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Microbiology

MSc

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Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Start date:
October 2026 | January 2027
Study route:

October start:

  • One year full-time, on campus
  • Two years part-time, on campus

January start:

  • Two years part-time, on campus
Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus

Course overview

This MSc Microbiology has been designed to provide you with up-to-date knowledge and extensive practical experience, with a strong focus on laboratory work and molecular and medical aspects of the field.

  • Why choose this course?
    • Its practical focus helps you gain hands-on training in advanced laboratory skills and computational methods, as well as a wide range of highly valued wet lab and data analysis skills.
    • It is taught by experts in the subject and benefits from being embedded in a research-active environment.
    • You will join a unique student cohort, learning alongside students from all age groups and from a variety of science-based disciplines and academic and professional backgrounds.

  • What will I learn?

    This course prepares you to work or further your career in a wide range of jobs across the biosciences sector. You will learn about the molecular basis of all life. Modules also cover a variety of topics in detail including how to study microbes, proteins, DNA and small biomolecules using a range of experimental and computational methods. 

  • How will I learn?

    This course is available to study full- or part-time with classes taking place in the evening.

    Each module includes a mixture of theory and practical classes based in the laboratory or a workstation room. You will then be able to apply your new knowledge and skills completing a novel research project in an area of current microbiology.

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time October start: Two to three evenings a week, October to July

    Part-time October start: Two evenings a week, October to July

    Part-time January start: Two evenings a week, January to December

  • Course disclaimer

    Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

    Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the How will I learn? section.

More highlights

  • Birkbeck offers you state-of-the-art instrumental and computing facilities.
  • We work closely with the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, a joint initiative with University College London.
  • In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), in a joint submission with UCL, Biological Sciences at Birkbeck were ranked 11th in the UK, with a research environment supporting world-leading and internationally excellent research.
  • Birkbeck’s natural science research has played a key role in helping to identify fundamental biological and physical structures and fight disease.

Modules and Teaching

School of Natural Sciences

The school provides a stimulating learning experience in state-of-the-art facilities, with academic staff involved in active research projects.

Visit the school

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in a science-based subject, or equivalent.

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered, and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

  • What are the English language requirements?

    If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.

    If you don't meet the minimum English language requirements, please contact us or see our international study skills page for more details about how we can help.

    Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country.

  • What are the visa and funding requirements?

    If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.

    The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

    • Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
    • Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa

    International students who require a Student visa should apply to study on our courses full-time as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol to study part-time courses at Birkbeck (with the exception of some modules).

    As a Student visa student, you should also apply to study on campus only, as online and flexible options of study (if they are available for your course) may affect the conditions of your visa.

    For full information, read our visa information for international students page.

    Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country.

    Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

  • Credits and accredited prior learning (APL)

    If you have studied at university (or have an HND or Foundation Degree), you may have accumulated credits. It may be possible to transfer these from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.

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Fees

MSc: One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in October 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £6,375 per year
Full-time home students: £12,750 per year
Part-time international students: £10,425 per year
Full-time international students: £20,850 per year

MSc: Two years part-time, on campus, starting in January 2027

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £6,375 per year
Part-time international students: £10,425 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing their course may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the Fees Policy.

Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

Birkbeck's campus is located in the historic and vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London - named one of the best places to live in London 2025 by The Times.

Careers and employability

On graduating successfully from this MSc Microbiology, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including in:

  • working safely, efficiently and independently in a biological laboratory setting using a range of equipment and instrumentation
  • independent problem solving
  • scientific reporting
  • time organisation and completing projects to deadlines
  • analytical skills.

Studying this course will prepare you for further study in the life sciences at PhD level, or a career path in roles in a range of fields and professions including:

  • research scientist in a university or industry life sciences setting
  • scientific sales 
  • science writer, scientific communication
  • healthcare or education sector.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Student support

Birkbeck offers study, learning and wellbeing support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed.

Our Learning Development Service provides a lively programme of free weekly workshops building essential academic skills - from writing and critical thinking to maths and referencing - offering flexible sessions, practical tips, and online resources to boost your skills and confidence.

Our Disability and Mental Health Service can support you if you have disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health conditions or neurodivergence, by providing practical support to help you achieve your academic potential.

Our Counselling Service aims to support you with any emotional and psychological difficulties that are affecting your experience and engagement with your studies at university. It is a free, non-judgemental and confidential service which consists of a consultation process followed by time limited counselling contact.

Find out more about the full range of student services we offer at Birkbeck.

How to apply

You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link.

You will need to prove your identity when you apply. Find out more about how to apply.

Related courses

Study routes for Microbiology (MSc)

Please select a study route below to continue your application.

Please note that international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK can only apply for full-time, on campus routes.

Starting in October 2026

Full-time

Part-time

Starting in January 2027

Part-time