BSc Infectious Diseases
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Infectious Diseases, a BSc (Hons) Public Health and Microbiology degree centred on the study of pathogens, host-pathogen interactions, and their impact on global health. In the final year, students complete an independent research project. The degree is part of a suite of biomedical sciences programmes that share common foundational years. The first year covers foundational concepts through compulsory modules in biomedical sciences, medical biology, and molecular and cellular biology. The second year progresses with Biomedical Sciences 2, Microorganisms, Infection & Immunity 2, and Cells to Organisms 2. The third year introduces more specialised study with Biomedical Sciences 3, Medical Microbiology 3, Immunology 3, and Clinical Immunology and Haematology 3. Students can choose from specialisms including anatomy and development, biomedical sciences, reproductive biology, pharmacology, and neuroscience at the end of the third year. The fourth year focuses on advanced topics through compulsory modules such as Host-Pathogen Interactions in Infectious Disease, pathogen biology, anti-microbial drug resistance, global health, and diagnostics and therapeutics.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAB (required: Biology and Chemistry, one at A and one at B) IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 56%: 28 offers from 50 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 9 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 85%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 86%
- Learning resources: 97%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 13 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 45%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 45%
Most common jobs
- Nursing Professionals: 55%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 5%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 5%
- Natural and social science professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 290 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 4%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 11%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 57%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 80%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
- No formal qualifications: 10%
Modules
- biomedical sciences
- medical biology
- molecular and cellular biology
- Biomedical Sciences 2
- Microorganisms, Infection & Immunity 2
- Cells to Organisms 2
- Biomedical Sciences 3
- Medical Microbiology 3
- Immunology 3
- Clinical Immunology and Haematology 3
- Host-Pathogen Interactions in Infectious Disease
- pathogen biology
- anti-microbial drug resistance
- global health
- diagnostics and therapeutics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Infectious Diseases at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £26,000 after 3 years, £34,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,000 and £45,500. The £34,500 median after five years is £2,000 more than the UK median for Environmental and public health.
What do graduates of BSc Infectious Diseases at University of Edinburgh do next?
100% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Infectious Diseases at University of Edinburgh?
91% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Infectious Diseases at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 191 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc Infectious Diseases at University of Edinburgh?
56% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 28 offers from 50 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BSc Infectious Diseases at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Infectious Diseases at University of Edinburgh?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.