Ranking
Top 20
In the UK
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Course overview
Discover the science behind microscopic life with our Microbiology BSc with Study in Continental Europe programme at Birmingham. Combining cell biology, genetic engineering and infection biology you explore how animals, plants, and microorganisms function and interact, preparing you to tackle global challenges. Spending a year at a European partner university will expand your academic insight, offer rich cultural experiences, and achieve fluency in a new language.
Study Biosciences at the University of Birmingham
In the (final) year, you have the option of doing a laboratory research project... You are doing real research alongside PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, so you gain invaluable skills and learn in a much more personal setting.
Microbiology BSc with Study in Continental Europe gives you flexibility to study multiple aspects of biology alongside a core specialism in microbiology, allowing you to shape your microbiology training in areas from human health to conservation and biotechnology to climate change. Study research as it happens and be part of the solution to some of life’s biggest challenges. Reimagine what’s next and forge your future at the university most targeted by top UK employers.
Year 1
Year 1
Kickstart your journey in Microbiolgy with an exciting array of modules that provide a broad foundation in modern biology and allow further exploration of microbiology in all three years of study.
Year 2
Year 2
In your second year, dive deeper into Microbiology by tailoring your degree to your passions! Alongside core modules, choose exciting specialist modules, such as topics in medical biosciences or glacial ecology. Your options will complement the core modules providing training in genetic engineering, data science and developing your entrepreneurial skills. This is where your unique journey truly begins, shaping your future in Microbiology!
Year 3
Year 3
In your exciting third year, you’ll study abroad at a leading university in France, Spain, or Germany, depending on your language qualifications. Immerse yourself in a new culture while gaining a unique international perspective on biochemistry!
Year 4
Year 4
This year is all about mastering your research skills! You’ll dive deep into a year-long research project, shaping it alongside staff in your area of interest. Join cutting-edge research groups and contribute to real-world discoveries. Whether in the lab or field, you’ll gain hands-on experience. Plus, take a bespoke Research Developments and Funding module and one advanced third-year module.
Why study Microbiology at Birmingham?
The Microbiology BSc combines training in essential skills required for modern scientists and allows you to immerse yourself in a vibrant research community: The Institute for Microbiology and Infection (IMI).
- Microbiology Research: Join IMI to tackle global threats like TB, Zika, COVID-19 and antimicrobial resistance.
- Study Abroad: Spend a European year abroad exploring global cultures and expanding your academic horizons.
- Join BioSoc: Meet fellow students through sports, events, and career-focused activities.
- 16th
in the UK for Biological Sciences
QS World University Rankings 2025
- Top 150
in the World for Biological Sciences
QS World University Rankings 2025
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
Course delivery
At Birmingham, our course integrates groundbreaking research with dynamic teaching, offering a range of tailored options to align with your career goals and passions.
Lecture
Projects
Laboratory
Tutorial
- Innovative Lectures: Enjoy interactive, recorded lectures with polls, flipped classrooms, and group problem-solving.
- Hands-On Practical Classes: Join 3-hour labs with researcher guidance, building key skills at your own pace.
- Research-Driven Teaching: Learn from cutting-edge research projects and top microbiologists, applying research in practical settings.
- Advanced Facilities: Train in award-winning labs and modern facilities, using high-tech tools for final projects.
Support during your studies
At the University of Birmingham, we’re committed to your success with comprehensive support tailored to your needs. Here’s how we ensure you thrive:
- Personal Tutors: Receive tailored academic support and guidance from a dedicated tutor who will track your progress and help you excel.
- Wellbeing Officers: Access professional support for a range of personal and academic issues, including extensions, adjustments, and overall wellbeing.
- Student Experience Team: Maximize your university experience with research opportunities, career preparation, and social events to connect with fellow students.
Assessment methods and feedback
Our assessment methods ensure a deep understanding and practical application of Microbiology. You will experience a balanced mix of continuous assessments and end-of-year exams, with continuous assessments playing a significant role in shaping your final grade. Some modules are assessed entirely through coursework. Detailed feedback provided within three weeks helps you refine your skills and achieve steady improvement, ensuring you truly master Microbiology in practice.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Each academic year consists of 120 credits, typically divided into 20-credit modules. The final year includes a 40-credit research project, providing an opportunity to engage deeply with a specialised area of your interest.
