Here's what you will need to get a place on the Microbiology course at University of Leeds.
Select a qualification to see required grades
A,A,A
AAA Including biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject. Critical thinking and general studies excluded. We accept the following: Science: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics. Science-related: computing, environmental science, food science, geography, geology, PE, psychology, statistics. 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 any of the following: Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ) Core Maths (if A-level Maths or Further Maths isn't studied as a full A-level) AS Maths (if A-level Maths or Further Maths isn't studied as a full A-level) Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate It will 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 a 1 grade drop from the standard offer. For example an A in one of the above qualifications with AAB at A-level (MBiol applicants).
UCAS code: C509
Here's what University of Leeds says about its Microbiology course.
Microbiology is the study of organisms too small to be visible with the naked eye, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. This 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.
By studying at Leeds, you’ll be part of the next generation of expert scientists, developing specialist knowledge and skills, whilst building on the foundations of microbiology within 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
Weekly practical classes in the first two years of your degree, with the option to experience working in a research lab in your final year..
Our teaching is research-led at every stage of your degree, ensuring that you engage with cutting-edge scientific developments and techniques from the start of your studies through to your final-year projects.
Experience world-class facilities and be part of a cutting-edge research-active environment.
Enjoy outstanding graduate employability opportunities amongst top employers, both within and beyond scientific research.
Gain further practical experience and boost your employability through our Year in Industry programme.
Experience life and learning in a different country through our study abroad programme, where you'll gain fresh perspectives and develop skills valued by employers.
Flexible degrees Microbiology is a?specialist degree within the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, which offers you flexibility throughout your time at Leeds.
All our School of Molecular and Cellular Biology degree courses share the same set of compulsory modules in the first year. A key benefit of having a common first year is that at the end of year 1, there are opportunities to transfer onto degree courses in Biological Sciences and Biotechnology and Enterprise, subject to approval. Additional degree courses may be available depending on your academic background.
Facilities The School of Molecular and Cellular Biology is an international research hub with?outstanding facilities?for structural biology, biophysics, cell biology and imaging.
This is underpinned by a recent £17 million investment by the University and a large grant portfolio from major external funders (the Wellcome Trust, Royal Society, BBSRC and MRC). These facilities underpin our research-led teaching and allow us to offer final-year projects at the frontier of modern research.
Recently refurbished teaching labs and dedicated computer clusters will allow you to develop your practical and computational skills during the first two years of your course. The Student Opportunity Team provides expert support for preparing applications for placements, internships and jobs.
Source: University of Leeds
There are a few options in how you might study Microbiology at University of Leeds.
Check the
3 course options available.
Qualification
Master of Biology - MBiol (Hons)
Department
Faculty of Biological Sciences
Location
Main Site | Leeds
Duration
5 Years
Study mode
Full-time with year in industry
Subjects
• Microbiology
Start date
23 September 2026
Application deadline
14 January 2026
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The Student Union at the University of Leeds is exceptional. It offers robust support, diverse activities, and represents student interests effectively. From welfare services to inclusive events, the union enhances student life and fosters a sense of community on campus. It's truly a vital resource ...
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From counseling and mental health resources to career guidance and academic assistance, students have access to comprehensive support throughout their university journey. The university also provides various student-led initiatives and programs aimed at fostering inclusivity and community engagement...
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The faculty at the University of Leeds, especially within the International Relations department, is exceptionally knowledgeable and supportive. They are passionate about teaching and go the extra mile to ensure students understand complex concepts. Approachable and dedicated, they inspire students ...
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The NSS is an annual survey where final-year students are asked to rate different aspects of their course and university experience.
Here you can see ratings from University of Leeds students who took the Microbiology course - or another course in the same subject area.
Select an option to see a detailed breakdown
Teaching on my course
91%
med
How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?
89%
med
How good are teaching staff at explaining things?
95%
med
How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?
89%
high
How often is the course intellectually stimulating?
89%
low
Learning opportunities
90%
med
To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?
84%
med
How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?
89%
med
How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?
89%
med
To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?
95%
high
To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?
89%
high
Assessment and feedback
77%
med
How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?
79%
med
How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?
79%
med
How often does feedback help you to improve your work?
58%
low
How often have you received assessment feedback on time?
95%
high
How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?
74%
med
Academic support
82%
low
How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?
79%
low
How well have teaching staff supported your learning?
84%
med
Organisation and management
87%
high
How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?
79%
low
How well organised is your course?
95%
high
Learning resources
82%
low
How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?
71%
low
How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?
88%
med
How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?
82%
med
Student voice
88%
high
How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?
79%
high
To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?
89%
med
To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?
95%
high
How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?
84%
med
Other NSS questions
During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?
95%
med
How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?
83%
med
See who's studying at University of Leeds. These students are taking Microbiology or another course from the same subject area.
| Most popular A-levels studied | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Grade | |||||
| Biology | A | |||||
| Chemistry | A | |||||
| Mathematics | A | |||||
| Physics | A | |||||
| Psychology | A | |||||
Facts and figures about University of Leeds graduates who took Microbiology - or another course in the same subject area.
Graduate statistics
90%
In a job where degree was essential or beneficial
90%
In work, study or other activity
65%
Say it fits with future plans
35%
Are utilising studies
Top job areas
35%
Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
20%
Natural and social science professionals
15%
Quality and Regulatory Professionals
10%
Business and public service associate professionals
Graduate statistics percentages are determined 15 months after a student graduates
Earnings from University of Leeds graduates who took Microbiology - or another course in the same subject area.
Earnings
£23.7k
First year after graduation
£29.2k
Third year after graduation
£33.9k
Fifth year after graduation
Shown here are the median earnings of graduates at one, three and five years after they completed a course related to Microbiology.
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
Students are talking about University of Leeds on The Student Room.
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