Enter OTP
Microbes may be tiny, but their impact on our world is huge. On this degree, you’ll explore the roles bacteria, fungi, and viruses play in health, food, and the environment—while developing the skills to help solve global challenges like infectious disease, antibiotic resistance, and sustainable food production. At Leeds, you won’t just study microbes in theory: you’ll work with them directly in the lab, gaining hands-on experience that prepares you for real careers in science, medicine, and industry.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your journey begins with the basics of microbiology and molecular biosciences. Through modules like Introductory Skills in Microbiology, Introductory Skills in the Molecular Biosciences, and The Basis of Life, you’ll learn the essentials—culturing bacteria, using microscopes, performing PCR, and sequencing DNA. Alongside these, tutorials and computer-based classes help build confidence and sharpen your scientific thinking.
Year 2
In your second year, you’ll dive deeper into the complexity of microbes. Modules such as Medical Microbiology, Molecular Virology, and Bioinformatics for Biologists explore how microbes cause disease, how viruses are built, and how big biological data is analysed. This year is packed with research-led practical sessions that bring cutting-edge microbiology to life.
Year 3 (Final Year)
By your final year, you’ll be ready to take on real research. You’ll prepare for and complete an extended research project, guided by expert staff. Modules like Advanced Topics in Microbiology 1 & 2, Advanced Skills for Microbiologists, and Advanced Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology push your knowledge further, while techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy, flow cytometry, and bio-imaging give you genuine insight into how today’s discoveries are made.
Focus Areas
Medical microbiology, microbial pathogens, virology, molecular biosciences, advanced microbiological research
Learning Outcomes
You’ll graduate with the ability to design and run experiments, apply microbiological and bioinformatics techniques, and carry out independent research—skills that employers and research institutes value highly.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This course is fully accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, recognising the quality and research intensity of your training.
Reputation (Employability)
Leeds microbiology graduates stand out for their practical skills, enterprise opportunities, and research experience. Whether you’re interested in healthcare, biotech, or academic research, this degree sets you up for success.
From your very first week, this degree takes you beyond the textbook and into real science. You won’t just learn about microbes—you’ll investigate them directly, building the kind of hands-on and digital skills that scientists use every day. Whether it’s working through practical protocols, tackling group challenges, or designing mini-experiments, you’ll be learning by doing in an environment that feels dynamic and engaging.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Modern, research-led facilities – Your first two years are spent in recently refurbished teaching labs and specialist computer suites. These spaces are designed to give you the perfect mix of hands-on lab work and computational training.
Dedicated career support – From early on, the Student Opportunity Team helps you explore internships, placements, and future career pathways. With their guidance, you’ll be able to connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities.
Cutting-edge research in your final year – If you choose the integrated MBiol pathway, your fourth year is spent working on an extended project in a research lab. Here you might be contributing to global studies in cancer biology, biopharmaceuticals, or membrane protein science—using advanced techniques like CRISPR, structural biology, high-throughput sequencing, and bioinformatics.
Active learning at every step – The course is built around interactive teaching: problem-solving in teams, tackling mini-projects, and developing practical skills that make lab work second nature.
Digital learning tools – You’ll use Minerva (the University’s digital learning hub) to prepare and revise, while electronic lab notebooks keep your work organised and sharpen skills valued in modern research.
Graduates from this degree step confidently into careers where microbiology makes a real difference. Many go on to roles such as Microbiologist, Clinical Scientist, Biomedical Scientist, or Forensic Scientist—thanks to the strong mix of practical lab training, data skills, and research experience you’ll gain throughout your studies.
How Leeds supports your career:
The Faculty Employability Team and University Careers Centre are with you from day one. You’ll have access to STEM Careers Fairs, employer networking events, alumni panels, volunteering, and tailored one-to-one support for CVs, placements, and interview prep. The Leeds for Life scheme also ensures you’re supported both academically and personally throughout your degree.
Graduate success and earnings:
This course has a proven track record, with 100% graduate prospects (DLHE) and 100% student satisfaction (NSS 2019).
Typical salaries are around £22,000 within 15 months, rising to £38,000 by five years after graduation.
Recognition and partnerships:
Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (Advanced Accreditation), this programme is officially recognised for producing research-ready microbiology professionals.
Links with healthcare, biotech, and industry partners mean your skills stay relevant and highly valued.
Long-term outcomes:
With expert teaching, top-notch labs, and strong employer connections, Leeds graduates are sought after across research, healthcare, and industrial labs. Many also continue their academic journey, building on the strong foundation gained here.
Further Academic Progression:
A large proportion of graduates go on to postgraduate study:
Around 70% pursue PhDs,
20% progress to MSc programmes,
Others branch into teacher training, graduate-entry medicine, or dentistry.
for India : A-Level Entry: Standard offer is AAB, typically including biology and another science subject.IB : Applicants need at least 31 points overall, with strong performance in higher-level sciences.for India : You will need standard XII English at 70% or 75% depending on state board, or IELTS 6.0 overall, GCSE English C or 4 or an equivalentIndian Boards (Class 12 / HSC / CBSE / ISC): At least 80% overall.for USA : SAT - 1290 (650 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 620 in Maths) , ACT - 26for USA : High School Diploma 3.0 GPA with two Honors Classes at A, plus one AP at 4.for USA : Advanced Placement (AP) tests: require at least one AP at grade 4 or 5 in subject-specific areas. APs can also substitute for Honors classes in certain cases.for USA : Associate Degrees: A 2-year Associate Degree with GPA ≥ 3.0 may be considered on a case-by-case basis.MicrobiologistClinical scientistBiomedical scientistForensic scientistResearch scientistHealthcare scientistBiopharmaceutical developerPublic health specialistEnvironmental consultantAcademic researcher
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