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BSc Microbiology with Foundation
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UCAS code
C501 -
Clearing BTEC Extended Offer
DMM -
Clearing Offer
DDD/CCD -
Year of entry
2024/25 See 2025/26 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
-
Year of entry
2024/25 See 2025/26 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
Expand your knowledge of some of the planet's most dominant life forms, and take part in research projects with a global impact on this BSc Microbiology with Foundation course.
BSc Microbiology with Foundation is a four-year programme that includes a year of foundational study and leads directly into the three-year course.
As part of the UK's oldest microbiology department you can develop laboratory skills in purpose-built microbiology facilities and be taught by world-leading experts, with particular strengths in virology and bacteriology. 98% of students in the School of Biological Sciences said our teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (National Student Survey, 2023).
Through the course, you will learn about the fundamental properties, genetics and physiology of diverse microbes. Options will then allow you to focus on areas that most interest you, including medical, environmental or food microbiology. You will also have the chance to carry out a year-long industrial placement or a paid vacation studentship in order to gain valuable work and research experience. You'll benefit from membership of the Microbiology Society and strong links with industry.
BSc Microbiology has a strong practical basis, and you will learn a wide variety of techniques such as microbial genetics, biochemistry and propagation. During your final year you will have the chance to spend three months working on an original research project of your choice. Recent projects have included the molecular engineering of viruses, and the mechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity and host colonisation.
Our £60m Health and Life Sciences building is the home of the School of Biological Sciences. It offers state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratories, seminar rooms, and plenty of study and social space, including a café. The building also houses the Cole Museum of Zoology. The collection, featuring over 3,500 natural history specimens, provides a fantastic resource for biological scientists and the wider community.
In your final year you will also have the opportunity to take part in our unique Arctic microbiology field course in Iceland. There you will be able to examine the unusual microbes that inhabit extreme environments and learn field-based sampling techniques.
Placement
You will have the opportunity to carry out a year-long industrial placement between your third and final year. Student in previous years have worked at Public Health England’s Porton Down and Colindale laboratories, GSK, AstraZeneca and Covance. You can also choose to spend a year abroad, typically carrying out research in an academic laboratory.
You will be able to undertake paid vacation studentships funded by organisations such as the Wellcome Trust and the Microbiology Society. These can take place over six weeks during the summer break, or be carried out part-time over a longer period. During studentships you will typically work on a set project and benefit from valuable training in techniques, experimental design and the interpretation of data.
Additionally, you can take a work placement module.
Our department has a dedicated academic in charge of placements, who can provide you with advice and support.
For more information, please visit the School of Biological Sciences website.
Overview
Expand your knowledge of some of the planet's most dominant life forms, and take part in research projects with a global impact on this BSc Microbiology with Foundation course.
BSc Microbiology with Foundation is a four-year programme that includes a year of foundational study and leads directly into the three-year course.
As part of the UK's oldest microbiology department you can develop laboratory skills in purpose-built microbiology facilities and be taught by world-leading experts, with particular strengths in virology and bacteriology. 98% of students in the School of Biological Sciences said our teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (National Student Survey, 2023).
Through the course, you will learn about the fundamental properties, genetics and physiology of diverse microbes. Options will then allow you to focus on areas that most interest you, including medical, environmental or food microbiology. You will also have the chance to carry out a year-long industrial placement or a paid vacation studentship in order to gain valuable work and research experience. You'll benefit from membership of the Microbiology Society and strong links with industry.
BSc Microbiology has a strong practical basis, and you will learn a wide variety of techniques such as microbial genetics, biochemistry and propagation. During your final year you will have the chance to spend three months working on an original research project of your choice. Recent projects have included the molecular engineering of viruses, and the mechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity and host colonisation.
Our £60m Health and Life Sciences building is the home of the School of Biological Sciences. It offers state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratories, seminar rooms, and plenty of study and social space, including a café. The building also houses the Cole Museum of Zoology. The collection, featuring over 3,500 natural history specimens, provides a fantastic resource for biological scientists and the wider community.
