MSc Microbiology
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- January 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
This dynamic MSc in Microbiology offers an in-depth exploration of medical, environmental, and applied microbiology, placing you at the forefront of biosciences.
Microbiology is an exciting and timely field, given the vital roles microorganisms play in areas such as infection and human health (including pandemics), food security, and climate change.
Throughout this course, you’ll gain a deep understanding of core concepts in microbiology, including the functions of microorganisms and their interactions with hosts and environments. You’ll also examine the broader societal impacts of microbiology and learn how it can be leveraged to promote sustainability and benefit society.
In addition to expanding your theoretical knowledge, you’ll develop essential laboratory and bioinformatics skills, equipping you with the practical expertise needed for a successful career in various sectors, including academia and industry.
Your studies will be supported by the exceptional resources of the Norwich Research Park, home to UEA, the John Innes Centre, the Sainsbury Laboratory, the Quadram Institute, the Earlham Institute, NNUH, and the new Centre for Microbial Interactions. As one of the UK’s largest communities of microbiologists, this vibrant research hub offers a dynamic and cutting-edge environment for your MSc studies in microbiology.
Study and Modules
Structure
This is a 1-year MSc course, during which you’ll gain skills and knowledge in the area of microbiology. In addition, you’ll gain valuable transferable skills in time and project management, communication and written and oral presentations. This MSc course features a range of topics, including in-depth insights into microbiology and a broader overview of cutting-edge biosciences to place microbiology in the context of other areas of life sciences. You’ll be taught data analysis and bioinformatics, which are applicable to not only microbiology, but also to other fields of biology. You’ll learn key laboratory techniques for studying microorganisms.
This course provides you with an opportunity to acquire knowledge of microorganisms and methodologies used for studying them. Furthermore, this MSc enables you to apply the knowledge to solve microbiology problems using examples of real-world research questions and challenges through problem-based learning. This course encourages and supports you in using your own initiative and knowledge to solve scientific problems related to microbiology.
A major component of this course is to undertake an independent research project in one of the host microbiology labs in the Norwich Research Park (NRP) in either UEA or the Research Institutes. You’ll select a microbiology topic which interests you and will be hosted in a research lab by one of the research leaders of your choice within the NRP. The independent research project is an exciting opportunity for you to develop your research ideas and your skills in experimental design, data analysis and interpretation, critical thinking and presentation of the research results.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
Teaching at UEA is research-led. You’ll learn from experts in their fields, with examples of the latest research advances. You’ll have exposure to exciting emerging microbiology research from leading experts at UEA and the Research Institutes at the NRP. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with the molecular microbiology research seminars, which feature the current microbiology research at UEA and include guest speakers from the Research Institutes. This will demonstrate and showcase the ongoing research developments, and the scientific process and analyses required for microbiology research.
You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, microbiology seminars, problem-based learning, practical classes and an independent research project. Your classes feature a broad range of topics, including medical, environmental and applied microbiology and frontiers in biosciences.
Independent study
The independent research project forms a major part of your course. You’ll conduct the project in the area of your choice in one of the hosts labs in the NRP. Your project will culminate in the written dissertation and presentation of your results. This project enables you to focus on a specific area of microbiology that fascinates you, and to develop your skills and knowledge through independent learning, with the support from your host lab. You’ll have an excellent scope to develop your independent learning, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in this MSc course, both in the problem-based learning sessions and in your independent research project.
Assessment
Your learning will be assessed in several different ways. The types of assessment depend on the module and learning objectives, and your assessments may include formal exams, coursework assignments, and/or presentations.
There are both formative and summative assessments in this MSc course. Where applicable, you’ll complete formative assessments first and will receive feedback on them. This feedback will then help you prepare for your related summative work later in the module.
The research project forms an important component in your MSc course. You’ll select a topic in which you’ll undertake your microbiology research project. At the end of your research project, you’ll submit a formal written dissertation on the project.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in January each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Life or Physical Sciences
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in January each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Life or Physical Sciences
- English Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 6.0 in Writing and Speaking, and 5.5 in Reading and Listening)
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
-
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2024/25 are:
-
UK Students: £12,850 (full time)
-
International Students: £25,150 (full time)
We estimate living expenses at £1,023 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.
Employability
After the Course
This course will equip you with the skills and experience to start a career in microbiology to address important key challenges and questions where knowledge of microorganisms is required. Upon completion, you’ll be exceptionally well qualified as a PhD candidate for national and international PhDs within this area. You’ll also have a diverse range of transferable skills and understanding that will enhance your employability in industry, government, and non-government organisations.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Academia
- Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry
- Health sector, environmental sector and diagnostics
- Government policy making
- Non-government organisations
Discover more on our Careers webpages.