Microbiology with Professional Experience

Microbiology is the scientific study of microorganisms, the bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and archaea that make up the majority of life on earth by number and that play roles in virtually every biological process we know of. They are responsible for infectious disease and also for the fermentation processes that produce food and drink, the cycling of nutrients in soil and water, the decomposition of organic matter, and the biotechnological applications that are transforming medicine and industry. Understanding them is fundamental to biology, medicine, environmental science, and food production alike.

At Reading you will study the biology, ecology, genetics, and biochemistry of microorganisms alongside the laboratory techniques that modern microbiological research demands. The programme covers microbial physiology, genetics, environmental microbiology, medical microbiology, immunology, and the mechanisms by which microorganisms interact with hosts and ecosystems. You will develop strong practical skills in the laboratory from early in the course, and the five-year programme with professional experience includes a substantial placement in an external organisation, giving you genuine experience of working in a microbiological or biological sciences context before you graduate.

This year of professional experience significantly strengthens your employability and gives you the professional contacts and practical perspective that laboratory science employers look for.

Graduates work in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, clinical and public health laboratories, food and environmental testing, research institutes, government agencies, and academia. The professional experience component makes graduates particularly competitive in the job market. Many continue to postgraduate research or professional programmes in medicine, veterinary science, or biomedical science.