Microbiology BSc/MSci
Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms that shape our world and underpin almost every aspect of life. This degree explores how bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi interact with humans, animals and the environment, understanding how they cause disease and avoid the immune system, produce lifesaving medicines and are increasingly being used in biotechnology industries.
Through research-led teaching, you will discover how microbiologists tackle challenges such as emerging diseases, antimicrobial resistance and understanding the role of the microbiome in health and disease.
- September start
- Session dates
- Microbiology BSc (Hons): C500 4 year degree
- Microbiology MSci: 5 year degree
Applications to the MSci are not taken via UCAS: you may apply for transfer mid-BSc.
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- Professionally accredited
- Study abroad available
Why study Microbiology?
Our Microbiology degree is driven by curiosity, discovery and real-world impact. You will develop the scientific knowledge, laboratory expertise and analytical skills needed to investigate complex biological questions and address global challenges facing human, animal and environmental health.
- Study microbiology in a research-intensive environment with internationally recognised expertise in bacteriology, parasitology and virology
- Learn from active researchers whose discoveries are advancing our understanding of pathogen biology, infectious disease, host-pathogen interactions and microbial communities
- Gain extensive experience in both laboratory and computational biology, using advanced techniques that underpin research, healthcare and biotechnology careers
- Develop valuable transferable skills in data analysis, scientific communication, critical thinking and problem solving, preparing you for careers across research, healthcare, biotechnology and beyond
- Receive practical training in aspects of epidemiology during a residential fieldtrip to Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae, supporting the understanding of host-pathogen relationships
- Undertake an independent research project, working with internal researchers or external partners, helping to answer the questions currently being asked within the field. There are also opportunities to complete a project with a local school, gaining relevant experience that can lead to a career in teaching
- Tailor your degree through specialist pathways in Bacteriology, Parasitology, Virology or Data Science that are recognised in your degree title
- Benefit from Royal Society of Biology accreditation to support your professional development
- Take part in study abroad, work placement and extracurricular opportunities to broaden your academic and cultural experience.
Why Biological Sciences at Glasgow
Join a vibrant and diverse community of students and learn from experts across the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences. Our Biological Sciences degrees combine academic excellence, practical experience and flexibility, preparing you for a wide range of careers.
Flexibility and choice
Whether you know exactly what you want to study or would like to keep your options open, our Biological Sciences portfolio of degrees offers flexibility from the moment you apply.
Our BSc Biological Sciences degree allows you to explore a broad range of disciplines before choosing to continue on the programme or pursue a specialist degree. Students applying directly to a specialist degree programme may also have opportunities to change pathways during their studies, subject to availability.
Degree endorsements
During the final honours year, you will have the opportunity to further personalise your degree and apply for an endorsement, depending on the Biological Sciences degree you study and combination of optional courses. Endorsements provide you with formal recognition and additional expertise in areas including:
- Bacteriology
- Biotechnology
- Data Science
- Parasitology
- Plant Science
- Virology
For example, you may graduate with a BSc (Hons) Microbiology with a specialisation in Data Science, or a BSc (Hons) Molecular & Cellular Biology with a specialisation in Biotechnology.
Four year honours degree
Our four year honours degrees give you time to build a strong biological and scientific foundation, develop specialist knowledge and gain valuable practical and research experience. You will also have increasing opportunities to tailor your degree to your interests and career ambitions.
Employability
Enhance your employability through research projects, internship opportunities and extended MSci placements. These experiences allow you to apply your knowledge in professional settings, gain practical experience and develop the skills valued by employers and postgraduate programmes.
You can also apply for the MVLS Undergraduate Skills Award, which supports you in developing and evidencing key transferable skills, including communication, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving, while providing formal recognition for your achievements.
Study abroad
You may take part in study abroad opportunities with partner institutions across the world, gaining international and cultural experience.
Programme structure
Our Microbiology programme offers a variety of learning opportunities including:
- lectures that introduce key concepts
- laboratory classes where you put theory into practice
- small group tutorials and workshop, to work through scientific problems
- time for independent study
- opportunities to work with classmates in teams to analyse research papers, interpret data and develop critical thinking skills
You will also explore the invisible world of microbes through virtual reality. Bringing complex microbiological concepts to life in an immersive and engaging way.
Years 1 and 2
The programme is designed to build your confidence and expertise year by year. In the early years, you will develop a broad understanding of biology, chemistry and the fundamentals of microbiology. This will include the global impact of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. As you progress, the focus shifts towards understanding how microbes interact with humans and the environment (using modern molecular techniques and analysing scientific data).
You can also study other subjects in years 1 and 2: see Flexible degrees.
Years 3 and 4
You will focus on more advanced topics such as microbial pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance, the human microbiome and environmental and industrial microbiology. You will be taught by our leading researchers who will discuss the latest advancements in the field. And support you in thinking about how you would design, conduct and effectively communicate your own research study.
