Course summary
Microbiologists study bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and their role in infectious diseases, humans, other animals and plants. You will also learn how microorganisms contribute to environmental nutrient cycling, brewing, food, and biotechnology industries. This three year Bachelor of Science honours degree in Microbiology allows you to develop the scientific and analytical skills demanded in a broad range of professions. You will be taught by passionate teaching staff who conduct research in all areas of microbiology and have access to our fantastic bio-imaging and microscopy suite, modern laboratories and fermentation facilities. You will also benefit from having access to our range of farms and woodlands for studying microbes that impact on animal health and the environment. You will be studying at a university that strives to create an exceptional student experience. The majority of teaching staff at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. The Institute has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact. You will be assigned a personal tutor who can guide you through your time at Aberystwyth and help you to settle in when you first arrive. We have invested heavily and over a number of years in our research facilities, and project students may get the opportunity to work in the research units on Penglais, or in our dedicated research facility at Gogerddan just outside Aberystwyth. In your first year, you will explore a wide range of topics from Biochemistry to Animal Diversity, from Microbial Diversity to Vegetation and Ecosystems. These are all designed to give you a firm footing in your second and third years and allow you to try out topics you might never have considered before. There is a wide range of modules on offer in years two and three, more so than in any other scheme we offer. In these years you can specialise, perhaps taking a more molecular or environmental route choosing modules such as Applied Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics or Ecological Surveying. On the other hand, you can keep your options open by mixing and matching topics like Biochemistry and Pharmacology with Population and Community Ecology. Our students leave Aberystwyth University with skills including; research and data analysis skills, enhanced mathematical and computational skills, effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills; a thorough grounding in information technology skills; the ability to work independently, time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines; the ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form; self-motivation and self-reliance and team-working, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement. Our graduates are strong candidates in the following fields: Research scientist, Clinical molecular geneticist, Nature conservation officer and Education. Students who have completed a biology degree could also progress to further training in Dentistry, Medicine and Science writing.
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- C500
- Institution code:
- A40
- Campus name:
- Main Site (Aberystwyth)
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 104 - 120 points
A level - BBB - BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD - DDM
Access to HE Diploma
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 28 - 30 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
Applicants are selected on their individual merits and offers can vary. We allow you flexibility in meeting our entry requirements, and all qualifications that you have already gained, or are working towards, will be considered when reviewing your application. We have an inclusive policy which recognises a broad range of qualifications. The entry requirements listed above represent typical offers for some of the most popular qualifications taken by applicants. If you cannot find the qualifications that you are studying (or have previously studied) please contact our Undergraduate Admissions Office (Telephone: +44 (0)1970 622021; Email: [email protected]) for advice on your eligibility and details of the typical offer you are likely to receive.
Additional entry requirements
Other
A minimum grade C or grade 4 pass in GCSE (or equivalent) English or Welsh is a requirement for entry to all our degree schemes. Business, Mathematics, and Science degree schemes also require a minimum grade C or grade 4 pass in Mathematics and/or Science at GCSE (or equivalent).
English language requirements
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|---|---|
Cambridge English Advanced | B | |
Cambridge English Proficiency | C | |
IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | With minimum 5.5 in each component. |
PTE Academic | 55 | With minimum score of 51 in any component. |
TOEFL (iBT) | 88 | With minimum scores in components as follows: Listening 21; Writing 21; Reading 22; Speaking 23. |
If you are an international student needing more information about the English Language requirement for your course (e.g. country-specific English Language tests, Partner Institution tests, EU/EEA English Language qualifications where the school curriculum is taught in a native language) please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further advice.
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
EU | £20715 | Year 1 |
International | £20715 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Sponsorship information
Aberystwyth University offers a valuable package of scholarships and bursaries to support students. Our long-established Entrance Examination competition means you could get up to £2,000 a year towards your living and study costs. You can combine that with any or all of our other awards, to make your financial package more valuable. Our awards include Sport and Music Scholarships, Bursaries for Care Leavers/Young Carers/Estranged Students and a range of department specific awards. Please visit our website for full details.
Provider information
Aberystwyth University
Penglais
Aberystwyth
Ceredigion
Wales
SY23 3FL