In your final year you will also have the opportunity to take part in our unique Arctic microbiology field course in Iceland. There you will be able to examine the unusual microbes that inhabit extreme environments and learn field-based sampling techniques.
Placement
You will have the opportunity to carry out a year-long industrial placement between your third and final year. Student in previous years have worked at Public Health England’s Porton Down and Colindale laboratories, GSK, AstraZeneca and Covance. You can also choose to spend a year abroad, typically carrying out research in an academic laboratory.
You will be able to undertake paid vacation studentships funded by organisations such as the Wellcome Trust and the Microbiology Society. These can take place over six weeks during the summer break, or be carried out part-time over a longer period. During studentships you will typically work on a set project and benefit from valuable training in techniques, experimental design and the interpretation of data.
Additionally, you can take a work placement module.
Our department has a dedicated academic in charge of placements, who can provide you with advice and support.
For more information, please visit the School of Biological Sciences website.
Clearing A Level DDD/CCD BTEC offer DMM
A Level
- DDD
- D in Biology and one other science subject
- Acceptable subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science
OR
- CCD
International Baccalaureate
24 points, including 3 in Biology and one other science subject at higher level
Acceptable subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science
BTEC
DMM
GCSE
- English: C (or 4)
- Maths: C (or 4)
- Science: C (or 4)
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| BI0BF1 | Foundation Programme: Biology | DR Craig Hughes |
| BI0MF1 | Mathematics Foundation | DR Lindsey Thompson |
| CH0CHE | Chemistry | DR Silvia Baldanza |
| IF0RAS | Foundation in Academic Skills | MR Matthew Tolley |
Optional modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| CH0CHE | Chemistry | DR Silvia Baldanza |
| PY0FTP | Foundation Topics in Psychology | DR Yue Yue |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| BI1AP3 | Anatomy and Physiology | DR Natasha Barrett |
| BI1CMP1 | Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life | PROF Phillip Dash |
| BI1FB2 | Fundamentals of Biochemistry | DR Alice Pollitt |
| BI1FM1 | Fundamentals of Microbiology | DR Geraldine Mulley |
Optional modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| BI1FE2 | Fundamentals of Ecology | DR Manuela Gonzalez-Suarez |
| BI1FOE2 | Fundamentals of Evolution | DR Louise Johnson |
| BI1HLE2 | History of Life on Earth | PROF Amanda Callaghan |
| BI1HP2 | Human Pathology | DR Sam Boateng |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| BI2BC45 | Cells and Immunity | DR Mike Fry |
| BI2BI45 | Infectious Diseases | DR Geraldine Mulley |
| BI2BM45 | Key Skills in Biomedicine 2 | DR Renee Lee |
| BI2BMG4 | Molecular Genetics | DR Eva Kevei |
| BI2BR5 | The Bacterial Cell | PROF Simon Andrews |
Optional modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| BI2AB1 | Applied Biochemistry: from Disease to Diagnostics | DR Francoise Mazet |
| BI2AE1 | Advanced Ecology | DR Sofia Gripenberg |
| BI2BCB2 | Bioinformatics and Computational Biology | PROF Liam McGuffin |
| BI2BCB5 | Clinical Biomedicine | PROF David Leake |
| BI2BE4 | Pharmacology and Toxicology | PROF David Leake |
| BI2IZ2 | Invertebrate Zoology | DR Chris Foster |
| BI2MBC1 | Marine Biology and Conservation | DR Glyn Barrett |
| BI2PW2 | Plant World | PROF Julie Hawkins |
| FB2FM2 | Food Spoilage, Preservation and Hazards | DR Kimon-Andreas Karatzas |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| BI3AM2 | Applied Microbiology | DR Glyn Barrett |
| BI3P1 | Pathogens | DR Simon Clarke |
| BI3RP3 | Research Project | DR Francoise Mazet |
Optional modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| BI3BA7 | Medical Genetics | DR Dyan Sellayah |
| BI3BE8 | Cardiovascular Disease | PROF David Leake |
| BI3BR7 | Structural Proteomics | PROF Kimberly Watson |
| BI3BT78 | Cancer and Cell Communication | DR Mike Fry |
| BI3IB2 | Integrated Biochemistry | DR Chris Jones |
| BI3PAE1 | Practical and Applied Entomology | DR Chris Foster |
| BI3PDI2 | Plant Diversity and Identification | DR Alastair Culham |
| BI3ZE2 | Epidemiology of Zoonotic Diseases | DR Francoise Mazet |
| FB3GUT | Gut Microbiota and Health | DR Marie Lewis |
| PM3IPD1 | Innovation and Product Development | MISS Sarah Needs |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules
Research Project
Gain hands-on experience in independent research, applying, and expanding, what you’ve learned while working with an academic supervisor on experiments, data analysis, and science communication.
