BSc Medical Microbiology

Right from the start, students dive into hands-on learning, mastering lab-based techniques with the help of eBiolabs, the University of Bristol’s own dynamic online lab manual packed with video tutorials, simulations, and quizzes to boost your confidence and performance before stepping into the wet lab. As you advance through the years, you’ll take your learning further — exploring the cellular and molecular mechanisms of infections, and even designing and delivering your own research project in cutting-edge lab environments.

Here’s how your experience unfolds in real, tangible ways:

• eBiolabs Online Lab Manual: The world’s most comprehensive digital lab guide — featuring simulations, pre-lab quizzes, instructional videos, and automated feedback to ensure you're fully prepared for practical work.

• Teaching & Research Laboratories: Conduct practicals in state-of-the-art facilities within the Biomedical Sciences Building and Clifton campus where you’ll refine your techniques and scientific insight.

• Biomedical Research, Employability and Enterprise Skills Unit: A second-year module designed to hone your transferable skills, making you ready and confident for industry or research roles.

• Final-Year Research Project / Grant Proposal: In your third year, you’ll carry out a substantial research-rich project—either in university labs or hospital-based facilities—sometimes even contributing to published work.

• BioSuite Microbiology Facilities: Exclusive access to a custom-built containment-level 1 lab featuring high-throughput and automated technologies like Tecan liquid handling robots, ideal for protein production, molecular biology, and fermentation workflows.

• Microbiology & Molecular Research Labs: Work alongside researchers in labs equipped with high-throughput PCR systems, robotic extraction (QIAsymphony SP), pipetting automation (QIAgility), and real-time PCR platforms — processing pathogenic samples like Streptococcus pneumoniae or SARS-CoV-2.

Graduates from this degree often step into rewarding roles like Clinical Microbiologist, Biomedical Scientist, Infection Control Specialist, or Research Technician, equipped with strong lab skills and critical thinking. These roles are within hospitals, biotech industries, public health, or research labs—reflecting both practical readiness and depth of scientific insight:

• Employability support: The University’s Careers Service provides tailored support, including one-to-one guidance, employer events, internships, networking evenings, and access to mycareer tools. Support is available both during your studies and for up to three years after graduation.

• Employment statistics & salary insight: Around 94% student satisfaction is reported for the course, with a 0% dropout rate. Median salary 15 months after graduation stands at £28,000, and unemployment is just 6%. Broader estimates show bioscience graduates earn between £24,000–£33,000 over 1 to 5 years post-graduation.

• University–industry relationships: While no course-specific corporate collaborations are listed, the broader Life Sciences faculty maintains strong partnerships with organisations like Eli Lilly and Syngenta, and supports spin-out companies through innovation hubs and incubators.

• Long-term credibility: Though the degree isn't formally accredited, your combination of research-led learning, practical lab training, and employability-focused support gives strong professional credibility in sectors like diagnostics, pharma, and healthcare.

• Solid graduate outcomes: Many graduates land in meaningful, highly skilled jobs aligned with their studies—79% are in skilled work 15 months post-degree, with 67% saying their job fits their future plans, and 71% calling it meaningful.

Further Academic Progression:
Many students who complete the BSc in Medical Microbiology choose to continue on to postgraduate study—such as an MSc in fields like Infection Biology, Immunology, or Biomedical Research, or even progress to a PhD. These advanced programs are supported through the School’s strong research environment and established mentorship, making Bristol an ideal place for deepening expertise and advancing into scientific careers.