Microbiology with a Year Abroad

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and the other microscopic life forms that are present everywhere on earth and that play fundamental roles in human health, disease, agriculture, the environment, and biotechnology. It is a discipline of enormous practical importance. Microorganisms cause infectious diseases that still account for a significant proportion of global mortality, but they are also used to produce antibiotics, vaccines, fermented foods and drinks, and an expanding range of industrial chemicals and biofuels.

Understanding microbiology means understanding the mechanisms of infection and immunity, the ecology of microbial communities, and the ways in which microorganisms can be harnessed for human benefit.

At the University of East Anglia, this four-year programme includes a year abroad, which gives you the opportunity to study microbiology in a different academic and research environment and to experience how the discipline is approached in other countries. This broadens your scientific perspective and develops the independence and adaptability that research careers require. Throughout the programme, you will cover bacteriology, virology, immunology, mycology, microbial genetics, cell biology, and biotechnology, alongside the laboratory techniques used to study and work with microorganisms.

Practical work is central to the degree, and you will develop skills in culturing, staining, molecular biology techniques, and the biosafety procedures that responsible microbiology practice requires.

UEA has a strong research culture in the biological sciences, and undergraduate students benefit from proximity to active research groups in areas including microbial ecology, infectious disease, and biotechnology.

Graduates of microbiology programmes work in clinical and hospital laboratories, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, public health agencies, water and food safety, environmental science, and academic research. Many pursue postgraduate study, including PhD programmes and masters degrees in specialist areas such as medical microbiology, virology, or biotechnology, before entering professional research or industry roles.