Applied Microbiology
Applied microbiology is the scientific study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, with a focus on their practical applications in healthcare, food production, environmental management, and industrial processes. Microorganisms are everywhere, and their activities have profound effects on human health, the quality of our food and water, the cycling of nutrients in ecosystems, and the production of medicines, fuels, and many other products. Applied microbiology trains you to understand these organisms at the cellular and molecular level and to apply that understanding to real-world problems and opportunities.
At Edinburgh Napier University, this programme is offered part time, giving students the flexibility to combine academic study with other commitments such as work or family responsibilities. The part-time format makes it accessible to people who are already working in a related scientific or technical field and want to develop their knowledge and qualifications without stepping away from employment. The programme includes a year abroad, providing an opportunity to study in a different country and engage with microbiology in a different academic and scientific context.
You will cover core areas of microbiology including the biology and ecology of microorganisms, techniques in microbial culture and identification, food microbiology, environmental microbiology, medical microbiology, and the application of microorganisms in biotechnology and industrial processes. Edinburgh Napier's strong connections with industry and the scientific community in Scotland provide a stimulating backdrop for applied scientific study.
Graduates in applied microbiology work in food safety and quality assurance, clinical and diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, environmental agencies, water treatment, research institutions, and public health organisations. The range of sectors that depend on microbiological expertise is broad, and qualified microbiologists are in consistent demand. Some graduates go on to postgraduate research in microbiology, infectious disease, or biotechnology, while others use the degree as a foundation for professional development within an existing career in life science or healthcare.