BSc (Hons) Microbiology (with Foundation Year)

From the moment you start your degree, UCLan ensures you’re not just learning about microbiology from textbooks — you’ll be in the lab, experimenting, analysing, and discovering how microorganisms affect health, the environment, and industry. The course is designed to give you plenty of hands-on experience with modern equipment and techniques, helping you develop practical skills that employers look for. Over the four years, you’ll work in cutting-edge laboratories, learn directly from active researchers, and have the chance to apply your learning in real-world settings through placements and research projects.

Here’s a closer look at the kind of practical experiences and facilities you’ll use throughout your studies:

• Specialist Microbiology & Molecular Biology Labs
  You’ll spend time in UCLan’s Microbiology Laboratories in the Darwin Building, where you’ll culture microorganisms and use advanced tools like PCR machines, sequencing technology (Ion Torrent), and capillary electrophoresis platforms. These labs mirror the professional environments you’ll encounter in research or clinical roles.

• Wet Labs with Biochemistry & Immunology Equipment
  At the Burnley Campus wet labs, you’ll get hands-on with spectrophotometers, plate readers, centrifuges, incubators, and microscopes — the same tools used in real biotech and diagnostic labs.

• Independent Research Project
  In your final year, you’ll design and carry out your own research project. Whether you’re investigating microbial genetics, antibiotic resistance, or environmental microbiology, this project gives you the chance to apply your scientific thinking and technical skills to genuine research questions.

• Optional Placements & Industry Exposure
  The course offers a sandwich placement year, giving you valuable experience in a professional laboratory setting — whether that’s industrial, environmental, or healthcare-based. It’s a great way to build confidence and make industry connections.

• Group Work & Digital Tools
  You’ll regularly collaborate on group experiments and lab investigations, building teamwork and problem-solving skills. You’ll also work with digital data analysis tools, molecular biology software, and lab-recording systems to interpret and manage experimental results effectively.

• Comprehensive Learning Spaces & Support
  You’ll have access to UCLan’s Biosciences Laboratories, Microscopy Lab, and Tissue Culture facilities, all supported by expert academic staff. Outside the lab, you can take advantage of the library’s extensive resources and modern study areas, ensuring you’re learning from the latest research and scientific developments.

This blend of practical training, modern facilities, and research-led teaching means you’ll graduate with the confidence and experience to thrive in scientific, industrial, or healthcare careers.

Graduating from this microbiology degree puts you in a strong position to work in roles such as Clinical Microbiologist, Biomedical Scientist, Laboratory Technician, or with environmental and public health agencies, applying your lab and analytical skills straight away. UCLan ensures you leave not just with knowledge, but with real employability tools and proven outcomes:

• Tailored Careers Support
  UCLan’s Careers Service offers you personalized one-to-one guidance, lots of help with your CV and cover letters, mock interviews, and regular career fairs with employers. They also give you access to online resources and tools (like job-vacancy portals, interview-practice, etc.) so you can sharpen your professional readiness. 

• Strong Employment Statistics
  UCLan achieves excellent outcomes: about 95.5% of full-time, first-degree graduates are in employment or further study within six months of finishing. For microbiology alumni, median salaries around £24,900 roughly 15 months after graduating have been reported. 

• Industry Connections & Real-World Exposure
  The university works with employers in healthcare, environmental monitoring, food safety, biotech, etc. Students benefit through placement options, live projects, and networking via employer events and career fairs. These connections mean what you learn in lectures and labs is more likely to match what employers want. 

• Long-Term Value & Professional Credibility
  Your degree will equip you with skills that are valued across multiple sectors (health, environment, biotech), not just one narrow field. As you gain experience, you’ll have scope to move into senior roles, quality control, research science, or specialist diagnostics.

• Positive Graduate Outcomes
  Many former students go into roles in laboratories (both public and private), pharma/biotech, environmental health, or further academic study. Some also enter public health or food safety roles. The foundation year ensures those who needed more preparation have a strong start.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the degree, you can specialize further by pursuing a Master’s degree in fields like Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases, Biotechnology, or Public Health. If you aspire to research or academic roles, a PhD is also an option. With the solid foundation and practical experience you’ll gain, you’ll also be able to explore professional routes like clinical laboratory accreditation or work in regulatory science.