Our BSc Microbiology course involves the study of microorganisms with particular emphasis on the biology of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoan parasites.
Microbiologists are needed to do the research required for the future battle against infectious diseases worldwide, understanding the environmental importance of microbes and to exploit them for food production, biotechnological and industrial applications.
The main focus of our course is the pathogenic potential of the organisms that cause disease in man. You will also cover aspects of the biochemistry, phy...
Our BSc Microbiology course involves the study of microorganisms with particular emphasis on the biology of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoan parasites. <br/><br/>Microbiologists are needed to do the research required for the future battle against infectious diseases worldwide, understanding the environmental importance of microbes and to exploit them for food production, biotechnological and industrial applications. <br/><br/>The main focus of our course is the pathogenic potential of the organisms that cause disease in man. You will also cover aspects of the biochemistry, physiology and genetics of microorganisms. <br/><br/>You will spend your first year learning fundamental concepts before specialising in microbiology topics in your second and final year. <br/><br/>We offer French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Mandarin for the language component of the course, which includes a year abroad on a research placement.<br/><br/>Our course has Advanced Accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology , which recognises academic excellence in the biosciences and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future.
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
22/09/2025
Campus
Main Site
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
C502
Institution Code
M20
Points of Entry
Year 1
UCAS TariffNot Accepted Scottish HigherScottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: - Three Advanced Highers with grades AAA-ABB including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry or - Two Advanced Highers with grades AA-AB in two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry, plus two additional Highers with grades AA-AB. In addition to the above, due to the additional language requirement for this course, you will also need a minimum of grade B in the relevant language Scottish Advanced Highers or an acceptable equivalent language qualification if taking two core sciences, or grade A if taking one core science and one soft science. The only exceptions are Mandarin and Japanese for which we require grade A in National 5/grade A in Intermediate 2/grade 1 in Standard Grade Credit level in a foreign language and B in Scottish Highers Chemistry. For further details, please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk Students with Highers only with grades AAAAA-AABBB may be considered for the Foundation Year. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3). If you require furth Access to HE DiplomaEach application is considered individually. Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances. In general, we require 60 credits overall with 45 graded credits at Level 3, which must include a minimum of 15 credits in Biology and 15 credits in Chemistry. All 45 graded credits must be at Distinction grade. We may also consider applications from applicants whose course has allowed only 12 credits at Level 3 in Biology, with the remaining three credits at Level 3 with Distinction in Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics. We also have specific entry requirements for each language. Please contact us for further information. International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme35 36 35-36 points overall with 6, 6, 5 to 6, 6, 6 at Higher Level including two sciences, normally Biology and Chemistry. For degrees with French, German, Spanish or Italian, 5 or 6 points in the language must be achieved at Higher Level. For degrees with Mandarin or Japanese, 5 points is required in a foreign language at Standard Level. A minimum of 5 points in Chemistry at Standard Level (or Higher Level) is essential. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DDD We consider the National Extended Diploma in Applied Science with grades DDD for entry when it is taken with one science A-level with grade A. GCSE/National 4/National 5Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of G Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DD We consider the National Diploma in Applied Science with grades DD for entry when it is taken with two A-levels including grade A in a science subject and a minimum of grade A in any other subject. ASAS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester. OCR Cambridge Technical DiplomaWe consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required). OCR Cambridge Technical Extended DiplomaWe consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required). Scottish Advanced HigherScottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: - Three Advanced Highers with grades AAA-ABB including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry or - Two Advanced Highers with grades AA-AB in two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry, plus two additional Highers with grades AA-AB. In addition to the above, due to the additional language requirement for this course, you will also need a minimum of grade B in the relevant language Scottish Advanced Highers or an acceptable equivalent language qualification if taking two core sciences, or grade A if taking one core science and one soft science. The only exceptions are Mandarin and Japanese for which we require grade A in National 5/grade A in Intermediate 2/grade 1 in Standard Grade Credit level in a foreign language and B in Scottish Highers Chemistry. For further details, please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk Students with Highers only with grades AAAAA-AABBB may be considered for the Foundation Year. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3). If you require furth Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - PrincipalD3,D3,D3 D3,D3,M1 We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken. We require D3, D3, D3 to D3, D3, M1 in the Cambridge Pre-U, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences). You must have a D3 in both of the Core Science subjects. Applicants predicted/who have achieved a M1 in their third subject will receive an offer of D3, D3, M1, while those predicted/who have achieved a D3 or higher will be eligible for an offer of D3, D3, D3. If you have achieved or are predicted D3 in one of Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education in place of the second Core Science, you will receive an offer of D3, D3, D3. For French, Spanish, Italian and German, you must achieve minimum M1 in your chosen language if taking two Core Sciences; if taking only one Core Science and one soft science, you must achieve D3. Applicants with an acceptable qualification in a foreign language can also be considered for Mandarin and Japanese, provided they have achieved or will achieve Chemistry at grade D3. Extended ProjectThe University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course. Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and would usually consider it when taken with two science A-levels. The minimum grade required will typically be a B. However, due to the additional language requirement for the degrees with French, German, Spanish or Italian, this qualification may not form part of your offer conditions. For further details, please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk . Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)D We consider the National Extended Certificate in any subject with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required). Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)Not Accepted OCR Cambridge Technical CertificateNot Accepted Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)D We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required). OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation DiplomaWe consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required). OCR Cambridge Technical Extended CertificateWe consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required). A levelA,A,A A,A,B We require grades AAA-AAB, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences). You must have a minimum of grades AA in at least two Core Sciences. Applicants predicted/who have achieved a B in their third A-level will receive an offer of AAB. Those predicted/who have achieved an A or A* will be eligible for an offer of AAA. If you are taking only one of the above Core Science subjects, we can consider you for an AAA offer if you are also sitting an A-level in at least one of Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education in place of the second Core Science. If your predicted grades are one grade below our minimum entry requirements we may still make you an aspirational offer if you meet our contextual criteria . Subjects with overlapping content are not normally considered as separate A-levels. For example, Further Mathematics is not considered alongside Mathematics and Human Biology is not considered alongside Biology. If you are concerned there is too much overlap in your A level subjects, please contact us for advice before applying. We believe that practical skills in the sciences are integral to a candidate’s understanding and appreciation of these subjects. Therefore we encourag T LevelWe consider the following T levels for the Foundation Year: - Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Science (Delivered By NCFE) - Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Healthcare Science (Delivered By NCFE) - Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Health (Delivered By NCFE) For the Foundation Year, we require Distinction overall in one of these T levels with a minimum of grade A in the core component and Distinction in the occupational specialism. |
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