BSc Microbiology with Industrial/Professional Experience

You won’t just study microbes—you’ll put your knowledge into action. This programme is built around hands-on, real-world experiences that prepare you for both the lab and the workplace. From professional placements to ethical projects, your learning goes beyond textbooks and into challenges that matter.

How you’ll gain real experience

• Year-long industrial placement (Year 3) : Step into the professional world with a full-year placement at a leading organisation. Past students have worked with partners such as AstraZeneca, GSK, the Mayo Clinic, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Whether in the UK or abroad, this experience gives you the chance to apply your science, build confidence, and graduate with a CV that stands out.
• Ethical Grand Challenges & University Living Lab : Take your studies beyond the lab bench by working on projects that address pressing global issues like sustainability and public health. You’ll collaborate with external organisations to design solutions with real impact—connecting your microbiology expertise to society’s biggest challenges.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities : At Manchester, microbiology doesn’t exist in isolation. You’ll explore themes that link science with responsibility, policy, and the environment—broadening your perspective and helping you understand the wider context of your work.

Graduates of this programme don’t just leave with a degree—they step out ready to make an impact. The combination of advanced microbiology knowledge and a full year of professional experience means you’ll graduate with both the skills and the confidence to thrive in science and beyond.

• Tailored career supportYou’ll have access to Manchester’s Global Careers team, who will help you polish your CV, prepare for interviews, and connect with the right employers. Their support is designed around bioscience and industry careers, giving you a real advantage in a competitive field.
• Excellent graduate outcomesAn impressive 95% of students are working or in further study within six months of graduating—proof of how well this degree sets you up for success.
• Powerful industry connectionsYour placement opportunities with world-leading organisations like AstraZeneca, GSK, the Mayo Clinic, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew give you invaluable professional experience and a network that can open doors after graduation.
• Professional recognitionBecause the course carries Advanced Accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology, you’ll be eligible to apply for Member (MRSB) status after just two years of work—fast-tracking your journey toward becoming a Chartered Biologist or Scientist.
• Diverse career pathsMany graduates move into roles as microbiologists, lab scientists, or biotech specialists, while others branch out into public health, policy, conservation, or science communication. The skills you’ll develop—like problem-solving, data analysis, and teamwork—are in demand across sectors.

Further study options
If you’re looking to continue your academic journey, this degree sets you up perfectly for postgraduate study. Whether you want to pursue a research MSc, PhD, or a more applied master’s in biotechnology or environmental science, you’ll have the credibility and practical grounding to take the next step with confidence.