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Biological Sciences at UEA
Find out more about studying Biological Sciences at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBSc (Hons) Microbiology
Key details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- C500
- Typical Offer
- ABB (specific subject required)
- Contextual Offer
- BBC (specific subject required)
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Other Start Dates
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Other Start Dates
17th
UEA is ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science
The Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis95%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 2020Course Overview
Microbiology underpins many of the major questions of our time, from the health and wellbeing of humans and animals to major environmental issues such as climate change and energy production. The growing antibiotic resistance of bacteria and the place of microbes in causing cancer are just two of the many pressing problems which microbiology may be able to solve. UEA’s microbiology course is uniquely formulated to train future scientists with the skills to address these issues.
The School of Biological Sciences brings a strong research-led ethos to every course we offer. As a student here, you’ll benefit from our enviable position as an integral partner of the Norwich Research Park (NRP), 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 Quadram Institute, all of which have microbiology-related research programmes. Norwich is recognised as a hub for microbiology research and is home to the Centre for Microbiology Interactions, which represents world renowned experts in all aspects of microbiology, including climate change, infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance.
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Careers
Career Pathways
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.
Discover more on our Careers pages.
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 the 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, opening 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.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Contextual Offers
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(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB including Biology or Human Biology
Contextual offer: BBC including Biology or Human Biology
Where applicable, Science A Levels awarded by an English exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation.
Contextual offer: DMM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation.
For Forensic and Criminal Investigation applicants MUST be studying ONE of the following modules: Physiology and Human Body Systems, Environmental Forensics, Forensic Genetics or Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques.
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Diploma: DD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation plus B at A Level, or DD plus B in A Level Biology/Human Biology.
Contextual offer: DD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation plus C at A Level, or DD plus C in A Level Biology/Human Biology.
Extended Certificate: D in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation plus BB at A Level, OR D plus BB at A-level in Biology/Human Biology.
Contextual offer: D in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation plus BC at A Level, OR D plus BC at A-level in Biology/Human Biology.
For Forensic and Criminal Investigation applicants MUST be studying ONE of the following modules: Physiology and Human Body Systems, Environmental Forensics, Forensic Genetics or Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques or A level Biology grade B will be required.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Science Pathway. 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 Biology.
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. We accept: Science pathway
Foundation Year options:
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
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall with HL 5 in Biology
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including Biology
Scottish Highers
AAABB including A in Chemistry
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC including Chemistry. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
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.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study with 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students(opens in a new window).
A levels
ABB including Biology or Human Biology
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
International Baccalaureate
32 with HL 5 in Biology
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English 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):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
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.
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- Deferred Entry
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.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study with 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
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: