Microbiology BSc

  • Undergraduate
  • BSc

Microbiology

Focus your study on all types of microorganisms, acquiring the theoretical and practical skills needed for a career in microbiology.

Obtain the skills needed for a career in modern microbiology and advance your understanding of microorganisms

Benefit from teaching enriched by an internationally leading research programme

Undertake laboratory, data or field-based research on an individual project of your choice

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • BSc

  • Duration

    3 years

  • Start date

    October 2025

  • UCAS course code

    C500

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £9,250 per year Home

    • £43,300 per year Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    8 : 1 (2023)

Minimum entry standard

  • AAA (A-level)

  • 38 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements

Course overview

Focus your study on all types of microorganisms and acquire theoretical and practical skills for a career in microbiology on this three-year course.

Biological Sciences at Imperial aims to understand the behaviour of living systems from the level of cells up to whole organisms and ecosystems.

This course focuses on all types of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses.

You'll learn the fundamental science of different types of microorganisms, as well as the important biotechnological, industrial, medical, food and agricultural applications.

After developing your understanding of the fundamentals of microbiology, you'll move on to advanced study. Here, you can tailor the course to your interests and complete a research project that's laboratory, data or field-based.

Your teaching will be enriched by an internationally leading research programme, with teaching delivered through laboratory work, lectures, tutorials, seminars and site visits.

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You’ll study the following modules.



Core modules

You’ll study the following modules.

You’ll also choose one optional module.



Core modules

Optional modules

You’ll choose three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C.

You’ll also choose a research project option from Group D.





 

Optional modules – Group A

Optional modules – Group B

Optional modules – Group C

Optional modules – Group D

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • Independent study

Years 1 and 2

  • 30% Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • 70% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • Laboratory
  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Person giving seminar
    Seminars
  • ID badge for site visit or facility tour
    Site visits
  • A group of people interacting
    Group project
  • Individual research project
    Research project

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Examination
  • Coursework

Year 1

  • 60% Examination
  • 40% Coursework

Year 2

  • 48% Examination
  • 52% Coursework

Year 3

  • 56% Examination
  • 44% Coursework

Assessment methods

  • Person completing coursework
    Coursework
  • Essays
  • Individual research
  • Laboratory write-ups
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written examinations

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

You can now submit your application via UCAS Hub. There you can add this course as one of your choices and track your application.

Submit your application via UCAS | C500

UCAS institution code: I50

Application deadlines – 29 January 2025 at 18.00 (UK time)

Tuition fees

Home fee

2025 entry

£9,250 per year

Overseas fee

2025 entry

£43,300 per year

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

94% Of Imperial Life Sciences graduates in work or further study*

  • 94% Of Imperial Life Sciences graduates in work or further study*
  • 6%

83% Of Imperial Life Sciences graduates in highly skilled work or further study*

  • 83% Of Imperial Life Sciences graduates in highly skilled work or further study*
  • 17%

*2021-22 graduate outcomes data, published by HESA in 2024

Gain transferable skills relevant to a career in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and biomedical science.

With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.

Many Life Sciences graduates study at the Master's or PhD level before entering academia or industry.

Education, the medical industry, and the media are also potential avenues open to you.

Other potential career paths include software engineers, research associates, genomics and genetics research, and scientific officers in government.

Course data

Compare this course

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications