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Discover the world of microorganisms that have an incredible influence over our environment and health, and study the molecular building blocks of life.
Watch our video of Biological Sciences student, Megan, as she gives us a glimpse into what life was like on her year-long placement at Chester Zoo.
Explore a fascinating area of biology: a microscopic world inhabited by single-celled organisms which drives all other facets of the natural world. While rooted in the fundamental theori...
3 years full-time
4 years with placement
4 years with study abroad
4 years with foundation year
Emily“One my favourite projects so far was my forensic biology project, which involved the use of molecular techniques for real life scenarios (murder cases, illegal wildlife trade) and included the use of analytical platforms to analyse genetic data.”
BSc (Hons) Microbiology and Molecular Biology
Our BSc (Hons) Microbiology and Molecular Biology degree allows you to investigate fundamental and applied aspects of microbiology and molecular biology. Emphasis is placed on the environmental, industrial, clinical and research applications of molecular biology techniques, particularly focused on DNA research technology. A significant aspect of the course emphasises the application of these technologies within biotechnological, medical and environmental microbiology.
Taught by research-active academics, the course has been designed to give a wide-ranging experience for students with real-world relevance. Typical areas of study may include biotechnology, medical microbiology, genetics of micro-organisms, environmental microbiology and techniques and applications in molecular biology. Throughout your degree, your studies will be supported by access to state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment.
Study biology at Manchester Met and you’ll have the option to study in Europe, North America or Australasia, giving you the opportunity to expand your horizons and spend the third year at a university overseas. Alternatively, you have the option of spending your third year working on a placement in industry or at a relevant non-governmental organisation (NGO), before returning to Manchester for the final year of your course.
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023-2027
National Student Survey 2024 (NSS)
Royal Society of Biology
Whether you’ve already made your decision about what you want to study, or you’re just considering your options, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
UK and Channel Islands full-time foundation year fee: £9,535 for the 2025/26 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). On progression to any linked degree course, the standard UK and Channel Islands tuition fee would apply. For 2025/26, this is £9,535 (subject to Parliamentary approval). Fees for subsequent academic years may increase for inflation to reflect increased costs of course delivery (up to a maximum of 10% per academic year) and/or changes in UK government regulation. Inflationary increases will be calculated by reference to RPIx (RPIx is a measure of inflation in the UK). Fee increases are subject to limits imposed by UK government regulation.
EU and Non-EU international full-time foundation year fee: £21,500 per year. When progressing from the pre-degree foundation year to the linked degree. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study)
Full-time fee: £9,535 for the 2025/26 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). Fees for subsequent academic years may increase for inflation to reflect increased costs of course delivery (up to a maximum of 10% per academic year) and/or changes in UK government regulation. Inflationary increases will be calculated by reference to RPIx (RPIx is a measure of inflation in the UK). Fee increases are subject to limits imposed by UK government regulation.
Full-time fee: £21,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
A degree typically comprises 360 credits, a DipHE 240 credits, a CertHE 120 credits, and an integrated masters 480 credits. For courses that offer a placement year option that starts in September 2025, the tuition fee is £1,907 (subject to Parliamentary approval). For courses that offer a study year abroad option that starts in September 2025, the tuition fee is £1,430 (subject to Parliamentary approval). Placement Year fees and study abroad fees for subsequent academic years may increase for inflation to reflect increased costs of course delivery (up to a maximum of 10% each academic year) and/or changes in UK government regulation. Inflationary increases will be calculated by reference to RPIx (RPIx is a measure of inflation in the UK). Fee increases are subject to limits imposed by UK government regulation.
Laptops
Students often choose to buy a laptop, and occasionally a printer. Prices for these may range from £200–£700 depending on choice, but there are drop-in computer labs and printing facilities on campus and laptops for loan in the library. Students will be expected to print out some assessments such as posters (approx. £10 per year).
Textbooks
Textbooks are recommended for purchase (usually £50–£150 per year). All recommended texts are available in the Manchester Met library, and most are available as e-textbooks or e-books through the library for remote access via the internet. These are reviewed on an annual basis.
All costs are subject to change and are based on costs in January 2023.
Placement and study abroad years
The tuition fee for the placement year for those courses that offer this option is £1,850, subject to inflationary increases based on government policy and providing you progress through the course in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
The placement year involves full-time work experience work placement. This lasts for a minimum of 36 weeks and normally attracts a salary/weekly wage but this is not guaranteed. Placements are competitive and based on successful interviews with the placement provider. Students will have to pay travel and accommodation costs (including for interview) plus personal insurance.
The tuition fee for the study year abroad for those courses that offer this option is £1,385, subject to inflationary increases based on government policy and providing you progress through the course in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
For students opting to study abroad in third year at one of our partner universities on an approved exchange programme, some partner universities may charge additional fees for mandatory administrative and recreational services, non-mandatory language classes, courses including fieldwork or non-mandatory project costs. If this applies, the partner university is responsible for informing the student of any additional costs.
During the study year abroad, you will need to budget for the general cost of living as well as additional costs for visas, travel, medical insurance and vaccinations (depending on the destination), study materials and field trips. Applicants should visit the Manchester Metropolitan University web pages for more details including sources of travel funding.
Short Placements
Students undertaking short placements as part of the Rise Award (approx. 3 – 4 weeks), or the optional school ambassador project (approx. 1 – 2 days per week in Semester 2), should expect to pay travel expenses to placements (approx. £10 – £20 / day). The department works to ensure these projects are based locally, where possible, to minimise these costs.
Students may wish to become student members of relevant professional bodies, but this is not normally a requirement. Student membership of most relevant professional bodies is either free or heavily subsidised by the professional body. Satisfactory completion of the course will entitle students to one free year of membership of the Royal Society of Biology.
Fieldwork costs
Students go on one core residential fieldtrip at Level 4 (Year one). This is subsidised but students can expect to pay a contribution to costs of £60 for this UK-based residential field course. There are non-residential zero cost to student alternatives for any student who is unable to take part to ensure inclusivity.
Some course activities are field-based so students would be expected to dress appropriately (eg waterproof coats and trousers, sturdy footwear/walking boots which may range from £70 – £250 depending on choice).
Travel expenses associated with independent data collection for final year dissertations are not reimbursed by the department. Students will be advised to undertake low-cost local fieldwork at the design and planning stages of a project if necessary.
Other costs
Manchester Met provides free travel insurance for students, in most cases, when they travel in connection with their programme of study, for example, placements, field trips, exchanges, etc. However, you should also take out personal insurance cover for belongings, as items such as mobile phones are not covered by this policy (may range between £20 – £50 depending on length and country of travel).
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersBiological sciences graduates may go on to a variety of subject-specific careers in the biological, pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries, in medical, public health and environmental services, or in teaching or research.
Recent microbiology and molecular biology graduates have found employment across a wide range of sectors including industrial research laboratories, medical communications, pharmaceutical companies, environmental consultancies and nature conservation organisations.
Our biology courses are designed to equip you with transferable skills that may also be applied to non-subject-specific career pathways such as in management, local government, teaching or the civil service. For those who wish to continue their studies, there is a range of postgraduate degrees here at Manchester Met across the breadth of biological and healthcare sciences.
Study in the Dalton building
We've invested £115m into cutting-edge facilities and advanced technology to enhance your learning. With a newly refurbished computing labs and interactive study spaces, this redevelopment has been built to prepare students for the modern workplace.
You can apply for the full-time option of this course through UCAS.
UCAS code(s)CC57 - BSc (Hons) Microbiology and Molecular Biology
CC56 - BSc (Hons) Microbiology and Molecular Biology with Foundation Year
Institution code: M40
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current student protection plan.