Microbiology and Cell Science

What this subject is

We list 59 Microbiology and Cell Science courses at 34 UK universities across 26 cities. They run at undergraduate level.

Teaching in Microbiology and Cell Science is offered as a three year BSc or a four year integrated masters, and the longer route is the usual step towards research.

September is the main intake. A number of departments also run a January start, which is worth knowing if your English result or your documents will not be ready in time for the summer.

What you will study

• Core theory
• Laboratory technique
• Statistics and data handling
• Instrumentation and analysis
• Scientific writing
• Literature review skills
• An optional specialism
• A supervised research project

What departments ask for

The lowest English requirement across the departments we hold on this subject is IELTS 6.0. Component scores count as well as the overall: a department asking for 6.0 overall normally sets a minimum in each of the four papers, and writing is the one applicants most often miss.

Postgraduate entry is judged on your bachelor degree and its classification. Most departments ask for the equivalent of a UK 2:1, which is broadly a 3.00 out of 4.00 or 70 out of 100 on a Turkish transcript. A 2:2 is accepted at a number of departments, more readily where you have relevant work behind you.

Undergraduate entry is judged on your school leaving certificate and grades. Where a qualification is not a direct match for A levels, departments either ask for a foundation year first or accept it at a higher grade.

Alongside the transcript you will need a personal statement, one or two references and a passport copy. Statements that name a specific module, a piece of work or a problem you want to study read very differently from statements that would fit any course.

Where it leads

• Research scientist
• Laboratory analyst
• Quality specialist
• Regulatory affairs
• Technical sales
• Data analyst
• Science communication
• Doctoral study

Questions we get asked