About this course Microbiology impacts all aspects of our lives and the world around us. Study MSci Microbiology at a global top 100 university* and learn about the roles of microbes in global challenges like antimicrobial resistance, food security, global health, and the climate crisis. You'll develop knowledge in medical and environmental microbiology, including how we can control infectious diseases or use microbes in beneficial ways, and explore the advances in microbiome research, allowing you to develop the essential skills and experience you need for a career in a range of roles and industries, including: - Environmental monitoring - Agriculture, water, and oil - Medical and pharmaceutical industries - Education - Communication and management Key features of the course: - 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 - 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 - Gain real-life skills suited to industry, to enhance your employment prospects - Seize opportunities to study abroad at partner universities around the world - 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
A Level: AAB | AAB to include Biology and one further science subject. A level science subjects considered include Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Science practical components must be passed. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Use of Mathematics are excluded for entry. | 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" | Access to HE Diploma: 39 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma: 6 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma | 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 39 credits must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit. A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied. | 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 their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their 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. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): DD | We accept the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in suitable science subjects and in conjunction with one A-level in Biology. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DD + A at A-Level, to include Biology and one further science subject. Science practical component must be passed in A-level Biology. | Extended Project: A | Grades ABB from 3 A-levels to include Biology and one further science subject plus Grade A in the EPQ. Science practical component must be passed in A-level Biology. | International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: 34 UCAS points | Pass with overall score of 34 points, with 17 points at Higher Level, including 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 at HL6) , 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 | AA 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. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): DDD | We accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in suitable science subjects | Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017): H1H2H2H2H2H2 | H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 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. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016): D | D + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include Biology and one further science subject. Science practical component must be passed in A-level Biology. | Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal: D3D3M1 | D3, D3, M1 to include Biology and one further science subject. Science subjects considered include Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology and Geography. 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.
Band C: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
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. Year 4: Develop your skills to become an independent researcher and focus on cutting edge research, with input from industry. For full list of all modules available, please visit the course page.
Please see our website for further details and updates regarding tuition fees. We anticipate that international tuition fee levels for 2027 entry will be confirmed in August 2026. — UG 2027 Entry - Home Confirmed, International TBC
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