BSc (Hons) MICROBIOLOGY
BSC (HONS) MICROBIOLOGY
In the midst of a pandemic, societal awareness of the importance of microbiology and microbiologists has never been more evident. However, beyond the pandemic, microbiology underpins many other major issues of our time, and we need to train the next generation of microbiologists to be able to address these problems.
Microbes impact the health and wellbeing of humans and animals in a variety of ways. Problems include superbugs resistant to the majority of clinically available antibiotics and microbes as the causative agent of chronic diseases such as cancer. Microbes are also crucial factors in causing and solving major environmental issues such as production and consumption of greenhouse gases, climate change and the longevity of planet Earth through novel mechanisms of energy production.
Using the breadth of experience and research excellence at UEA and at research institutes across the Norwich Research Park, join us to explore and research the diverse and critical impact that Microbiology plays in key aspects of our everyday lives. In the most recent Times Higher Education REF Analysis (2021), we were ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science.
About
The School of Biological Sciences brings a strong research-led ethos to every course we offer. Microbiology research topics range from the biochemical, molecular and cellular levels to ecological interactions and evolutionary processes. Our degree ensures that the full spectrum of microbiology and underlying concepts are established, alongside a basis in other related aspects of Biology including Biochemistry and Genetics. This foundation will be developed through a range of compulsory and optional modules, allowing students to specialise in specific areas of microbiology, as well as a Microbiology focused research project in the final year.
Our students benefit from our enviable position as an integral partner of the Norwich Research Park, which is also home to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and independent, world-renowned research institutes: the John Innes Centre, the Sainsbury Laboratory, the Earlham Institute and the new £75-million Quadram Institute, all of which have microbiology related research programmes and internationally recognized microbiologists.
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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.After the Course
With our growing appreciation of the role of microbes in our world, microbiologists now work in a variety of contexts, including food production, environmental science, medicine and basic research. They work in hospitals, universities, non-profit organisations, private companies, and government. Our courses don't just provide you with scientific knowledge; they also develop your skills in the areas of research and communication, IT, data collection, analytics and critical thinking and this opens up a range of sectors where these skills are invaluable
The School of Biological Sciences Director of Employability alongside academic advisers work together with UEA’s Careers Service to offer you support at every stage of your course, from choosing a career through to applying for graduate jobs and further study. 
Career destinations
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Example of careers that you could enter include: 
- Further study (PhD, MSc or equivalent) and an academic career track.
- Teaching.
- Pharmaceutical industry.
- Biotechnology
- Food industry.
- NHS Clinical Scientist.
We’re 17th for research quality!
UEA Award
Ask a Student
What's included in your fees
Assessment for Year 1
Assessment:
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with your module choices. For example, many of our modules are split 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Feedback:
Feedback strategy focusses on provision of detailed information which is returned to students for both formative and summative assessments to be used as a basis for ongoing improvement. Different approaches are adopted depending on the challenge of the task and the amount of time that each requires. Given the progressive nature of the degrees and the themes involved there are opportunities to feed forward to subsequent years.
To provide rapid feedback in selected modules, comments are returned via Blackboard as soon as they are available. This is a very appropriate medium for returning detailed feedback in less standard formats, for example via audio recordings of comments on the work. This mechanism means that feedback is available quickly, often days before the written feedback and marks are available to students.
Feedback can also take the form of oral discussion and explanation in class, or individual feedback from a student’s adviser. Grid-based proformas that provide students with a profile of their individual performance is frequently employed so that they can see where they have done well and where improvement is required in specific areas. In some modules where oral presentations are being assessed, the student audience are invited to provide anonymous feedback on their peers.
Assessment for Year 2
Assessment:
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with your module choices. For example, many of our modules are split 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Feedback:
Feedback strategy focusses on provision of detailed information which is returned to students for both formative and summative assessments to be used as a basis for ongoing improvement. Different approaches are adopted depending on the challenge of the task and the amount of time that each requires. Given the progressive nature of the degrees and the themes involved there are opportunities to feed forward to subsequent years.
To provide rapid feedback in selected modules, comments are returned via Blackboard as soon as they are available. This is a very appropriate medium for returning detailed feedback in less standard formats, for example via audio recordings of comments on the work. This mechanism means that feedback is available quickly, often days before the written feedback and marks are available to students.
Feedback can also take the form of oral discussion and explanation in class, or individual feedback from a student’s adviser. Grid-based proformas that provide students with a profile of their individual performance is frequently employed so that they can see where they have done well and where improvement is required in specific areas. In some modules where oral presentations are being assessed, the student audience are invited to provide anonymous feedback on their peers.
Assessment for Year 3
Assessment:
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with your module choices. For example, many of our modules are split 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Feedback:
Feedback strategy focusses on provision of detailed information which is returned to students for both formative and summative assessments to be used as a basis for ongoing improvement. Different approaches are adopted depending on the challenge of the task and the amount of time that each requires. Given the progressive nature of the degrees and the themes involved there are opportunities to feed forward to subsequent years.
