Course contact details
UG BIOSCI 2025
Email:ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0)161 529 4539
University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL
Microbiology
- Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
- 3 Years
- Full-Time
- 21 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
Our BSc Microbiology course involves the study of microorganisms with particular emphasis on the biology of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoan parasites.
Microbiologists are needed to do the research required for the future battle against infectious diseases worldwide, understanding the environmental importance of microbes and to exploit them for food production, biotechnological and industrial applications.
The main focus of our course is the pathogenic potential of the organisms that cause disease in man. You will also cover aspects of the biochemistry, physiology and genetics of microorganisms.
You will spend your first year learning fundamental concepts before specialising in microbiology topics in your second and final year.
Modules
Assessment method
Assessment methods vary widely to suit the nature of the course unit and each level of study.
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Lecture units are usually assessed by written exam (multiple choice or essay-based), which are held at the end of an academic semester in either January or May/June.
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Practical units are usually assessed by experimental report and/or short written assignment and/or written exam.
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The proportion of independent study assignments increases during each year of study.
There is also the opportunity to transfer from this course to one of the four-year courses; MSci, with Industrial/Professional Experience or with International Study at the start of second year.
Programme changes require a first-year average of at least 60% and the application process is competitive.
Year 1
Lecture units are usually assessed by e-learning activities during the unit and multiple choice exams at the end of the semester. Year 1 contributes 10% to your overall degree mark.
Year 2
Lecture units are usually assessed by essay-based exam, and some units also include a coursework element.Year 2 contributes 30% to your overall degree mark.
Final year
Lecture units are usually assessed by essay-based exam. Students also take two honours papers: degree programme-specific examinations comprising essays and data-handling problems.
A significant part of the year is the project, which is assessed through a presentation and a written report.
The final year contributes 60% to your overall degree mark.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 21 September 2027
Apply by
13 January 2027
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- C500
- Institution code:
- M20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Manchester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
13 January 2027
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- C500
- Institution code:
- M20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelAAB
AAB, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences).
If you are taking only one of the above Core Science subjects and an A level in at least one of Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education, we can consider you for an AAA offer. If your predicted grades are one grade below our minimum entry requirements we may still make you an aspirational offer if you meet our contextual criteria.
Subjects with overlapping content are not normally considered as separate A-levels. For example, Further Mathematics is not considered alongside Mathematics and Human Biology is not considered alongside Biology. If you are concerned there is too much overlap in your A level subjects, please contact us for advice before applying.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.
Typical Contextual Offer: Typically AAB - ABC including specific subjects.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.
If you are taking only one of the above Core Science subjects and an A level in at least one of Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education, we can consider you for an AAA offer. If your predicted grades are one grade below our minimum entry requirements we may still make you an aspirational offer if you meet our contextual criteria.
Subjects with overlapping content are not normally considered as separate A-levels. For example, Further Mathematics is not considered alongside Mathematics and Human Biology is not considered alongside Biology. If you are concerned there is too much overlap in your A level subjects, please contact us for advice before applying.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.
Typical Contextual Offer: Typically AAB - ABC including specific subjects.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.
T Level
We consider the following T levels for the Foundation Year:
Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Science
Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Healthcare Science
Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Health
Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Laboratory Sciences
For the Foundation Year, we require Distinction overall in one of these T levels with a minimum of grade A in the core component and Distinction in the occupational specialism.
Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Science
Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Healthcare Science
Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Health
Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Laboratory Sciences
For the Foundation Year, we require Distinction overall in one of these T levels with a minimum of grade A in the core component and Distinction in the occupational specialism.
UCAS TariffNot accepted
Scottish Higher
Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:
Three Advanced Highers with grades ABB including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry or
Two Advanced Highers with grades AB in two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry, plus two additional Highers with grades AB.
Students with Highers only with grades AABBB or above may be considered for the Foundation Year.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk
Three Advanced Highers with grades ABB including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry or
Two Advanced Highers with grades AB in two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry, plus two additional Highers with grades AB.
Students with Highers only with grades AABBB or above may be considered for the Foundation Year.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk
ASNot accepted
Access to HE Diploma
Each application is considered individually. Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances.
