MSci Microbiology
About this course
MSci in Microbiology, a microbiology degree centred on the study of microorganisms, infectious diseases, and cellular processes. Core topics include Data Analysis and Research Methods. The course includes an optional foundation year and an integrated master's structure designed to build advanced research capabilities. The first year introduces foundational biological principles through compulsory modules such as Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, From Molecules to Cells, and Introduction to Microbiology and Immunology, with options including History of Biology and Chemistry for Bioscientists 1. The second year expands into specialized microbiological study with compulsory modules like Microbiology RSM, Fundamentals of Bacteriology, Principles of Infectious Disease, and Introduction to Virology, alongside options such as Environmental Microbiology and Quantitative Biology. The third year focuses on advanced research and literature analysis through compulsory modules including Current Topics in Microbiology, MSci Project Literature Review and Research Proposal, MSci Experimental Skills Module, and Microbiology - Essay Paper. Optional choices across the course allow students to explore diverse areas such as Immunology, Parasitology, Bioethics: Contemporary Issues in Science & Biomedicine, and Computational Approaches to Biology.
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 including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences)
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What students say
Based on about 18 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 81%
- Learning opportunities: 79%
- Assessment and feedback: 68%
- Academic support: 79%
- Organisation and management: 85%
- Learning resources: 81%
- Student voice: 76%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 7 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 30%
- Further study: 20%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 25%
- Natural and social science professionals: 25%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Skilled trades occupations: 5%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 365 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 40%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 10%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 4%
- London: 17%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 7%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 80%
- Baccalaureate: 15%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
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, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Academic Tutorials Year 1
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- From Molecules to Cells
- Introduction to Laboratory Science
- Introduction to Experimental Biology - Molecular & Cellular Biology
- Biodiversity
- Genes, Evolution and Development
- Introduction to Microbiology and Immunology
- Writing and Referencing Skills (online unit)
- Health & Safety online course
- History of Biology
- Body Systems
- Drugs: From Molecules to Man
- Excitable Cells: the Foundations of Neuroscience
- Chemistry for Bioscientists 1
- Chemistry for Bioscientists 2
- Fundamentals of Chemistry
- Science & the Modern World
- Bodies in History: An introduction to the History of Medicine
- Academic Tutorials Year 2
- Microbiology RSM
- Organismal Biology EDM
- Fundamentals of Bacteriology
- Principles of Infectious Disease
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Introduction to Virology
- Science Communication
- Genome Maintenance & Regulation
- Proteins
- The Dynamic Cell
- Cell Membrane Structure & Function
- `Omic Technologies & Resources
- Plants for the Future
- Molecules and Cells in Human Disease
- Disease in Nature
- Quantitative Biology
- Bioethics: Contemporary Issues in Science & Biomedicine
- Chemistry of Biomolecules
- Environmental Microbiology
- Ecology and Conservation
- From Cholera to COVID-19: A Global History of Epidemics
- The Crisis of Nature: Issues in Environmental History
- Exploring Enterprise
- Entrepreneurial Skills
- Tools and Techniques for Enterprise
- Tools & Techniques for Enterprise
- Interdisciplinary Sustainable Development
- Enterprise Strategy and Marketing
- Enterprise Feasibility
- Enterprise in Healthcare
- Academic Tutorials Year 3
- Current Topics in Microbiology
- MSci Project Literature Review and Research Proposal
- MSci Experimental Skills Module
- Microbiology - Essay Paper
- Microbiology - Problem Paper
- Post-Genome Biology
- Glycobiology: Glycan Function in Health & Disease
- Advanced Immunology
- Gene Regulation & Disease
- Evolution of Genes, Genomes & Systems
- Green Biotechnology
- Biotic Interactions
- Bioethics: Contemporary Issues in Science & Biomedicine
- Living with Climate Change
- Advanced Parasitology
- Immune Response & Disease
- Role of Diagnostics in Medicine
- Cutting-edge Methods in Biomedical Sciences
- MSci Bioinformatics Tools and Resources
- Computational Approaches to Biology
- MSci Reproducible Data Science
- From Sherlock Holmes to CSI: a History of Forensic Science and Medicine
- Climate Change & Society
- Tools and Techniques for Enterprise
- Tools & Techniques for Enterprise
- Advanced Technology Enterprise
- Interdisciplinary Sustainable Development
- Enterprise Strategy and Marketing
- Enterprise Feasibility
- Enterprise in Healthcare
- MSci Research Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Microbiology at University of Manchester earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £27,500 after 3 years, £34,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,000 and £42,500. The £34,500 median after five years is £2,500 more than the UK median for Microbiology and cell science.
What do graduates of MSci Microbiology at University of Manchester do next?
100% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Microbiology at University of Manchester?
81% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Microbiology at University of Manchester?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 176 UCAS points.
Is MSci Microbiology at University of Manchester 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.
How many students continue on MSci Microbiology at University of Manchester?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.