MSci Microbiology

You’ll tap into world-class lab spaces, engage with real-world sustainability challenges, and produce impactful research by the time you graduate. From groundbreaking imaging techniques to collaborative interdisciplinary ventures, you’ll gain practical skills that define your scientific expertise:

Here’s how your learning turns hands-on:

• Advanced lab-based final-year research project: In Year 4, you’ll lead a major independent research project in one of the University’s 200+ bioscience labs—perfect for building confidence, technical ability, and scholarly independence. 

• Ethical Grand Challenges & University Living Lab: These initiatives allow you to tackle sustainability and public-health issues in partnership with real organisations, giving your science a social and ethical purpose. 

• Access to cutting-edge research institutes: You’ll study alongside and learn from leading-edge facilities such as the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, known for its excellence in enzyme engineering, microbial biotechnology, and molecular solutions for clean growth. 

• Specialised imaging capabilities: If your interests lean toward microbiological imaging, the university’s Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre offers access to PET, MRI, and radiochemistry facilities—amazing tools for visualising biological processes in action. 

• Interdisciplinary collaboration & real-world learning: Alongside lab work, you'll engage in team-based learning, ethical discussions, and cross-disciplinary modules that connect your microbiology training to global challenges. 

Graduates of the MSci Microbiology course frequently move into advanced roles like research scientists, biotech specialists, clinical microbiologists, or use their expertise to begin PhD research. Not only do they emerge with deep scientific knowledge, but the programme also equips them with hands-on research experience and professional credibility:

• Dedicated Career Support: You’ll benefit from guidance through Global Careers, which offers tailored CV workshops, practice interviews, and access to graduate fairs—designed to match you with roles in bioscience and research sectors. 

• Strong Career Foundations: The intensive Year 4 research project equips you with laboratory leadership and project-management skills—positioning you for both PhD pathways and careers in academia or biotechnology. 

• Accreditation Advantage: This MSci is Advanced Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, meaning you'll be eligible for Member status (MRSB) after just two years of practice—unlocking accelerated routes to Chartered Biologist or Chartered Scientist status. 

• Graduate Outcomes & Salaries: Data shows that 73% of microbiology and cell science graduates secure highly-skilled roles, with salary ranges showing steady growth—from around £24k at 15 months post-graduation to £32k after five years. 

• Global Career Paths: Alumni of bioscience degrees at Manchester go on to diverse roles abroad—from founding conservation NGOs to leading R&D departments in top global pharmaceutical companies. 

Further Academic Progression:
Completing this MSci places you in a strong position to pursue PhD research, specialised postgraduate MSc programmes, or even careers in clinical diagnostics or policy—especially with your research mastery and the fast-track accreditation boosting your professional trajectory.