Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Foundation degrees (FdSci)
Higher National Diploma
Entrance Requirements
Making applications
Mature students
Funding

Bachelor of Science
Most students opt for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree and there are more than 50 universities across the UK and Ireland where you can study microbiology as your main option. Society for General Microbiology maintains a list of microbiology courses.

If you want to keep your options open, you could choose a general biology or life sciences course, studying a wider range of subjects in the first couple of years before selecting your final degree pathway.

Although most BSc degrees last three years, some are four years long and include a period of work-place training. This provides excellent practical experience – very useful to have when applying for jobs after graduation.

Students interested in working as a biomedical scientist in a hospital microbiology laboratory should choose a biomedical sciences BSc that is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

The UCAS website includes a course search option (for full-time BSc courses and some foundation degrees), advice and information on applying to university.

If you don’t want to commit to studying for a BSc, there are other types of course available.

Foundation degrees
Foundation degrees (FdSci) are an intermediate higher education qualification lasting two years.  They are designed by universities in conjunction with employers and they mix academic study with work-based learning so that students gain knowledge and skills directly relevant to the workplace. Foundation degrees are usually taught at Further Education Colleges and are validated by universities.

If you enjoy studying and successfully complete the degree, it is usually possible to progress onto an honours degree pathway at the validating university; further study for 12-15 months would lead to a BSc. Alternatively, a foundation degree will prepare you to go straight into a job.

Higher National Diploma
Some universities offer Higher National Diploma (HND) courses in microbiology or related biological sciences. They are similar to foundation degrees because they are two year courses and are also designed (sometimes in consultation with employers) to be a good preparation for entering the world of work. Very often, students who do well at HND go on to study for another two years leading to a BSc. However, if you decide against further study, the HND is good preparation for entering work.

Entrance Requirements
BSc degrees
The usual university minimum entrance requirement for school leavers is 5 subjects including maths and English at  GCSE (grades A-C) or SQA standard grade passes (at grade or above) and 2 'A' level (or 3 SQA higher grade) science passes. However, many institutions require 3 'A' levels or the equivalent combination of 'AS' and 'A2' levels (or 4 Highers / 3 Advanced Highers). A relevant BTEC or SQA National Diploma or Certificate, or suitable advanced VCEs, may also be acceptable.  If you are not sure about the eligibility of your qualifications, you should seek advice from the departmental admissions tutor directly. Some universities use the UCAS entry tariff whilst others prefer to make offers based on grades. Each application is judged on its merits and when an offer is made, many factors are taken into account.

FdSc degrees and HNDs
The usual minimum entry requirement is 1 A2/AVCE at grade C or 2 SQA higher grade passes.  BTEC or SQA National Diploma is also acceptable. Passes in maths and English GCSE or SQA standard grade are also usually required.

Required subjects
For entry to a microbiology or allied course, preferred subjects at 'A' level (or equivalent) are biology, chemistry, maths or physics. Although non-science subjects are acceptable, studying at least two of the preferred subjects will give you the most choice when selecting courses and universities.

Chemistry and biology are the most useful subjects to have studied – in fact a few universities list these as required subjects.  Studying biology alongside two non-sciences at A level is not a good preparation for a university science course and some institutions do not accept this combination of subjects for entry to a biological science or microbiology course.

Making applications
Once you have made your selection, you must apply through UCAS for entry to a full-time BSc course. For other types of course and part-time study it is best to consult the individual institutions directly.

Funding
The website www.direct.gov.uk has information about funding for students in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales