MSci Microbiology
About this course
MSci in Microbiology, covering the biology, diversity, and evolution of microorganisms and their role in human disease and the environment. Core topics include Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Programming, Data Analysis, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The course is IBMS accredited and developed in partnership with NHS laboratory scientists, with a year-long industrial placement available between the second and final year. A final-year research project provides hands-on independent investigation under academic supervision.
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: CCD C in Biology AND one other science subject (second science can be grade D) Acceptable subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science. CCC C in Biology IB: 24 points, including HL4 in Biology
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What students say
Based on about 12 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 96%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 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 6 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 45%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 25%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 16%
- Sales occupations: 11%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 9%
- Administrative occupations: 9%
- Elementary occupations: 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 25 students who started (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
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Fundamentals of Evolution
- History of Life on Earth
- Human Pathology
- Fundamentals of Ecology
- 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
- Advanced Research Project
- Critical Analysis and Problem Solving
- Project Planning, Laboratory Skills and Experimental Design
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Microbiology 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 MSci Microbiology at University of Reading do next?
90% 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 Reading?
94% 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 Reading?
The typical offer is CCD at A level, or 24 points in the IB. The average entrant had 118 UCAS points.
Is MSci Microbiology at University of Reading accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Does MSci Microbiology at University of Reading include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on MSci Microbiology at University of Reading?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.