Microbiology and Immunology with a Foundation Year

Microbiology and immunology together form one of the most directly medically relevant combinations in the biological sciences. Microbiology is the study of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, their biology, their interactions with hosts and environments, and the diseases they cause. Immunology examines the biological systems through which organisms defend themselves against infection and other threats, including the cells, proteins, and signalling pathways of the immune response.

Together they address some of the most fundamental questions in biology and medicine: how do pathogens cause disease, how does the immune system recognise and respond to them, and how can this knowledge be used to develop vaccines, therapies, and diagnostics?

At the University of Keele, this four-year full-time programme includes a foundation year that provides additional scientific preparation for students working towards degree-level microbiology and immunology. The foundation year builds the biology, biochemistry, and physiology foundations needed before engaging with the main degree content. You will then move through core microbiology, virology, and immunology content, developing both theoretical understanding and advanced laboratory skills in state-of-the-art facilities.

The programme develops the analytical thinking, research competence, and problem-solving skills needed for careers in medical research, healthcare, biotechnology, and public health.

You will develop skills in microbiological laboratory technique, molecular biology methods, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication, alongside a deep understanding of the mechanisms of infection and immunity.

Graduates from microbiology and immunology programmes pursue careers in pharmaceutical research, clinical microbiology, public health agencies, vaccine development, biotechnology, and academic research. Postgraduate study in microbiology, immunology, infectious disease, or a related biomedical discipline is a natural next step for those seeking specialist or research roles.