MSci Microbiology with Professional Experience
About this course
The MSci Microbiology with Professional Experience is an undergraduate microbiology degree focusing on microbial genetics, cellular biology, and the physiological processes of diverse microorganisms. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Project Management. This five-year programme includes a compulsory professional placement year and concludes with an advanced research project. The first year covers the foundations through Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life, Fundamentals of Microbiology, Fundamentals of Biochemistry, and Anatomy and Physiology. The second year builds on these concepts with modules such as Advanced Studies in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Research and Professional Skills, Infectious Diseases, Haematology and Immunology, and Molecular Microbiology. The third year consists of a compulsory Professional Experience placement. The fourth year features the Research Project, Pathogens, and Applied Microbiology. Finally, the fifth year comprises Advanced Research Project, Critical Analysis and Problem Solving, and Project Planning, Laboratory Skills and Experimental Design. Optional modules allow students to explore diverse subjects such as Marine Biology and Conservation, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, and Food Spoilage, Preservation and Hazards.
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 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%
- 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 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
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
- Professional Experience
- 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 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 MSci 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 MSci Microbiology with Professional Experience 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 MSci Microbiology with Professional Experience at University of Reading?
The typical offer is CCD at A level, or 24 points in the IB. The average entrant had 110 UCAS points.
Does MSci 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 MSci Microbiology with Professional Experience at University of Reading?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.