BSc Microbiology with Professional Experience
About this course
BSc Microbiology with Professional Experience is a microbiology degree centred on the study of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and microbial genetics and physiology. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The programme includes a compulsory year-long industrial placement between the second and final year, alongside a final-year research project. The first year covers cellular and molecular life principles, microbiology fundamentals, and biochemistry, with optional modules in evolution, earth history, human pathology, ecology, and anatomy. Year two expands on cellular and molecular biology, research skills, infectious diseases, haematology, immunology, and molecular microbiology, with choices spanning applied biochemistry, marine biology, medical genetics, invertebrate zoology, advanced ecology, integrated anatomy, bioinformatics, and food preservation. The final year focuses on an independent research project, pathogens, and applied microbiology, while optional modules include venom pharmacology, evolutionary biology, protein structure, cancer signalling, a microbiology field course, zoonotic disease epidemiology, forensic science, integrated biochemistry, neuroscience, cardiovascular biology, gut microbiota, and product innovation.
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: ABB with B in Biology, or BBB with B in Biology and B in a second science subject. Acceptable second science subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science. IB: 32 points including 5 in Biology at higher level. 30 points including 5 in Biology a second science subject, both at higher level.
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What students say
Based on about 9 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 95%
- Learning resources: 77%
- Student voice: 83%
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 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%
- Administrative occupations: 9%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 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
- 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
- Advanced Ecology
- Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
- 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 Professional Experience 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 Professional Experience 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 Professional Experience at University of Reading?
93% 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 Professional Experience at University of Reading?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 110 UCAS points.
Is BSc Microbiology with Professional Experience at University of Reading accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Does BSc Microbiology with Professional Experience at University of Reading include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Microbiology with Professional Experience at University of Reading?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.