Microbiology teaches you how some of the organisms we can’t see with the naked eye – like viruses and bacteria – have the ability to make massive changes to our environments. It develops your understanding of all types of microorganisms, the behaviour of living systems, and the practical application of microbiology in various industries such as food and agriculture.
A bachelor’s or BSc in microbiology in the UK can help you gain valuable scientific, analytical, and problem-solving skills, preparing you for dynamic careers in research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food safety, and beyond.
In this blog, we focus on the course structure of a BSc in microbiology in the UK, the benefits of completing a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) degree, and the entry requirements for the programme. We’ve also included a list of the top 10 universities in the UK for microbiology students, the funds required for a BSc in microbiology in the UK, and scholarships for Indian students wishing to study microbiology. Let’s dive in.
Microorganisms are diverse and can do many things that people don’t even see. They can grow in almost any environment – from the hot Saharan deserts to the freezing Arctic frost – and have a huge variety of different forms. They’ve even been described as the closest thing we’ll meet to aliens without leaving earth! Microbiologists love exploring their complex and unique lifestyles, and an undergraduate degree in microbiology will train you to do so.
A BSc in microbiology first focuses on developing your fundamental knowledge of microbiology so you can understand how different types of microbes affect our health, our food, and our environment. Afterwards, you’ll be introduced to advanced study where you can tailor the microbiology course to your interests and complete either a laboratory, data, or field-based research. Let’s now look at those who usually take up this subject and what the syllabus for a degree in microbiology looks like, so you can determine if it’s the right field for you.
Microbiologists study tiny creatures and how their complex lifestyles affect different branches of our natural and manmade environments, including ecology, evolution, genetics, industries, agriculture, and medicine. They often work with other scientists, health professionals, and engineers as the subject intersects with many others like epidemiology and sanitation.
If this sounds like an area you’re interested in, then you can do a BSc in microbiology to develop your understanding of the fundamentals of microorganisms, and how this knowledge can be used to improve the world we live in. Let’s look at the course structure of an undergraduate in microbiology in the UK next.
During your three-year undergraduate microbiology degree in the UK, you’ll explore the microbial world in great detail. BSc in microbiology degrees in the UK are often able to introduce you to new research on the subject, expose you to up-to-date laboratory facilities, and provide you with clinical and environmental samples to enhance your practical knowledge. Here’s what a three-year undergraduate microbiology degree in the UK typically looks like:
| Year | Course Units |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cell biology Introduction to microbiology Biosciences Biochemistry Introduction to physiology Practical and biomedical bacteriology Concepts of biochemistry Molecular biology and genetics |
| 2 | Molecular biology and genetics Food microbiology Medical microbiology Enzymes and metabolism Integration of physiological systems Microbial communities and interactions Introduction to immunology Pathology and medicine Analytical and clinical biochemistry Food analysis and quality control |
| 3 | Human microbial diseases Clinical immunology and immunohaematology Biomedical microbial products Systems biology for health and disease Cancer pathogenesis and therapeutics Epidemiology of infectious diseases Animal infectious diseases Research project |
These course units give you valuable insights into how microorganisms influence the world around us, and how the knowledge of microbiology can be used to find solutions for global problems like climate change, pollution, and antibiotic resistance. With a BSc in microbiology, you can start working in a number of fields, like global health or agriculture, depending on your interests.
In addition to developing your transferable skills and specialised knowledge valued in many fields, there are numerous other benefits for completing a BSc in microbiology in the UK. Let's have a look at these next.
Studying microbiology in the UK offers numerous advantages and opportunities for Indian students, especially as UK universities are renowned for their expertise in STEM subjects and for nurturing pioneering scientists like Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking. As one of the leading countries for scientific research and technological innovation, the UK offers microbiology students the following benefits:
Top-ranking institutions with expertise in STEM subjects – The UK’s top universities are among the world’s best for studying STEM subjects. With experienced faculty members, cutting-edge research, and modern laboratory facilities, UK universities offer microbiology students a great learning environment to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for the field.
Strong science and technology industrial links – UK universities have strong links to top companies in science and technology, giving microbiology students the chance to explore placements and internships providing valuable work experience as they study. You may also get the opportunity to attend workshops and seminars with industry experts, allowing you to gain first hand insights into pursuing a career in microbiology.
Research opportunities – Most UK universities actively engage in microbiology and other life sciences research, contributing to advances in the field. As a microbiology undergraduate, you may get the chance to assist in research projects – an experience that would be valued by potential employers after graduation.
UK universities are able to provide you with a holistic student experience, but if you’re contemplating between choosing the UK or staying in India for your microbiology, then our next section is for you. We’ll be exploring the key differences between studying microbiology in the two countries to help you with your decision.