Year 1
Year 1
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Biology & Physiology | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Discovering Biosciences Skills and Enterprise | 20 | Full Term |
| Ecological Concepts and Plant Sciences | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Genetics I | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Introduction to Evolution and Animal Biology | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Molecular Biosciences and Microbiology | 20 | Full Term |
Year 2
Year 2
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Communication and Enterprise | 20 | Full Term |
| Genetic Engineering and Data Science | 20 | Full Term |
| Genetics II | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Microbiology: Medicine, Environment, and Industry | 20 | Semester 1 |
You must take 40 credits from the following optional modules:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Alpine and Glacial Ecology in Norway | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Cell and Developmental Biology | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Critical Issues for 21st Century Ecosystems | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Field Course: Adaptations to Aquatic Environments | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Human Structure and Function | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Plant Sciences: from cells to the environment | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Topics in Medical Biosciences | 20 | Semester 1 |
Year 3
Year 3
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Year in Continental Europe (Biosciences) | 120 | Full Term |
Year 4
Year 4
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Microbial Pathogenicity and Disease | 20 | Semester 2 |
Choose 40 credits from the following project modules:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence-based literature review and critical analysis informed project proposal | 40 | Full Term |
| Introduction to Teaching Biosciences in Schools with Evidence-Based Literature Review | 40 | Semester 2 |
| Practical Project | 40 | Full Term |
Choose 40 credits from the following:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Arctic Microbiology | 20 | |
| Bacterial Gene Regulation | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Conservation Practice: Genes to Ecosystems | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Current developments and advances in Eukaryotic Genetics | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Eukaryotic Gene Expression | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Molecular and Cellular Immunology | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Omics for Biomedical Research | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Responses to Global Environmental Change | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Structures of Destruction: the structural biology of pathogenicity | 20 | Semester 2 |
Teaching staff
Admissions Tutor
Dr Michael Tomlinson
Admission tutor for Biosciences
Dr Mike Tomlinson's research focuses on tetraspanin membrane proteins as potential therapeutic targets for major human diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases.
Entry requirements
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
- A Level
AAB including Biology / Human Biology + 1 from Chemistry / Physics / Maths / Further Maths / Statistics / Geology / Geography / Psychology and 1 from French/ Spanish/ German
- IB
6,6,6 - 6,6,5 including Biology / Human Biology + 1 from Chemistry / Physics / Maths: Analysis and Approaches / Maths: Applications and Interpretation/ Statistics / Geology / Geography / Psychology and 1 from Spanish/ French/ German
Number of A levels required: 3
-
Required subjects and grades
Typical offer: AAB
AAB including Biology / Human Biology + 1 from Chemistry / Physics / Maths / Further Maths / Statistics / Geology / Geography / Psychology and 1 from Spanish, French and German
General studies
We do not accept General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies, Applied Science, Communication and Culture, Critical Studies, Global Perspectives, Science in Society and World Development.
BTEC Qualifications
BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate are not accepted for entry onto this course
Deferred Entry
Deferring admission is usually not a problem, but please inform the School or central Admissions. The university has a neutral attitude to gap years. You can still apply in advance for deferred entry and would be advised to do so.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing.
- IELTS*: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills.
- Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015)***: C1 Advanced - Minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component.
- Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 25 in each skill.
- Trinity ISE II: Distinction all skills.
- Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill
Presessional English courses
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Core Maths qualification
Applicants who take the Core Maths qualification and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in Core Maths. If you are also taking A-level Maths, you will not be eligible for an alternative offer through studying Core Maths. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Am I likely to receive an offer for 2026?
Stay up-to-date with news and updates from the University of Birmingham including events, our courses and studying with us by registering your details. If you do so, you will be able to use our Offer Calculator.
Alternative Offers
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer.
Our Contextual Offer scheme
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
- Pathways to Birmingham
AAB including Biology / Human Biology + 1 from Chemistry / Physics / Maths / Further Maths / Statistics / Geology / Geography / Psychology and +1 from French/ Spanish/ German
- Contextual Offer
AAB including Biology / Human Biology + 1 from Chemistry / Physics / Maths / Further Maths / Statistics / Geology / Psychology + 1 from French / German / Spanish
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
- £9,535*
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27
*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2025 entry was £9,535 for UK students. If you are applying for 2026 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.
Undergraduate loans
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
Scholarships, grants and bursaries
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Financial support for Home students
If you're a UK student and starting university in September 2026, find out more about what financial support is available to you.
Financial support for International students
We want to help you reach your full potential. Explore our wide variety of scholarships available for international students.
Application process
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
- 14 January 2026
Application deadline for September 2026 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
Career opportunities
Our graduates are highly regarded among employers in the UK, as evidenced by the fact that we’re the UK university most targeted by top graduate employers (High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2025’ report). Our courses are committed to your future career, and university is just the start.
The breadth of teaching in my biology course allowed to me find out which part of biology was for me. Now, I know for sure that I'd like to pursue a career in conservation biology
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2025, High Fliers report
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
The Biological Sciences degree from Birmingham opens doors to a world of exciting career possibilities across diverse industries.
Graduates are highly sought after, consistently ranking among the top in the Russell Group for employability. With specializations in fields like biotechnology and conservation, and support from our dedicated Careers Network, you’ll be equipped to navigate a dynamic job market, whether you pursue research, healthcare, or education. Your future starts here!
Careers Network
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Student experience
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Campus life
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Flexible programmes to suit you
Not sure what you want to study?
Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.