Microbiology BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Microbiology BSc (Hons)
About this course
Discover how microbes play key roles in global challenges on this three year BSc from the University of Southampton, a global top 100 university.*
On this three-year degree, youll explore how microbiology impacts all aspects of our lives and the world around us as you investigate topics such as: antimicrobial resistance and its link to One Health, understanding the microbiome – from human to planetary health, use of microbes in biotechnology, and understanding biofilms and their impact.
Once youve graduated from this course, youll be pre...
About this course<br/><br/>Discover how microbes play key roles in global challenges on this three year BSc from the University of Southampton, a global top 100 university.*<br/><br/>On this three-year degree, youll explore how microbiology impacts all aspects of our lives and the world around us as you investigate topics such as: antimicrobial resistance and its link to One Health, understanding the microbiome – from human to planetary health, use of microbes in biotechnology, and understanding biofilms and their impact.<br/><br/>Once youve graduated from this course, youll be prepared for career opportunities across a range of roles and sectors, including:<br/>• Environmental monitoring<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Agriculture, water, and oil<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Medical and pharmaceutical industries<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Education<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Communication and management<br/><br/><br/><br/>Key features of the course:<br/>• Benefit from a vast range of module choice, which allow you to develop a deep understanding of the areas of Microbiology youre passionate about and to delve further into topics across the biological sciences<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Study surrounded by researchers who shape the programme with their world-changing research, and whose expertise spans the breadth of the discipline as they change the world around us<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Gain real-life skills suited to industry, to enhance your employment prospects<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Seize opportunities to study abroad at partner universities around the world<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Join a University where 96% of Biological Sciences graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).<br/><br/><br/><br/>Student support<br/>From day one, youll join a welcoming and supportive Biological Sciences community, home to researchers who are paving the way for advancements in science and eager to share their findings with their peers and our student community. Youll be supported by your personal academic tutor and guided throughout your degree to ensure you graduate primed and ready for your future career in industry, in research, or in further study.<br/><br/>Further information<br/>Biological Sciences programmes at Southampton are accredited by the Royal Biological Society, meaning youll graduate from a course commended across the sector.<br/><br/>*QS World University Rankings 2025
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
21/09/2026
Campus
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
C500
Institution Code
S27
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4
Access to HE Diploma
D:30,M:15
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit. A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
32
Pass with overall score of 32 points, with 16 points required at higher level, including 5 and 6 points at Higher Level in Biology and one further science subject Science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) , Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): The University of Southampton accepts the IBCP for entry to their degree programmes, recognising the value of combining academic skills with practical skills, providing a solid preparation for university level work. Offers will be made on the individual components of the IBCP. Applicants not taking the full IBCP but presenting with a combination of a Level 3 vocational qualification and IB Certificates may still be considered. Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a spe
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2,H2,H3,H3,H3,H3
H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3 to include Biology and one further science subject. Science subjects considered include Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at ILC Grade C or 04, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/grade 4.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD
If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DD + B in A-Level Biology Science practical component must be passed in A-level Biology.
Scottish Advanced Higher
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual's academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of the pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton's Curriculum for Excellence Scotland statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact the Faculty Admissions Office for more information. Applicants are also required to have achieved a pass in Maths and English at Standard Grade Grade 3 or National 5 Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/Grade 4.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3,M2,M2
D3, M2, M2 to include Biology and one further science subject. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Extended Project
A
BBB in 3 A-levels to include Biology and one further science subject plus grade A in the EPQ. Science practical components must be passed.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D
D + AB at A-Level, to include Biology and one further science subject. Science practical component must be passed in A-level Biology.
A level
A,B,B
ABB to include Biology and one further science subject. A level science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, Science practical components must be passed. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Use of Mathematics are excluded for entry.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
B
AB from two A levels including Biology and one further a science subject and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. Science practical component must be passed in A-level Biology.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2025/26 | Year 1 | |
| EU, International | £32,000 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
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