BSc in Microbiology with a Modern Language, University of Manchester

Manchester,

48 Months

Check Eligibility

About this course

This course combines microbiology with a modern language to enhance your employability. Spanning four years, it includes learning about bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoan parasites, with an emphasis on their role in disease, biochemistry, physiology, and genetics. You will start with fundamental biological concepts before specialising in microbiology topics later on. What makes this course unique is the opportunity to spend a year abroad on a research placement, choosing from languages like French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, or Mandarin. You’ll also have the chance to develop social responsibility and sustainability awareness through activities like Ethical Grand Challenges and external collaborations. The course offers a well-rounded study experience aimed at preparing students for careers in research, industry, or further postgraduate study.

Why this course is highly recommended

This course is ideal for students looking to combine scientific expertise in microbiology with language skills to boost career prospects. The accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology adds credibility and opens doors for early membership at the Member level, accelerating career progression. The inclusion of a year abroad provides invaluable practical experience and cultural exposure, making graduates particularly attractive to international employers. Additionally, the course's commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development aligns with global health and environmental priorities, offering a comprehensive learning experience that goes beyond traditional microbiology programs.

Specialisation

Students focus on microbiology, exploring microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoan parasites. The course emphasizes the pathogenic potential of these organisms, their biochemistry, physiology, and genetics. There’s an integration of language learning with microbiology, with options to study French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, or Mandarin, including a year abroad dedicated to research placement. The final year involves an in-depth research project, with opportunities to specialise further in areas like immunology, parasitology, or bioinformatics, depending on student interest and course choices.

Course fees

Application fees

36.42L

1st year tuition fees

36.42L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants need grades AAA to AAB in A-levels, including two core sciences like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics, with specific subject requirements depending on language choice. For language subjects like French, German, Spanish, and Italian, a minimum grade B or A in A-level language is necessary. International Baccalaureate students require 36-35 points overall with specific Higher Level prerequisites. The course also accepts various foundation and diploma qualifications, with detailed criteria for each. English proficiency must be demonstrated through qualifications like GCSE grade 4 or IELTS 6.5.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates from this program typically find opportunities as researchers in universities, pharmaceutical companies, or bioscience institutes. Some progress into clinical or technical roles, including NHS Scientist Training Programmes. Others may pursue further postgraduate studies like master's, PhDs, or medical degrees. The combination of microbiology knowledge and language skills makes graduates highly desirable in international bioscience collaborations and the global job market. The program also develops transferable skills useful in medical writing, health communication, or teaching.

FAQs

What languages can I choose from?

You can choose French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese or Mandarin for your language component.

Is there a placement year?

Yes, you will spend one year abroad on a research placement, gaining practical experience and cultural immersion.