Microbiology
About this course
MBiol, BSc in Microbiology, a microbiology degree centred on the study of microorganisms and molecular biosciences. Core topics include Data Analysis and Research Methods. The integrated Masters structure provides an additional fourth year of specialist training incorporating an extended research project. The first year introduces molecular biosciences, microbiology, genetics, immunology, and the basis of life through modules such as Introductory Skills in Microbiology, Introduction to Microbiology, Introduction to Genetics, and Introduction to Immunology. The second year progresses with intermediate skills, medical microbiology, molecular virology, and big data biology via modules like Intermediate Skills in Microbiology, Omics and Big Data Biology, Medical Microbiology, and Molecular Virology. The third year focuses on research preparation and advanced molecular and cellular topics through compulsory modules including Extended Research Project Preparation, Research Tools and Applications, Advanced Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Advanced Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology 2. The fourth year centers on an independent extended research project, supplemented by optional study areas such as Advanced Biomolecular Techniques, Advanced Immunology, Treatment of Infectious Disease and Cancer, High-Throughput Technologies, and Medical Diagnostics.
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: AAA IB: 31 overall with 6,6,6 at higher level including Biology or Chemistry and another science or science-related subject.
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What students say
Based on about 14 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 94%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 93%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 86%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 20%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 20%
- Process, plant and machine operatives: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Media Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 50%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 45 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 40%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 15%
- South East: 15%
- South West: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- This course is accredited at advanced level by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Graduates can apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Member (MRSB) level after two years of practice, rather than the usual three years, due to the significant research experience acquired.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introductory Skills in the Molecular Biosciences
- Introductory Skills in Microbiology
- The Basis of Life
- Introduction to Microbiology
- Introduction to Genetics
- Introduction to Immunology
- The Diversity of Life
- Living Planet
- Using Biology to Feed the World
- Short Introduction to Human Body Systems
- Intermediate Skills in the Molecular Biosciences
- Intermediate Skills in Microbiology
- Omics and Big Data Biology
- Medical Microbiology
- Molecular Virology
- Discovery Module
- Medical Immunology
- Fundamentals of Cell and Cancer Biology
- Human Populations and Disease
- Bioinformatics for Biologists
- Extended Research Project Preparation
- Research Tools and Applications
- Advanced Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Advanced Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology 2
- Extended Research Project
- Advanced Biomolecular Techniques
- Advanced Immunology
- Treatment of Infectious Disease and Cancer
- High-Throughput Technologies
- Medical Diagnostics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of Microbiology at University of Leeds earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 15 months, £35,000 after 3 years, £38,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,500 and £50,000. The £38,000 median after five years is £6,000 more than the UK median for Microbiology and cell science.
What do graduates of Microbiology at University of Leeds do next?
100% 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 Leeds?
89% 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 Leeds?
The typical offer is AAA at A level. The average entrant had 152 UCAS points.
Is Microbiology at University of Leeds accredited?
Yes. This course is accredited at advanced level by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Graduates can apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Member (MRSB) level after two years of practice, rather than the usual three years, due to the significant research experience acquired.
Does Microbiology at University of Leeds include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on Microbiology at University of Leeds?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.