BSc (Hons) Microbiology
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- C500
- Typical Offer
- ABB (specific subject required)
- Contextual Offer
- BBC (specific subject required)
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Microbiology underpins many of the major questions of our time, from the health and wellbeing of humans and animals to major environmental issues such as climate change and energy production. The growing antibiotic resistance of bacteria and the place of microbes in causing cancer are just two of the many pressing problems which microbiology may be able to solve. UEA’s microbiology course is uniquely formulated to train future scientists with the skills to address these issues.
The School of Biological Sciences brings a strong research-led ethos to every course we offer. As a student here, you’ll benefit from our enviable position as an integral partner of the Norwich Research Park (NRP), which is also home to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and independent, world-renowned research institutes: the John Innes Centre, the Sainsbury Laboratory, the Earlham Institute and the Quadram Institute, all of which have microbiology-related research programmes. Norwich is recognised as a hub for microbiology research and is home to the Centre for Microbiology Interactions, which represents world renowned experts in all aspects of microbiology, including climate change, infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance.
Study and Modules
Structure
This three-year degree programme allows you to develop your knowledge of microbiology and related subjects in the first year, alongside your training in essential scientific methods and techniques. In your second year, you’ll develop and enhance these skills and select optional modules according to your own microbiological interests. In the final year, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a substantial independent research project from a range of topics relevant to microbiology.
In year one you’ll be introduced to the core concepts in microbiology, from the basic biochemistry, physiology and cell biology of microorganisms to their roles in human disease and the survival of the planet. You'll cover a range of classical and molecular microbiological techniques, which are essential for the cultivation and study of microorganisms.
Compulsory Modules
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
Our School is home to internationally-renowned academics and researchers. You’ll be able to work in our fantastic undergraduate practical laboratories, which are among the best in the country. The majority of your learning will take place in lectures, seminars and practical laboratory sessions, where you’ll gain hands-on experience and benefit from invaluable contact time with lecturers. In each of your modules, you’ll undertake applied work in collecting, analysing and reviewing data, plus making observations on biological processes, with a particular emphasis on the critical assessment of existing knowledge.
In year one you’ll study modules that encompass the breadth of microbiology and related subjects such as biochemistry and molecular biology, ensuring that you have a wide platform of knowledge to build upon.
Independent Study
You’ll have plenty of opportunities for independent study throughout your course, growing the independent study skills you’ll use throughout your career. Of course, you'll also be supported throughout your learning journey. You’ll also be assigned an Academic Adviser, who will provide you with support across your academic life. You’ll also find your lecturers are friendly and happy to answer questions and support your learning.
Assessment
You’ll encounter a wide range of assessment methods, including examinations, project reports, lab reports, presentations, essays, multiple-choice and short-answer tests. Many modules have a mixture of examination and coursework, some are 100% coursework. None are assessed only by examination.
You’ll be assessed using a variety of methods, including low-stakes tests that will enable you to track your learning as modules progress. You’ll become familiar with writing lab reports, an authentic form of assessment that will enable you to develop skills in analysing and reporting scientific data.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll cover key topics in diverse areas of microbiology which are of concern to the healthcare, environmental, and biotechnological sectors alongside cutting-edge advances in microbiology research and techniques.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B 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
In year two you’ll encounter more advanced microbiology concepts, often taught by leading researchers in the areas you're studying. At this stage you’ll begin to develop a particular microbiological interest, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore this interest further through studying related subjects such as plant biology or cell biology.
Assessment
There is a continued emphasis on authentic assessment coursework. Most modules also have exams.
Structure
During the final year, you'll have the opportunity to undertake a research project with a microbiology research group which can be hosted in a selection of labs across the Norwich Research Park, alongside taught modules.
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
One third of your final year will be made up of a large research project. This is your chance to do some research to investigate a new microbiology problem, from designing the investigation to producing new scientific knowledge. You’ll be given the opportunity to do this research in one of the many microbiology research labs based across the Norwich research park.
In addition to your project, you’ll cover advanced topics in microbiology such as infection and immunity, biotechnology and advanced techniques. You’ll also be given the option to explore an optional module in areas such as science communication, genomics or evolution.
Assessment
The emphasis on authentic assessment continues as you‘ll take on a substantive research project module, with assessment based on a research proposal, final dissertation, and presentation. Most non-project modules have exams.
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 September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB including Biology or Human Biology
Contextual offer: BBC including Biology or Human Biology
Where applicable, Science A Levels awarded by an English exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation.
Contextual offer: DMM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation.
For Forensic and Criminal Investigation applicants MUST be studying ONE of the following modules: Physiology and Human Body Systems, Environmental Forensics, Forensic Genetics or Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques.
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Diploma: DD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation plus B at A Level, or DD plus B in A Level Biology/Human Biology.
Contextual offer: DD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation plus C at A Level, or DD plus C in A Level Biology/Human Biology.
Extended Certificate: D in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation plus BB at A Level, OR D plus BB at A-level in Biology/Human Biology.
Contextual offer: D in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation plus BC at A Level, OR D plus BC at A-level in Biology/Human Biology.
For Forensic and Criminal Investigation applicants MUST be studying ONE of the following modules: Physiology and Human Body Systems, Environmental Forensics, Forensic Genetics or Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques or A level Biology grade B will be required.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Science Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in Biology.
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. We accept: Science pathway
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BSc Biological Sciences with a Foundation Year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall with HL 5 in Biology
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including Biology
Scottish Highers
AAABB including A in Chemistry
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC including Chemistry. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study with 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- 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 September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
ABB including Biology or Human Biology
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
International Baccalaureate
32 with HL 5 in Biology
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign 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 5.5 in all components)
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.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet 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 English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study with 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
With our growing appreciation of the role of microbes in our world, microbiologists now work in a variety of contexts, including food production, environmental science, medicine and basic research. They work in hospitals, universities, non-profit organisations, private companies, and the government. Our courses don't just provide you with scientific knowledge; they also develop your skills in the areas of research and communication, IT, data collection, analytics and critical thinking, opening up a range of sectors where these skills are invaluable
The School of Biological Sciences Director of Employability alongside academic advisers work together with UEA’s Careers Service to offer you support at every stage of your course, from choosing a career through to applying for graduate jobs and further study.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- Further study (PhD, MSc or equivalent) and an academic career track.
- Teaching.
- Pharmaceutical industry.
- Biotechnology
- Food industry.
- NHS Clinical Scientist.
Discover more on our Careers pages.