BSc Microbiology with Foundation
About this course
BSc Microbiology, a four-year programme beginning with a foundation year before progressing to the three-year degree. Core topics include programming, data analysis, research methods, and fieldwork. An optional industrial placement year is available between the third and final year, with previous students placed at organisations including GSK and AstraZeneca. The final year includes an original research project spanning three months.
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: BBB – for applicants without Biology and a second science CCC – for applicants with Biology and a second science Acceptable science subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science. IB: 30 – for applicants without higher level Biology and a second science 24 – for applicants with Biology and a second science, both at higher level If you would like to receive personalised advice on your eligibility for our Foundation courses, please ask us a question .
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What students say
Based on about 17 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 97%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 92%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 14 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 40%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 16%
- Sales occupations: 11%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 9%
- Administrative occupations: 9%
- Teaching Professionals: 7%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 230 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 13%
- London: 18%
- South East: 38%
- South West: 16%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
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: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Foundation Biology 1
- Foundation Biology 2
- Foundation Chemistry 1
- Academic and Scientific Skills: Foundations for Tackling Global Challenges 1
- Foundation Chemistry 2
- Health, Disease and Society
- Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life
- Fundamentals of Microbiology
- Fundamentals of Biochemistry
- Fundamentals of Evolution
- History of Life on Earth
- Human Pathology
- Fundamentals of Ecology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Advanced Studies in Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Research and Professional Skills
- Infectious Diseases
- Haematology and Immunology
- Molecular Microbiology
- Applied Biochemistry: From Disease to Diagnostics
- Marine Biology and Conservation
- Medical Genetics
- Invertebrate Zoology
- Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
- Advanced Ecology
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
- Food Spoilage, Preservation and Hazards
- Research Project
- Pathogens
- Applied Microbiology
- Venoms and Poisons: From Pharmacology to Therapeutics
- Evolution in Health and Disease
- Protein Structure and Function
- Cancer and Cell Communication
- Microbiology Field Course
- Epidemiology of Zoonotic Diseases
- Forensics
- Integrated Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Gut Microbiota and Health
- Innovation and Product Development
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Microbiology with Foundation at University of Reading earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £22,500 after 3 years, £29,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,000 and £36,000. The £29,000 median after five years is £3,000 less than the UK median for Microbiology and cell science.
What do graduates of BSc Microbiology with Foundation at University of Reading do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Microbiology with Foundation at University of Reading?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Microbiology with Foundation at University of Reading?
The typical offer is BBB at A level. The average entrant had 110 UCAS points.
Is BSc Microbiology with Foundation at University of Reading accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
How many students continue on BSc Microbiology with Foundation at University of Reading?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.