MSc Microbiology (With Advanced Practice)

Applicants are normally expected to have at least a UK 2.2 honours degree, or equivalent, in a subject with significant biosciences content.

Examples of acceptable first degree subjects include biomedical science, biochemistry, biological sciences, human biology, forensic biology and animal science.

In addition, international students normally need at least a 6.0, with no component below 5.5, in the International Language Testing System (IELTS) test.

If your first degree is not in one of the subject areas listed above please contact our admissions team for guidance and advice on how you might become eligible. We may be able to offer you alternative access routes.

For general information please see our overview of entry requirements

International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country

For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more

The course provides you with the academic, analytical and practical skills to assist you in to many careers.

Many of our graduates choose to continue in research careers and begin PhDs or become research scientists (research assistants or technicians). Our scientists have obtained posts in universities, industry (including oil and gas), biotechnology and hospital diagnostic and pathology laboratories.

More generally, microbiologists can use their training in education, working in schools, colleges of further education and in universities. Further opportunities are available to apply microbiology training in scientific publishing, in patent offices working on biological patents, in science outreach and contributing to the public understanding of microbiological issues.

Advanced Practice in Sciences

Complete an internship for a maximum of 12 weeks as part of the course. Enhance your transferrable and analytical skills and develop your experience to strengthen your CV. We can guarantee you a research internship, but can’t guarantee a vocational internship. However, we can provide practical support and advice on how to find and secure a position. You develop educationally and experience the wider benefits of study due to the extended course duration.

Analytical Techniques

Explore a range of advanced analytical techniques applicable to life science research. Emphasis is on chromatography and mass spectrometry, with specialist topics such as microscopy and genomic skills. Explore the importance of these practical instrumentation techniques to modern investigations, including proteomics, metabolomics and genomics. Learn advanced lab skills for sample extraction, sample preparation, instrumentation methodology and how to interpret spectra. Develop essential data handling skills and use a range of statistical programmes.

Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostic Techniques

Develop knowledge and skills in advanced areas of biochemistry with special focus on clinical applications and diagnostics. Emphasis is on the analysis of bodily fluids and other biological material to aid in patient diagnosis, therapy and monitoring for a variety of diseases. Understand the essential concepts of clinical biochemistry and the associated diagnostic techniques required.

Fermentation Microbiology

Explore the fundamentals of fermentation technology - a multi-disciplinary area of biotechnology involving practical skills in science and engineering. The principles of fermentation technology involve using microbial cells as micro-factories to manufacture a product of interest. Fermentation technology is widespread – it ranges from the production of food in our kitchen to the synthesis of sophisticated, high-value, cutting-edge therapeutics.

Genomics and Bioinformatics