Pathogens
Discover how bacteria and viruses can cause diseases by interacting with host organisms, and study real-life examples of how different factors affect pathogenesis, impacting on human health, agriculture, and protein disorders. You’ll also cover opportunistic pathogens and the molecular basis of emerging infectious diseases with epidemic potential.
Applied Microbiology
Develop your understanding of the medical, agricultural, environmental, and industrial applications of microbes and microbial biotechnology, and how advances in this field can help tackle global challenges.
Optional modules
Venoms and Poisons: From Pharmacology to Therapeutics
Learn about the evolution, ecology, biochemistry, mechanisms, and toxicology principles of venomous creatures, poisonous plants, and fungi. You’ll explore how venoms and poisons are used for medicinal purposes, and develop a greater understanding of the principles of pharmacology..
Evolution in Health and Disease
Discover how some of the most important medical problems of our time have been shaped by our evolutionary history. You’ll study relevant evolutionary processes across the animal kingdom and the Tree of Life, and you’ll explore the implications of evolutionary biology to human health and disease.
Protein Structure and Function
Discover the basics of protein structure and its impact on life science research.
Cancer and Cell Communication
Explore the connection between cellular signalling and cancer development and learn how lab and computer modelling studies have enhanced our grasp of receptors and signal transduction's role in cell function.
Microbiology Field Course
Learn field-based sampling techniques and about the changing microbial biodiversity in the Arctic.
Epidemiology of Zoonotic Diseases
Delve into zoonotic diseases, their hosts, symptoms, and effects on human health and the economy, and learn about disease control, co-evolution, and the use of epidemiological modelling for effective management.
Forensics
Learn the core principles of biology applied to criminology, and see how modern science helps solve complex crimes. You’ll cover topics such as forensic pathology, anthropology, entomology, and acarology.
Integrated Biochemistry
Discover the diverse uses of biochemistry in biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture. and explore its role in diagnosing diseases, microbiology, and microbial processes.
Neuroscience
Gain an introduction to neuroscience, focusing on the structure and function of the central nervous system. You’ll learn healthy brain function and how it changes in disease and neurodivergent conditions, covering different topics such as learning, memory, and neuroanatomy.
Cardiovascular Biology
Learn the latest insights into the causes of heart attacks and strokes, and how drugs, can be used to treat them. You’ll also discover how cardiovascular disease is affected by our genetic makeup and how it can be lessened by changes to lifestyle and diet.
Gut Microbiota and Health
Gain an in-depth knowledge of gut microbiota, including how this community of microorganisms can be manipulated and can impact on health. You'll review evidence to critically evaluate trials published in this area, learn how gut microbiota interacts with host systems, and how this field links to existing and potential health claims.
These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.
You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250
New international students: £27,650
*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Careers
BSc Microbiology graduates have a range of transferable skills that make them highly employable in both scientific and non-scientific job sectors. Additionally, graduates can become members of the Society of Biology and apply for Chartered Biologist status.
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) following an independent and rigorous assessment.
Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and establish a profile of key skills that bioscience employers can recognise in accredited graduates, including technical and transferable skills.
You can move on to a career as a researcher or scientist. You may also decide to move on to further study or a research studentship at a British or international university. Recent graduates have gone on to work for organisations such as such as the Medical Research Council, Royal Berkshire Hospital, South East Water, ThermoFisher and Nexus Support.
Overall, 93% of graduates from Biological Sciences are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on HESA data, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20; includes all Biological Sciences responders).