In your final Honours year, you will undertake a substantial independent research project under the supervision of an academic researcher (or in some cases, an external organisation). This project allows you to apply the knowledge and skills you have developed to answer real scientific questions. The Microbiology programme also provides the opportunity to link up with a local biotechnology company to complete your research project. This is an excellent initiative that enables you to gain experience within industry, before you graduate.
MSCI option
The integrated MSci includes an additional placement year between year 3 and your final year. This is typically spent undertaking research in industry, a research institute or another scientific organisation in the UK or internationally. This includes Institut Pasteur, Veranova and GlaxoSmithKline. The placement provides valuable professional experience and helps prepare you for a range of careers or postgraduate study.
Course details
Year 1
And dependent on entry grades in Chemistry either:
or
Students then choose an additional 40 credits from a range of science and non-science courses.
Year 2
Students are encouraged to choose other Biology courses for their remaining 60 credits usually at least one from:
- Animal Biology, Evolution and Ecology 2
- Core Concepts in Human Biological Sciences 2
- Genes, Molecules & Cells 2
- Investigating Human Biological Sciences 2
Year 3
Year 4
All students will undertake a research project consisting of one of the following types:
- Life Sciences Investigative Honours Project
- Life Sciences Outreach Honours Project
- Life Sciences Internship Honours Project
- Life Sciences Dissertation Honours Project
Plus one Compulsory course:
And at least one of the option courses below (the availability of these courses may differ from year to year depending on staff availability and student demand).
- Chemotherapy, Resistance and Parasite Control 4B option
- Industrial and Environmental Microbiology 4Y option
- Grand Challenges in Medical Microbiology 4D option
- Emerging Viruses 4A option
- Medical Virology 4C option
- Molecular and Cellular Microbiology 4Y option
The remaining 40 credits may be chosen from other life sciences final year option courses.
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
Our international links
You will have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner universities as part of your degree. This won’t add any extra time to your studies. See Go Abroad.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2027
Admissions guidance
Glasgow International College
International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation certificates.
English language
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
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Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
Tests taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 Overall, with no subtest lower than 4.5
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford ELLT
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Tests
- Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
School Qualifications
- IGCSE English First Language, grade C
- IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
- A Level English, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
International School Qualifications
- Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
- Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
- European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
- Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
- France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
- Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
- Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
- Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
- Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
- Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
- Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
- South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
- Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C
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Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
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Pre-sessional courses
We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
- English for Academic Study: Pre-sessional courses
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
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FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
Further information about English language: English for Academic Study
Careers and future opportunities
Graduate destinations
The following are examples of roles that graduates are in 15 months after completing their programme:
- Trainee Cardiac Physiologist
- Associate Scientist
- Audit Trainee
- Clinical Trial Coordinator
- Commercial Graduate
- Lab Technician
- Microbiologist
- Operations Graduate
- Research Technician
- Teacher.
Example job titles are taken from responses received through the HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. Graduates surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Job prospects
Graduate Outcomes data shows that:
- 93.3% of students are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating
- 75.4% of those in work are in graduate-level employment
- The average professional salary after 15 months is £29,161.
This university-level data is from HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. It relates to graduates who completed their programme in 2023–24 and were surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Skills development
As well as building subject specific knowledge and skills throughout your degree, you’ll also develop transferable skills by:
- Investigating microbiological questions independently, designing experiments and interpreting data to reach sound conclusions.
- Evaluating scientific literature rigorously, comparing studies and synthesising insights across microbiology and allied fields.
- Communicating microbiology clearly in writing, visuals and talks, adapting complex ideas for different audiences.
- Applying statistics and digital tools to analyse microbiological datasets and validate your interpretations.
- Devising solutions to microbiology‑related problems by weighing options and selecting effective, evidence‑based approaches.
Careers & employability support
Our Careers, Employability & Opportunity team are here to support you at every stage of your career journey. They’ll provide you with opportunities to explore your options, connect with employers in the UK and abroad, build your confidence and develop in demand skills.
You’ll have access to a wide range of support and resources that are designed to help you plan and prepare for your future including: masterclasses, 1:1 career coaching, a dedicated jobs board, employer events and much more.
Accreditation
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
BSc (Hons)
MSci
Applications to the MSci are not taken via UCAS: you may apply for transfer mid-BSc
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Students are asked to pay for a train ticket to Largs for fieldtrips to Millport totalling additional costs of up to £40 in Years 3 Final Year.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
The scholarships shown are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 13 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
How to apply for Advanced Entry
Apply for year 2 (Y2) on your UCAS application. If the specific subject is unavailable for Advanced Entry or your application for year 2 entry is unsuccessful, you will be automatically considered for year 1 entry. You do not have to submit a separate UCAS application.
More information about this programme
Subject ranking
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Biological Sciences]
Guardian University Guide [Biology]
Complete University Guide [Biological Sciences]
QS World University Rankings [Biological Sciences]
Times Higher Education World University Rankings [Life Sciences]
