Molecular Biosciences (Microbiology) MSc

Become part of the next generation of microbiologists driving global change.

Designed in consultation with clinical and industrial partners, the course combines innovative science with hands-on research experience. You will graduate ready to help combat infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance, strengthen food security and protect the environment.

Throughout your course, you'll have the flexibility to tailor your studies through optional units such as Infectious Diseases and Food Security and the Environment, allowing you to deepen your expertise in the areas that matter most to you.

You’ll undertake two substantial research projects, work in dedicated postgraduate laboratories and collaborate with leading researchers from Bath’s Department of Life Sciences and the new Centre for Evolution.

You'll graduate with strong research foundations and industry-relevant experience, as well as having had the option of a professional placement. Recent graduates have progressed into careers as Researchers within Drug Discovery, Quality Control Microbiologists and Specialists, Medical Writers and Associate Clinical Image Analysts. Companies that graduates have gone onto work at include the NHS, Universities, Perspectum Diagnostics, Dasman Diabetes Institute and Swordfish Advertising.

Course highlights

* Study at a consistently ranked Top 10 University (The Guardian, Complete University Guide, The Times and The Sunday Times) on a course designed in consultation with clinical and industrial partners to give you the skills employers are looking for.

* Work with researchers at the forefront of microbial research.

* Work in dedicated postgraduate labs to give you the laboratory exposure and specialist skills required by industry.

* Work with leading researchers from both the Department of Life Sciences and Centre for Evolution.

* Further strengthen your employability with a project addressing the challenges of global environment sustainability, applying skills related to either entrepreneurship, teaching, media and communication, or public engagement.

Specialise in microbiology

Microbes present global challenges, such as the rise in antibiotic resistance, as well as opportunities, such as in food biosecurity or human health. We'll equip you with the skills and knowledge to help harness the power of microbes to address these issues.

* You’ll work primarily with researchers in Infection and antimicrobial resistance and Food security, at the forefront of microbial research, strengthening your ability to work as a scientist.

* You’ll focus on the molecular principles underlying the biology of microorganisms, including their epidemiology, pathogenicity, virulence in the context of medicine, public health or agricultural biosecurity.

* You’ll also have the opportunity to use our specialist facilities, including computational methods to analyse large biological datasets to answer the ‘big’ questions in microbiology, from bacterial epidemiology to evolution.

Research projects

You'll undertake two research projects; a group project based in the lab and a lab-based or non-lab based project, working with a researcher in the department. These projects will give you extensive research experience, helping you stand out when applying for jobs or a PhD.

Examples of projects include:

* Environment sensing in fungi: A regulator of disease and toxin contamination

* Staphylococcus epidermidis resistance to host immunity

Career prospects

You’ll graduate with the specialist knowledge and sought-after skills for a career in further research, such as a PhD, or roles in academic, clinical, industrial or commercial sectors anywhere in the world. Our dedicated careers team offers individual guidance and help you decide between employment and further study.

Recent examples of graduate roles include healthcare scientist, analyst, production technician, agricultural engineer and microbiology postgraduate researcher.