

Microbiology sits neatly on the interface between fundamental science and applied science/biotechnology, and our degree caters for students with diverse interests.

Possibly the most important aspect of the degree is its relevance – whether in industry or medicine, microbiology is centrally important to society and is rarely far from the news. This relevance in diverse spheres means our graduates have little difficulty in pursuing careers in research and industry following their degree.

Disciplines

Science Engineering and Food Science

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 90

English Program Requirements

English Language Requirements (for Non-Irish EU applicants)

Teaching in Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is normally through the medium of English; therefore all applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in the English Language.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English Language through their school leaving examination or matriculation examination or by achieving the minimum standard (there may be higher levels for matriculation and/or particular programmes in individual institutions) in a recognised English language test, as specified below (note applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only):

UCC Language Centre Pre-sessional Programmes

These programmes are available to assist students who:

Have not achieved their required level of English for acceptance onto their undergraduate or postgraduate programme
Feel they do not have the academic or general English language skills necessary to succeed at the University

Find out more about the Language Centre's Pre-Sessional Programmes.

Career

The UCC BSc Microbiology degree provides excellent training for a career in the microbiology, biotechnology, food, environmental, medical, pharmaceutical and veterinary sectors.

Graduates have specialised skills in practical and theoretical microbiology that have direct relevance to industry, as well as additional skills in problem-solving, data-handling and presentation that can be applied in many different sectors.

About 50% of graduates go on to immediate employment, many in companies in the Cork area, but others in international locations. Other graduates choose to pursue higher degrees (MSc or PhD).

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

27,979 / year(s)

Microbiology

University College Cork

Ireland, Cork

Go to Official Website