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Microbiology
- BSc (Hons)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- 14/09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Course summary
About this course
Discover how microbes play key roles in global challenges on this three year BSc from the University of Southampton, a global top 100 university.*
On this three-year degree, you'll explore how microbiology impacts all aspects of our lives and the world around us as you investigate topics such as: antimicrobial resistance and its link to One Health, understanding the microbiome – from human to planetary health, use of microbes in biotechnology, and understanding biofilms and their impact.
Once you've graduated from this course, you'll be prepared for career opportunities across a range of roles and sectors, including:
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Environmental monitoring
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Agriculture, water, and oil
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Medical and pharmaceutical industries
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Education
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Communication and management
Key features of the course:
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Benefit from a vast range of module choice, which allow you to develop a deep understanding of the areas of Microbiology you're passionate about and to delve further into topics across the biological sciences
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Study surrounded by researchers who shape the programme with their world-changing research, and whose expertise spans the breadth of the discipline as they change the world around us
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Gain real-life skills suited to industry, to enhance your employment prospects
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Seize opportunities to study abroad at partner universities around the world
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Join a University where 96% of Biological Sciences graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).
Student support
From day one, you'll join a welcoming and supportive Biological Sciences community, home to researchers who are paving the way for advancements in science and eager to share their findings with their peers and our student community. You'll be supported by your personal academic tutor and guided throughout your degree to ensure you graduate primed and ready for your future career in industry, in research, or in further study.
Further information
Biological Sciences programmes at Southampton are accredited by the Royal Biological Society, meaning you'll graduate from a course commended across the sector.
*QS World University Rankings 2025
Modules
Throughout this course you'll explore the breadth of the discipline, starting with a broad base and then allowing you to choose from our extensive offering of optional modules, providing flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests and ambitions.
Year 1: Foundations of biological sciences and how to think like a scientist.
Year 2: Fundamentals of microbiology and study of infections diseases, the role of environmental microbiology, and biotechnology applications.
Year 3: Focus on advanced and current topics in microbiology including microbiome research and biofilms and microbial communities.
For full list of all modules available, please visit the course page.
Assessment method
You'll learn, and be assessed, through a range of methods designed to equip you with the skills you need for success after graduating.
The learning activities include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning.
The assessment methods include coursework, laboratory reports and essays, individual and group projects, oral presentations, written and practical exams.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Study options
- BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 14/09/2026
Apply by
14 January
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:
- S27
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Southampton 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
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:
- C500
- Institution code:
- S27
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - ABB
ABB to include Biology and one further science subject.
A level science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics,
Science practical components must be passed.
General Studies, Critical Thinking and Use of Mathematics are excluded for entry.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
We accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in suitable science subjects
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit. A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Scottish Higher
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject).
Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4"
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD
If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DD + B in A-Level Biology Science practical component must be passed in A-level Biology.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D
D + AB at A-Level, to include Biology and one further science subject. Science practical component must be passed in A-level Biology.
Scottish Advanced Higher
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual's academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of the pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton's Curriculum for Excellence Scotland statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact the Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Applicants are also required to have achieved a pass in Maths and English at Standard Grade Grade 3 or National 5 Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/Grade 4.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
Pass with overall score of 32 points, with 16 points required at higher level, including 5 and 6 points at Higher Level in Biology and one further science subject
Science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) , Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology.
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP):
The University of Southampton accepts the IBCP for entry to their degree programmes, recognising the value of combining academic skills with practical skills, providing a solid preparation for university level work. Offers will be made on the individual components of the IBCP. Applicants not taking the full IBCP but presenting with a combination of a Level 3 vocational qualification and IB Certificates may still be considered.
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales - B
AB from two A levels including Biology and one further a science subject and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. Science practical component must be passed in A-level Biology.
Extended Project - A
BBB in 3 A-levels to include Biology and one further science subject plus grade A in the EPQ. Science practical components must be passed.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3
H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3 to include Biology and one further science subject. Science subjects considered include Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology.
Applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at ILC Grade C or 04, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/grade 4.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, M2, M2
D3, M2, M2 to include Biology and one further science subject.
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
GCSEs: The University of Southampton requires all applicants to achieve at least a Grade 4 in English and Mathematics GCSEs (taken in England) or a Grade C in both subjects (where taken in Northern Ireland or Wales).
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Band C: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component |
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.
Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page
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.
Most of the students who enrolled on this course in previous years met their offer conditions at our published entry criteria, securing their place on their chosen course.
We encourage all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, to apply to study with us. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
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
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
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
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| EU | £32000 | Year 1 |
| International | £32000 | Year 1 |
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
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
Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ
Visit our website Visit our course page
Course contact details
General Admissions
Email:admissions@soton.ac.uk
Phone:023 8059 4732
Undergraduate Admissions - Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences
Email:AdmissionsUG.ELS@soton.ac.uk
Phone:023 8059 4732
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