University of Leeds
UCAS Code: C509 | Master of Biology - MBiol (Hons)
Entry requirements
A level
BSc: AAB MBiol: AAA Including biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject. Critical thinking and general studies excluded. We accept the following: • Science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics. • Science-related subjects: computing, environmental science, food science, geography, geology, PE, psychology, science in society, statistics, use of mathematics. Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement. When an applicant is taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or the Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ) this can be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A-levels, this would be ABB at A-level and grade A in the EPQ (BSc applicants) or AAB and grade A in the EPQ (MBiol applicants).
BSc: Overall pass with 60 credits and a minimum of 45 credits at level 3, with distinctions in at least 30 graded level 3 graded at D39M6P0 including biology and chemistry units (15 units in each), and a merit in all the remaining graded credits. We accept Access courses in Applied Science. We will also consider (depending on subject content:) • biochemical sciences • biological and environmental science • biological and health science • biological sciences • biosciences • combined sciences • environmental science • life and biological science • life science • medical and health science professions • natural sciences • physical & natural sciences. MBiol: We do not accept Access to HE.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
BSc: D3/D3/M1 including D3 in biology or chemistry plus one other science or science-related subject. Global Perspectives excluded. MBiol: D3/D3/D3 Including biology or chemistry plus another science or science-related subject. Global Perspectives excluded. When an applicant is taking Global Perspectives this can be considered alongside Pre-U subjects and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. This would be D3/M1/M1 and grade D3 in Global Perspectives (BSc applicants) or D3/D3/M1 and grade D3 in Global Perspectives (MBiol applicants).
Applicants offering an EPQ or IPQ qualification will receive a standard offer, as shown above, plus an alternative offer. The alternative offer would be AAB plus grade A in EPQ / IPQ. Subject specific requirements are still valid.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
BSc: 34 (with 17 at higher level) including 6 in higher level biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject at higher level. MBiol: 35 (with 18 at higher level) including 6 in higher level biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject at higher level.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
BSc: H2,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 including H2 in biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject at higher level. MBiol: H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject at higher level.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
BSc: BTEC extended diploma entry requirements: DDM plus A/B in A-level biology or chemistry (subject requirements may depend on the subject applied for and the BTEC subject). MBiol: We do not accept BTEC qualifications.
BSc: Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AB in 2 Advanced Highers including biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject. Critical thinking and general studies excluded. MBiol: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AA in 2 Advanced Highers including biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject. Critical thinking and general studies excluded. We accept the following: • Science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics. • Science-related subjects: PE, geography, use of mathematics, psychology, statistics, geology and computing. Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own.
UCAS Tariff
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About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
Microbiology is the study of organisms too small to be visible with the naked eye, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. Your course will cover an area of science fundamental to the understanding of life on this planet – from human and animal disease, better food production to microbial involvement in global cycles.
You will study a range of microbiological topics with a biomedical focus, such as bacterial resistance to antibiotics, the use of microbes in biotechnology, and how new pathogens, such as the cause of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), emerge and cause disease. These topics are at the heart of many global challenges and it is critical that the next generation of expert scientists are trained in these areas.
You will develop your specialist knowledge, whilst building on the foundations of microbiology, with areas such as immunology, genetics, biochemistry and cell biology.
This integrated Masters (MBiol) gives you an additional year of specialist training, to study advanced research topics and undertake your own extended research project. You may also choose to apply for our 3 year BSc and transfer to an MBiol up until the end of your second year, subject to suitable academic performance.
**Course highlights:**
- Experience the cutting edge in a research-active environment with world-class facilities.
- Perform a final year project at the frontier of modern research.
- Gain further practical experience and boost your employability through our Year in Industry programme.
- Build transferrable skills and employability with our skills-based teaching.
- Extensive wellbeing and employability support from dedicated Faculty teams.
- Outstanding graduate employability amongst top employers, both within and beyond scientific research.
The Uni
University of Leeds
Faculty of Biological Sciences
What students say
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How do students rate their degree experience?
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Microbiology and cell science
Teaching and learning
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Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
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Microbiology and cell science
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
If you want a career in microbiology, then this is the degree to take. The recession hit the job market for microbiologists particularly badly, but things have improved very significantly since then, and microbiologists are now amongst the most employable biological sciences graduates. We don't produce many graduates in the subject every year and a lot take further qualifications on graduating. Microbiology graduates who want to leave the lab can find jobs in most industries - not just in health and hospitals, but in the food and drink, water and ecology sectors, too.
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Microbiology and cell science
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£21k
£26k
£30k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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Post-six month graduation stats:
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Graduate field commentary:
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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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