Skip navigation

Microbiology

  • 3 Study options
  • Undergraduate
Main Site
More about University of Leeds

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
Apply

Course summary

Microbiology is the study of organisms too small to be visible with the naked eye, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. This course will cover an area of science fundamental to the understanding of life on this planet – from human and animal disease, better food production to microbial involvement in global cycles.

You will study a range of microbiological topics with a biomedical focus, such as bacterial resistance to antibiotics, the use of microbes in biotechnology, and how new pathogens, such as the cause of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), emerge and cause disease.

By studying at Leeds, you’ll be part of the next generation of expert scientists, developing specialist knowledge and skills, whilst building on the foundations of microbiology within areas such as immunology, genetics, biochemistry and cell biology.

This integrated Masters (MBiol) gives you an additional year of specialist training, to study advanced research topics and undertake your own extended research project. You may also choose to apply for our 3 year BSc and transfer to an MBiol up until the end of your second year, subject to suitable academic performance.

Why study at Leeds

  • Study with one of the largest centres for biological sciences research in the UK, with access to cutting- edge facilities, industry links and specialist research opportunities.

  • Flexible options to transfer onto other suitable and related degrees at the end of year 1, as many programmes within our School share a common first year.

  • Put theory into practice by undertaking fieldwork activities within the UK, Spain and South Africa. You’ll advance your research skills and gain hands-on experience highly valued by employers in industry or in postgraduate education.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • Master of Biology • Full-Time • 4 Years
  • Master of Biology • Full-Time • Time abroad (mandatory) • 5 Years
  • Master of Biology • Full-Time • Placement (mandatory) • 5 Years

Start dates

Application codes

Institution code:
L23

University of Leeds 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

Application codes

Institution code:
L23

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.

Course options

Open days

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
AAA

AAA

Including biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject. Critical thinking and general studies excluded.

We accept the following:

Science: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics.

Science-related: computing, environmental science, food science, geography, geology, PE, psychology, statistics.

Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.

When an applicant is taking any of the following:

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ)

Core Maths (if A-level Maths or Further Maths isn't studied as a full A-level)

AS Maths (if A-level Maths or Further Maths isn't studied as a full A-level)

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate

It will be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A-levels, this would be a 1 grade drop from the standard offer. For example an A in one of the above qualifications with AAB at A-level (MBiol applicants).

GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English. The Faculty of Biological Sciences will accept Level 2 Functional Skills as equivalent to C/4 in GCSE English.

T Level
Not accepted

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher

BSc: Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AB in 2 Advanced Highers including biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject. Critical thinking and general studies excluded.

MBiol: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AA in 2 Advanced Highers including biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject. Critical thinking and general studies excluded.

We accept the following:

Science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics.

Science-related subjects: PE, geography, use of mathematics, psychology, statistics, geology and computing.

Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own.

Access to HE Diploma
Not accepted

Scottish Advanced Higher

5 x Highers AABBB, with AA in 2 Advanced Highers including biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject. Critical thinking and general studies excluded.

We accept the following:

Science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics.

Science-related subjects: PE, geography, use of mathematics, psychology, statistics, geology and computing.

Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own.

Extended Project

It will be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A-levels, this would be a 1 grade drop from the standard offer. For example an A in one of the above qualifications with AAB at A-level (MBiol applicants).

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 31

31 overall with 6,6,6 at higher level including Biology or Chemistry and another science or science-related subject.

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

MBiol:
We do not accept BTEC qualifications.

BSc:
Applicants with BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma are required to have A-level Biology. If the BTEC subject is Applied Science, applicants can have A-level Mathematics, Chemistry or Physics instead.

Distinctions in the BTEC subject and an A in Biology A-level, (or B in Mathematics, Chemistry or Physics A-level if studying BTEC Applied Science), are required.

Applicants with BTEC Extended Certificate qualifications must have at least 2 A-levels and at least one of these must be in Biology.

Distinction in the BTEC Extended Certificate and A in A-level Biology is required.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2H2H2H2H3H3

H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject at higher level.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3D3M1

D3/D3/D3 Including biology or chemistry plus another science or science-related subject. Global Perspectives excluded.

When an applicant is taking Global Perspectives this can be considered alongside Pre-U subjects and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. D3/D3/M1 and grade D3 in Global Perspectives.

For the most up-to-date information on entry requirements please visit www.leeds.ac.uk/courses

Entry requirements for students joining after Year 1: Successful completion of Year 1 of a relevant degree course with an overall score of at least 65% in addition to the standard year 1 entry requirements below

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

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.

If the most common grade accepted is higher than our entry requirements, this is due to the attainment of our applicants. If you have been made an offer and you meet or exceed the grades of your offer, you will be accepted.

If grades lower than our entry requirements have been accepted, in most cases this is because we operate contextual admissions as part of our decision making, which considers factors beyond grades. For more information about contextual admissions, please visit our website.

Learn more on the University of Leeds website

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.

This course may have Historical entry grades data available, please select a course option to view.

Course options

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

For further information please see http://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduatefees

Related courses

At University of Leeds

Like this page