Deciding whether to pursue a bachelor’s in microbiology in the UK or in India depends on several factors, including your personal goals, financial circumstances, and the specific courses you’re considering. We’ve outlined the key differences between studying microbiology in the UK vs. in India in the following list to help you with your decision.
Cost – It’s more affordable to pursue a BSc in microbiology in India with the cheapest programmes starting at INR 8.5 lakhs as opposed to about INR 26 lakhs in the UK. If you choose to study in India, you can consider saving up to pursue a postgraduate in microbiology in the UK afterwards.
Careers – Microbiology is a good career option in both India and the UK. Microbiology graduates from both countries can pursue careers in a range of fields, including healthcare, climate change and the environment, food and agriculture, and education.
Salaries – Microbiology graduates can earn higher salaries in the UK, compared to their peers in India. After graduating with a microbiology degree in the UK, you can expect to earn about INR 72 lakhs per year. In India, you can earn about INR 3 lakhs per year after obtaining a BSc in microbiology.
Once you’ve decided which country you would be studying a bachelor’s in microbiology, you can get started on your application process. If you’re applying to a UK university, you begin this process by researching the entry requirements for the course and checking if you’re eligible.
Before applying for a BSc in microbiology in the UK, it’s important to carefully review each university’s eligibility criteria to ensure you have all the necessary qualifications, including work experience and English language test scores. In general, these are the qualifications you need:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| A/L Results | ABB or BBB for your Advanced Level examinations (Indian equivalent at the ICSE/CBSE/ICE boards is 80% to 85%). Most UK universities require either Biology or Chemistry and a second science or mathematics subject. |
| English Language Test Scores | 6.5 overall for IELTS, with 6.0 in writing and no component below 5.5 |
Once you’ve determined whether you can meet all the entry requirements for a BSc in microbiology in the UK, the next step in the application process is to choose which intake you wish to start your studies. The UK academic calendar is divided into three intake periods: the September (fall) intake, the January (winter) intake, and the May (spring) intake.
From these, the September intake is known as the ‘primary’ intake at UK universities while the January intake is considered the ‘secondary’ one. Students who apply for the January intake usually do so as they may have missed the deadlines for September due to personal reasons or because they want to spend a little more time fine-tuning their applications. You generally need to start preparing your applications to the UK at least a year ahead of your desired start date.
| Intake | Application Period | Term Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| September Intake | September to December | December to July |
| January Intake | January to April | September to November |
| May Intake | May to August | October to November |
All UK universities generally offer a bachelor’s in microbiology for both the September and January intakes. One of the most important steps in your application process is shortlisting the best UK universities for you to study a BSc in microbiology. When choosing a university, you have to consider many factors such as its ranking, the annual tuition fees, and its location in the UK.
Most UK universities typically offer three-year BSc in microbiology programmes with rigorous academic standards and excellent career prospects. Since there are so many options to choose from, you can start your university search right here with the top 10 microbiology undergraduate programmes in the UK. We’ve compiled this table by choosing the universities on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024’s (Life Sciences and Medicine) list that offer BSc in microbiology courses.
| University | Suggested Course | Average Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Imperial College London | BSc Microbiology | £43,300 |
| University of Manchester | BSc Microbiology | £34,500 |
| University of Glasgow | BSc Microbiology | £30,240 |
| University of Bristol | BSc Medical Microbiology | £32,500 |
| University of Nottingham | Microbiology BSc | £24,300 |
| University of Liverpool | Microbiology and Infection BSc (Hons) | £29,100 |
| Newcastle University | BSc Medical Microbiology and Immunology | £30,600 |
| University of Leeds | Microbiology BSc | £32,250 |
| University of Sheffield | BSc Microbiology | £29,110 |
| Queen’s University Belfast | BSc Microbiology | £23,500 |
Once you’ve gained entry into your preferred UK university, the next step is to obtain your UK Student visa. Let’s have a look at this process below.
A UK Student visa gives you the right to study in the UK for the duration of your programme. To start the process, you’ll need to fill in your Student visa application form online, which can be found through the GOV.UK site.
Afterwards, you have to submit your documents – you can do this by yourself when you’re filling in your online application or pay for a value added service to submit your documents at a visa application centre when you go to give your biometrics. We’ve explored the cost of obtaining your visa in the next section.
The expenses associated with your BSc in microbiology in the UK are usually classified under three main categories: your pre-arrival expenses, tuition fees, and your living expenses. Your living expenses will vary depending on your location in the UK and your lifestyle while your tuition fees depend on the university you select for your programme. Your pre-arrival costs generally mean the visa application fee and healthcare surcharge you have to pay before coming into the UK.
