Our subjectsMicrobiology degrees
What is microbiology?
Microbiology is the study of all living organisms that are too small to be visible with the naked eye. This includes bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, prions, protozoa and algae.
Why study microbiology?
Microbiology research is central to meeting many global challenges, such as maintaining food, water and energy security for a healthy population on a habitable earth. Microbiology research will also help to answer big questions such as 'How diverse is life on earth?', and 'does life exist elsewhere in the Universe'?
The study of microbiology also plays an important role in making life-saving drugs. Some of the most important discoveries that have underpinned modern society have resulted from the research of famous microbiologists, such as Jenner and his vaccine against smallpox and Fleming and the discovery of penicillin.
A degree in biological science will enable you to go into specialist biomedical science areas such as drug research, biochemistry, microbiology and bacteriology.
Why study microbiology at Strathclyde?
The University of Strathclyde is a multi-award-winning academic institution - the only to have won Times Higher Education University of the Year twice!
Studying microbiology with us, you'll learn at Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences. A leading centre for research, the Institute is focused on developing new medicines, better medicines and better use of medicines.
We offer innovative teaching by experts who are actively researching in their topic of study. Our researchers work with businesses including Astrazeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, and Cancer Research UK.
Accreditation
Our single and joint Honours undergraduate courses are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
Salary guide
Potential salaries for microbiologists are as follows*:
- jobs in the NHS for microbiologists working as clinical scientists are usually covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay rates, consisting of nine pay bands. Trainee clinical scientists are usually employed at Band 6, on a starting salary of £32,306
- once qualified, you're likely to be employed on Band 7 (£40,057 to £45,839). Salaries for principal and consultant scientists range from £47,126 (Band 8) to £108,075 (Band 9), depending on your experience and training
- research and development work in pharmaceutical firms, public health laboratories and medical research council units tends to attract higher salaries
*Information taken from Prospects (last accessed May 2022) and intended only as a guide.