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Microbiology MSci

Course details
  • Msci (Hon)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 28/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

Discover the science behind microscopic life with our Microbiology MSci at Birmingham. Combining cell biology, genetic engineering and infection biology you explore how animals, plants, and microorganisms function and interact, preparing you to tackle global challenges. By combining hands-on training with essential skills, we ensure you excel in your career.

The Microbiology MSci gives you flexibility to study multiple aspects of biology alongside a core specialism in microbiology, allowing you to shape your microbiology training in areas from human health to conservation and biotechnology to climate change. Join our four-year programme comprising of core (compulsory) and optional modules. Each module will be assessed in different ways depending on the topic you're studying.

Why study Microbiology at Birmingham?
The Microbiology BSc combines training in essential skills required for modern scientists and allows you to immerse yourself in a vibrant research community: The Institute for Microbiology and Infection.

  • Microbiology Research: Join IMI to tackle global threats like TB, Zika, COVID-19 and antimicrobial resistance.

  • Professional Placement: Gain real-world experience and boost employability with our industry placement year.

  • Study Abroad: Spend a year abroad in 300+ destinations, learning and exploring new cultures.

  • Join BioSoc: Meet fellow students through sports, events, and career-focused activities.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

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:
C505
Institution code:
B32
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

A level - AAA

To include A Level Biology/Human Biology and a second science: Chemistry, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics or Statistics), Physics, Geography, Geology, Psychology Specified subjects excluded for entry: General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies, Applied Science, Communication and Culture, Critical Studies, Global Perspectives, Science in Society, Use of Maths and World Development. Minimum of five GCSEs to include Mathematics, English and double award Science at grade 4/C. The typical offer for the MSci course is higher than that for the corresponding three year BSc degree course. However, all candidates who firmly accept the offer as their first choice will be automatically offered a place on the corresponding BSc course should they fail to meet the MSci offer while meeting the standard offer.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D*D*D*

BTEC National Extended Diploma D*D*D* in Applied Science BTEC National Diploma D*D* in Applied Science or Forensic and Criminal Investigation and A Level grade A in Biology or Human Biology. BTEC National Extended Certificate D* in Applied Science, Applied Human Biology, or Applied Psychology and 2 A Levels with grades AA, to include Biology or Human Biology. Or BTEC National Extended Certificate D* in any subject and 2 A Levels with grades AA, to include Biology or Human Biology and a second science subject.

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE (Science) with sufficient Biology and Chemistry content is considered. Contact Admissions Team for details.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points

6, 6, 6 in Higher Level subjects plus 32 points overall. Higher Level subjects need to include the required subjects as defined for the A Level qualification.

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.

The most common grades on entry for this course are below our standard offer. These include students admitted with alternative offers through our contextual admissions schemes. These are typically 1 or 2 grades below the standard offer. You can find information on these schemes using the link below.
You can check your eligibility to receive an offer for this course using our Offer Calculator using the same link.

Learn more on the University of Birmingham website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

53 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

84 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9790Year 1
Northern Ireland£9790Year 1
Scotland£9790Year 1
Wales£9790Year 1
Channel Islands£9790Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9790Year 1

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

For details of the annual tuition fee for International Students please see the course web page listed in the 'course details' section above.
If you are made an offer to study by the University, the yearly tuition fee will be stated in your offer letter.

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