Before arriving in the UK, you’ll need to apply for a UK Student visa which gives you the right to study and live in the UK for the duration of your course. This application requires you to make the following payments:
£490 for your online visa application fee
£1,552 healthcare surcharge for a two-year visa (the exact amount depends on the length of your visa)
In the UK, BSc in microbiology courses have a range of tuition fees, so depending on the funds available, you can select the best-fit one for you. Typically, tuition fees will be between £24,300 (INR 26 lakhs) to £43,300 (INR 46 lakhs) for an undergraduate in microbiology.
Your living expenses in the UK will mainly account for accommodation, food, and travel costs. The average cost of living in the UK per year is around £15,000 (INR 16 lakhs) in London and approximately £12,000 (INR 13 lakhs) in the rest of the country, though this will vary depending on the location. Here’s an overview of the cost of living in the UK:
| Cost | London | Outside of London |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Rent | INR 80,000 to INR 90,000 | INR 58,000 to INR 69,000 |
| Monthly Public Transport Costs | INR 10,000 | INR 5,000 |
| Monthly Grocery Costs | INR 16,000 | INR 10,000 |
You can get funding support to manage some of these expenses with an undergraduate scholarship. Let’s look at some STEM- and undergraduate-specific scholarships in the UK that you can apply for.
Financing the costs of your BSc in microbiology may be one of your biggest considerations as you plan to study in the UK. The UK has a range of scholarships for undergraduate students to help cover a portion of or the total study costs. The following table shows scholarships that prospective microbiology students can apply for to significantly reduce the cost of studying in the UK.
| Scholarship | Value |
|---|---|
| University of Strathclyde – Faculty of Science Undergraduate Scholarships | £5,000 to £7,000 |
| University of Central Lancashire – Women in STEM Bursary | £5,000 per year of study |
| University of Sheffield – Undergraduate Scholarships | £2,500 per year of study |
| Newcastle University | £1,500 |
| Lancaster University Global Scholarship – Undergraduate | £2,000 per year of study |
There are also many other fully funded scholarships for Indian students wishing to pursue an undergraduate course in the UK. Obtaining a scholarship will also help you stand out when you apply for jobs after completing your BSc in microbiology.
Microbiology careers are as diverse as microorganisms and the roles they play in our environments. With a BSc in microbiology, you can pursue a variety of careers, and having an understanding of microbiology careers will help you map out your post-graduation plan.
During your BSc in microbiology, you’ll develop a variety of subject-specific skills such as:
Investigative, recording, and analytical skills
Statistical programming, qualitative, and quantitative skills
Research and critical thinking skills
Practical laboratory investigation skills
Here’s a look at some job roles you can apply your skills in, along with prospective UK employers and average salaries for each.
| Job Role | Prospective Employers | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Microbiology Research Technician | Imperial College London | £40,000 |
| Laboratory Analyst (Nutritional) | Symbiotic Research | £23,000 |
| Laboratory Scientist | Specialist Health Solutions Group | £28,000 |
| Specialist Biomedical Scientist – Microbiology | NHS Professionals | £42,000 |
As a microbiology graduate, you could go on to further study at Masters or PhD level in a variety of subjects:
Biochemistry
Bioinformatics
Biotechnology
Environmental Microbiology
Genetics
Medical Microbiology
Molecular Biology
You can also consider a graduate-entry programme in medicine. If you want to work as an NHS healthcare scientist in microbiology, you'll need to undertake further training via the NHS Scientist Training Programme. Some microbiology graduates choose to diversify their skills and knowledge by studying computing, science communication, journalism, law, and business.
A BSc in microbiology in the UK will help you understand how microorganisms work and the practical application of microbiology knowledge across various industries. The UK is home to many high-ranking universities which offer rigorous academic standards for microbiology students, but sifting through the choices and finetuning your applications can sometimes be a difficult task.
We can help you with profile assessments and goal setting, test prep for IELTS, your college shortlists, your applications and interviews, your financial plan, and your visa application. Contact our experts at SI-UK today and get started on your journey to a top university in the UK.
Microbiologists study microorganisms naked to the human eye and how their complex lifestyles affect different branches of our natural and manmade environments, including ecology, evolution, genetics, industries, agriculture, and medicine. They often work with other scientists, health professionals, and engineers as the subject intersects with many other ones like epidemiology and sanitation.
With a BSc in microbiology, you can pursue a variety of careers. Some of the best job roles include microbiology research technicians and laboratory scientists.
Yes, microbiology is a good career choice for students interested in applying the knowledge of microorganisms to diverse industries such as ecology, evolution, genetics, industries, agriculture, and medicine. After graduating with a microbiology degree in the UK, you can expect to earn about INR 42 lakhs per year.
The UK is home to many top-ranking universities offering a BSc in microbiology. Among them, Imperial College London, the University of Manchester, and the University of Glasgow have microbiology undergraduate degrees with rigorous academic and high-quality standards.
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