Choosing a course

As well as choosing the subject you want to study, there is also a choice of qualification. A full time Bachelor of Science (BSc) is the most common route but it's not the best option for everyone. If you're not sure you want to commit to a full 3-4 year course there is the option of studying for a foundation degree (FdSci) or a Higher National Diploma (HND). Due to financial constraints or family commitments part time study may work better for you. You’ll find more information on the different options below.

Bachelor of Science

Most students opt for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree and there are more than 50 universities across the UK and Ireland where you can study microbiology as your main option. Society for General Microbiology maintains a list of microbiology courses which is updated each year.

If you want to keep your options open, you could choose a general biology or life sciences course, studying a wider range of subjects in the first couple of years before selecting your final degree pathway. Although most BSc degrees last three years, some are four years long and include a period of work-place training. This provides excellent practical experience – very useful when applying for jobs after graduation.

If you're interested in working as a biomedical scientist in a hospital microbiology laboratory you should choose a BSc in biomedical science that is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

The UCAS website includes a course search option (for full-time BSc courses and some foundation degrees), and advice and information on applying to university.

Foundation degrees

Foundation degrees (FdSci) are an intermediate higher education qualification lasting two years. They are designed by universities in conjunction with employers and they mix academic study with work-based learning so that students gain knowledge and skills directly relevant to the workplace. Foundation degrees are usually taught at Further Education Colleges and are validated by universities.

If you enjoy studying, and successfully complete the degree, it is usually possible to progress onto an honours degree pathway at the validating university; further study for 12-15 months would lead to a BSc. Alternatively, a foundation degree will prepare you to go straight into a job.

Higher National Diploma

Some universities offer Higher National Diploma (HND) courses in microbiology or related biological sciences. They are similar to foundation degrees because they are two year courses and are also designed (sometimes in consultation with employers) to be a good preparation for entering the world of work. Very often, students who do well at HND go on to study for another two years leading to a BSc. However, if you decide against further study you have relevant skills for finding work.

Entrance Requirements

BSc degrees

The usual university minimum entrance requirement for school leavers is 5 subjects including maths and English at GCSE (grades A-C) and 2 'A' level science passes (or 4 SQA higher grade with 2 from maths, biology or chemistry). However, many institutions require 3 'A' levels or the equivalent combination of 'AS' and 'A2' levels (or 4 Highers / 2 Advanced Highers). Other qualifications such as a relevant BTEC may also be acceptable. If you are not sure about the eligibility of your qualifications, you should seek advice from the university directly. Some universities use the UCAS entry tariff whilst others prefer to make offers based on grades. Each application is judged on its merits and when an offer is made, many factors are taken into account.

FdSc degrees and HNDs

The usual minimum entry requirement is 1 A2 at grade C or 2 SQA higher grade passes. BTEC or SQA National Diploma is also acceptable. Passes in maths and English GCSE or SQA standard grade are also usually required.

Required subjects

For entry to a microbiology or allied course, preferred subjects at 'A' level (or equivalent) are biology, chemistry, maths or physics. Although non-science subjects are acceptable, studying at least two of the preferred subjects will give you the most choice when selecting courses and universities.

Chemistry and biology are the most useful subjects to have studied – in fact a few universities list these as required subjects. Studying biology alongside two non-sciences at 'A' level is not a good preparation for a university science course and some institutions do not accept this combination of subjects for entry to a biological science or microbiology course.