Microbiology
About this course
BSc/MSci in Microbiology, a microbiology degree centred on the study of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Core topics include Research Methods. The course includes practical training sessions held at the Field Studies Council centre on the Isle of Cumbrae and offers opportunities to specialise in Bacteriology, Parasitology, Virology, or Data Science. The first year introduces foundational concepts through Biology 1A, Biology 1B, Chemistry 1, and Science Fundamentals-1X. The second year expands into broader biological principles with Fundamental Topics in Biology 2, Microbiology and Immunology 2, Animal Biology, Evolution and Ecology 2, and Genes, Molecules & Cells 2. The third year focuses specifically on Medical Microbiology 3A and Medical Microbiology 3B. The final year involves core advanced study in Core Skills in Microbiology 4X, alongside options such as Chemotherapy, Resistance and Parasite Control 4B and Industrial and Environmental Microbiology 4Y, culminating in an independent project like the Life Sciences Investigative Honours Project.
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 or BBB (Additional requirements: A-level Biology or Chemistry.) IB: 34 (6,5,5) (Additional requirements: HL Biology or Chemistry.) Scottish Higher: ABBB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5 Typically offers will be made at AAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher Additional requirements: Higher Biology or Chemistry. (A in either). Scottish Higher (widening access): MD20 : BBBB (also other target groups*) MD40 : AABB (ABB S5 minimum for consideration)* Additional requirements: Higher Biology or Chemistry. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
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What students say
Based on about 22 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 98%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 89%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 96%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 94%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 12 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 30%
- Natural and social science professionals: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Engineering professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- 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 60 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 4%
- South East: 1%
- South West: 2%
- Scotland: 77%
- Northern Ireland: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 55%
- Baccalaureate: 15%
- Access course: 15%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
Modules
- Biology 1A
- Biology 1B
- Chemistry 1
- Science Fundamentals-1X
- Fundamental Topics in Biology 2
- Microbiology and Immunology 2
- Animal Biology, Evolution and Ecology 2
- Core Concepts in Human Biological Sciences 2
- Genes, Molecules & Cells 2
- Investigating Human Biological Sciences 2
- Medical Microbiology 3A
- Medical Microbiology 3B
- Life Sciences Investigative Honours Project
- Life Sciences Outreach Honours Project
- Life Sciences Internship Honours Project
- Life Sciences Dissertation Honours Project
- Core Skills in Microbiology 4X core
- Chemotherapy, Resistance and Parasite Control 4B option
- Industrial and Environmental Microbiology 4Y option
- Grand Challenges in Medical Microbiology 4D option
- Emerging Viruses 4A option
- Medical Virology 4C option
- Molecular and Cellular Microbiology 4Y option
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of Microbiology at University of Glasgow earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £25,000 after 3 years, £33,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,500 and £39,000. The £33,500 median after five years is £1,500 more than the UK median for Microbiology and cell science.
What do graduates of Microbiology at University of Glasgow do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on Microbiology at University of Glasgow?
98% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for Microbiology at University of Glasgow?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 202 UCAS points.
Does Microbiology at University of Glasgow include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on Microbiology at University of Glasgow?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.