In general, we require 60 credits overall with 45 graded credits at Level 3, which must include a minimum of 15 credits in Biology and 15 credits in Chemistry. All 45 graded credits must be at Distinction grade.
We may also consider applications from applicants whose course has allowed only 12 credits at Level 3 in Biology, with the remaining three credits at Level 3 with Distinction in Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics.
In general, we require 60 credits overall with 45 graded credits at Level 3, which must include a minimum of 15 credits in Biology and 15 credits in Chemistry. All 45 graded credits must be at Distinction grade.
We may also consider applications from applicants whose course has allowed only 12 credits at Level 3 in Biology, with the remaining three credits at Level 3 with Distinction in Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.
Scottish Advanced Higher
Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:
Three Advanced Highers with grades ABB including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry or
Two Advanced Highers with grades AB in two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry, plus two additional Highers with grades AB.
Students with Highers only with grades AABBB or above may be considered for the Foundation Year.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk
Three Advanced Highers with grades ABB including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry or
Two Advanced Highers with grades AB in two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry, plus two additional Highers with grades AB.
Students with Highers only with grades AABBB or above may be considered for the Foundation Year.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DD
We consider the National Diploma in Applied Science with grades DD for entry when it is taken with two A-levels including grade A in a science subject and a minimum of grade B in any other subject.
Extended Project
The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview (if applicable). A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
International Baccalaureate Diploma ProgrammeOffer: 35
35 points overall with 6, 6, 5 in higher level subjects, including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry.
If you are only taking one core science at higher level from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics, you may still be considered if you take Geography, Psychology, or Sports, Exercise and Health Science at higher level in place of the second core science. In this case, the offer will be 36 points overall with 6, 6, 6 at higher level.
Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
If you are only taking one core science at higher level from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics, you may still be considered if you take Geography, Psychology, or Sports, Exercise and Health Science at higher level in place of the second core science. In this case, the offer will be 36 points overall with 6, 6, 6 at higher level.
Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
We welcome and recognise the value of the Baccalaureate Wales and accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (replacing the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate from September 2023) and would consider this when taken with two science A-levels (minimum grades of AB required at A-level).
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DDD
We consider the National Extended Diploma in Applied Science with grades DDD for entry when it is taken with one science A-level with grade A.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)D
We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)D
We consider the National Extended Certificate in any subject with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester International Foundation Programme in partnership with The University of Manchester are required to achieve a minimum of AAB with grades AA in two sciences (preferably Biology and Chemistry), grade B in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B in every component.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation Year are required to achieve a minimum of AAB or 75% overall with grades AA or 75% in two sciences (preferably Biology and Chemistry), grade B or 65% in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B or 65% in every component.
Applicants studying other foundation programmes should contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Additional entry requirements
- Interview
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any one component. |
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either: GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade 4/C, or; IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any one component, or; An acceptable equivalent qualification. Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification. If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the UCAE page . The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above the B2 level.http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/language-requirements/
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We operate contextual admissions meaning many applicants receive an offer and are admitted at least one grade below standard entry requirements. Entry requirements for applicants meeting contextual admissions criteria are listed next to the standard entry requirements on course profiles.
Contextual admissions means we consider your application in context helping us to ensure everyone has a fair chance of getting into Manchester. The data we use is automatically provided on your UCAS form.
International entry requirements
The University welcomes applications from appropriately qualified candidates across the world. We value global talent and are proud to receive applications from a wide range of educational systems and national backgrounds.
Because international qualifications vary widely, it is not possible for us to list entry information for every country on this page. If your country is not listed below, please contact us and a member of our team will be happy to assist you: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/contact-international-team/ https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/country-specific-information/
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Historical entry grades report
This report uses your grades to show how students with similar results have done when applying to this course in the past. Sometimes, there isn’t data for every possible set of grades. When that happens, universities and colleges occasionally fill in the gaps for sets of grades that are typically accepted.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
The tuition fees for 2027 are yet to be confirmed.
Related courses
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