BSc in Microbiology

On this course, you won’t just learn about microbes in theory — you’ll spend a huge part of your degree actually working with them in the lab and out in the field. From your very first year, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities, advanced bioinformatics tools, and even field trips where you’ll get to see how microbiology connects to the wider environment. Queen’s also places a big emphasis on preparing you for your career, so you’ll have opportunities to do real research projects, summer internships, and even a full professional placement year if you choose.

Here are some of the hands-on experiences you can expect:

• World-class facilities – you’ll study in the brand-new £40m School of Biological Sciences building, packed with modern teaching labs, research facilities, and collaborative spaces.

• Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) – teaching is closely linked with IGFS, so you’ll learn from experts working on real challenges like food safety, food integrity, and environmental microbiology.

• ASSET Technology Centre – a specialist hub with advanced analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry equipment that you’ll have the chance to use in your studies.

• Specialised microbiology labs – including Containment Level 1, 2 and 3 labs, giving you exposure to work with microorganisms under the correct safety conditions.

• Genomics and bioinformatics tools – access to high-end sequencing platforms (e.g. Illumina, PacBio) and training in “omics” analysis, data handling, and bioinformatics pipelines.

• Field courses – take part in residential field trips to places like the Mourne Mountains and Strangford Lough, where you’ll practice ecological sampling, biodiversity studies, and environmental testing.

• Placements and internships – you can opt for the Microbiology with Professional Studies pathway, which includes a year-long (minimum 46-week) work placement, or apply for Queen’s funded summer internships to gain industry experience.

• Sustainability in labs – many teaching and research labs are accredited under the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF), so you’ll learn in facilities that are both cutting-edge and environmentally responsible.

A degree in Microbiology from Queen’s sets you up for an exciting range of careers. Many graduates go straight into roles such as clinical or diagnostic microbiologist, laboratory technician, or food and environmental safety officer, while others find opportunities in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. With your mix of lab skills, bioinformatics training, and research experience, you’ll graduate with a toolkit that employers really value.

Here’s what makes Queen’s stand out when it comes to graduate opportunities:

• Dedicated careers support – the School of Biological Sciences has its own Careers & Placement Team, offering one-to-one guidance, CV and interview prep, and tailored employer events. You’ll also benefit from career fairs, mentoring, and site visits that connect you directly with employers.

• Strong employability record – around 95% of graduates from microbiology and cell sciences at Queen’s are working or in further study within 15 months, with average starting salaries of £24,000–£26,000.

• Industry connections – through the Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS), you’ll gain exposure to real-world projects in areas like food safety, diagnostics, and environmental microbiology, working alongside government agencies, retailers, and major companies.

• Recognised accreditation – the degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, which adds long-term professional value and gives you a competitive edge when applying for jobs or postgraduate study.

• Graduate outcomes – alumni from this course move into technical, research, regulatory, and quality-focused roles across healthcare, biotech, and environmental sectors, or continue into advanced study.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue your studies after graduation, there are plenty of options. Many students move on to Master’s programmes in areas like medical microbiology, biotechnology, or bioinformatics, while others go straight into PhD research in microbiology or related fields. You can also choose shorter postgraduate certificates in areas such as biosafety or food safety regulation if you want to specialise for industry.