Program Overview

If you are fascinated by microbes, you will thrive on our MBiol Microbiology degree course here at Aberystwyth University. By choosing to study MBiol Microbiology, you will give yourself a head start by combining a BSc with an extra year of study at postgraduate level to graduate with a Masters qualification. During the three years studying at undergraduate level, you will explore the fascinating world of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and their role in infectious diseases in humans, animals and plants. During your final year studying at Masters level, you will have the opportunity to apply your subject-specific knowledge and understanding to an independent scientific research project conducted in close collaboration with one of our research groups.  

If you want to play a part in solving big global problems such as climate change, pollution and antibiotic resistance, a degree in Microbiology is a good place to start, and our MBiol Microbiology degree will give you the breadth and depth of knowledge required to pursue a successful career as a professional scientist.

Our Microbiology degree courses have a strong practical emphasis, and you will learn a wide variety of techniques in areas such as microbial genetics, biochemistry and propagation.

The study of microbiology requires expertise in immunology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology and research methods, and you will receive training in these throughout your degree. You will learn about worldwide concerns such as antimicrobial resistance and emerging pathogens, as well as the beneficial use of microbes in biotechnology for food production and agriculture. Throughout the course there is a strong focus on practical training in microbiological and molecular techniques, which will prepare you for a career as a professional scientist. There are practical modules in Years One and Two and an advanced research project makes up one third of your final year.

You will be taught by passionate teaching staff who are experts in their fields and who conduct research in all areas of microbiology. You will also have access to our state-of-the-art facilities that include a bio-imaging and microscopy suite, modern laboratories and fermentation facilities. In addition to these modern indoor facilities, Aberystwyth University has farms and woodlands for studying environmental microbes and those that impact on animal health.