Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of organisms too small to be seen with the naked eye, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microscopic life forms that are responsible for some of the most consequential processes on the planet. Microorganisms cause and cure disease, they drive global nutrient cycles, they ferment food and drink, and they are the workhorses of the biotechnology industry. Understanding them is fundamental not only to medicine and public health but to ecology, agriculture, and the full range of life sciences.

At Leeds this three-year full-time degree gives you a thorough grounding in microbial biology alongside the laboratory skills that professional microbiologists use every day. You will study microbial genetics, the biology of pathogens, immunology, virology, environmental microbiology, and the applications of microbiology in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial settings. The programme covers the full breadth of the discipline, from human and animal disease to the involvement of microbes in global biogeochemical cycles.

A sandwich year is built into the programme, giving you the opportunity to work in a professional microbiology environment before your final year, and a year abroad is also available. Work placement activity is embedded throughout the programme.

Microbiology graduates are in demand across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food science, environmental science, and research. Roles in clinical and diagnostic microbiology, pharmaceutical quality control and development, public health, environmental monitoring, and industrial bioprocessing are typical destinations. The sandwich year experience significantly improves graduate employment outcomes and often leads directly to job offers.

Postgraduate study in microbiology, infectious disease, immunology, or biotechnology is available for those who want to specialise further or pursue academic and research careers.