To provide rapid feedback in selected modules, comments are returned via Blackboard as soon as they are available. This is a very appropriate medium for returning detailed feedback in less standard formats, for example via audio recordings of comments on the work. This mechanism means that feedback is available quickly, often days before the written feedback and marks are available to students.
Feedback can also take the form of oral discussion and explanation in class, or individual feedback from a student’s adviser. Grid-based proformas that provide students with a profile of their individual performance is frequently employed so that they can see where they have done well and where improvement is required in specific areas. In some modules where oral presentations are being assessed, the student audience are invited to provide anonymous feedback on their peers.
Assessment for Year 1
Assessment:
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with your module choices. For example, many of our modules are split 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Feedback:
Feedback strategy focusses on provision of detailed information which is returned to students for both formative and summative assessments to be used as a basis for ongoing improvement. Different approaches are adopted depending on the challenge of the task and the amount of time that each requires. Given the progressive nature of the degrees and the themes involved there are opportunities to feed forward to subsequent years.
To provide rapid feedback in selected modules, comments are returned via Blackboard as soon as they are available. This is a very appropriate medium for returning detailed feedback in less standard formats, for example via audio recordings of comments on the work. This mechanism means that feedback is available quickly, often days before the written feedback and marks are available to students.
Feedback can also take the form of oral discussion and explanation in class, or individual feedback from a student’s adviser. Grid-based proformas that provide students with a profile of their individual performance is frequently employed so that they can see where they have done well and where improvement is required in specific areas. In some modules where oral presentations are being assessed, the student audience are invited to provide anonymous feedback on their peers.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 2
Assessment:
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with your module choices. For example, many of our modules are split 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Feedback:
Feedback strategy focusses on provision of detailed information which is returned to students for both formative and summative assessments to be used as a basis for ongoing improvement. Different approaches are adopted depending on the challenge of the task and the amount of time that each requires. Given the progressive nature of the degrees and the themes involved there are opportunities to feed forward to subsequent years.
To provide rapid feedback in selected modules, comments are returned via Blackboard as soon as they are available. This is a very appropriate medium for returning detailed feedback in less standard formats, for example via audio recordings of comments on the work. This mechanism means that feedback is available quickly, often days before the written feedback and marks are available to students.
Feedback can also take the form of oral discussion and explanation in class, or individual feedback from a student’s adviser. Grid-based proformas that provide students with a profile of their individual performance is frequently employed so that they can see where they have done well and where improvement is required in specific areas. In some modules where oral presentations are being assessed, the student audience are invited to provide anonymous feedback on their peers.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 3
Assessment:
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with your module choices. For example, many of our modules are split 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Feedback:
Feedback strategy focusses on provision of detailed information which is returned to students for both formative and summative assessments to be used as a basis for ongoing improvement. Different approaches are adopted depending on the challenge of the task and the amount of time that each requires. Given the progressive nature of the degrees and the themes involved there are opportunities to feed forward to subsequent years.
To provide rapid feedback in selected modules, comments are returned via Blackboard as soon as they are available. This is a very appropriate medium for returning detailed feedback in less standard formats, for example via audio recordings of comments on the work. This mechanism means that feedback is available quickly, often days before the written feedback and marks are available to students.
Feedback can also take the form of oral discussion and explanation in class, or individual feedback from a student’s adviser. Grid-based proformas that provide students with a profile of their individual performance is frequently employed so that they can see where they have done well and where improvement is required in specific areas. In some modules where oral presentations are being assessed, the student audience are invited to provide anonymous feedback on their peers.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Entry Requirements
A Levels
ABB including Biology or Human Biology. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.T Levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable subjects are: ScienceBTEC
DDM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Animal Management with Science. Excludes BTEC Public Services, Forensic Science, Uniformed Services or Business AdministrationScottish highers
AAABB including grade A in Biology/Human BiologyScottish highers advanced
BCC including Biology/Human BiologyIrish leaving certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3, including BiologyAccess course
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in BiologyEuropean Baccalaureate
75% overall with grade 7 in BiologyInternational Baccalaureate
32 points including 5 in HL BiologyGCSE offer
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
Additional entry requirements
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BSc Biological Sciences with a Foundation Year.
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA, offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of the following preparation programme:
International Foundation in Pharmacy, Health and Life Sciences
Students for whom english is a foreign language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
- IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
- IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
Gap year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
We’re 17th for research quality!
UEA Award
Ask a Student
What's included in your fees
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
View our information about Additional Course Fees. We’re 17th for research quality!
UEA Award
Ask a Student
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How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
We’re 17th for research quality!
UEA Award
Ask a Student
What's included in your fees
We’re 17th for research quality!
UEA Award
Ask a Student
