BSc (Hons) Immunology & Microbiology

Immunology helps us understand how the immune system is tricked into attacking its tissue, leading to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or allergy.

Microbiology studies the smallest living organisms (micro-organisms or microbes). Microbes are a significant cause of human disease, but they can also be helpful in industrial processes, from pollution control to producing critical therapeutic compounds.

The development of both has long been linked with the developing of vaccines for smallpox and anthrax by Jenner and Pasteur, respectively.

More recently, the application of modern biology techniques to the immune system has led to a dramatic increase in our understanding of the immune system and its impact on body function and the control of microbial and other types of disease.

The interface between immunology and microbiology is a very active area for fundamental research and the development of new biotechnological products to diagnose or prevent disease.

Modern techniques based on monoclonal antibodies are revolutionising the identification of microorganisms in the clinical laboratory, as well as in the food industry and agriculture.

A Levels

Standard entry requirements*:

Year 1 entry: BBB

(two sciences required, at least one of which must be Biology or Chemistry; GCSE Chemistry 6/B (if not at A Level); GCSE Maths 6/B, GCSE English Language 6/B or Literature 6/B)

Year 2 entry: BBB

(Chemistry and Biology, GCSE Maths 6/B, and GCSE English Language 6/B or English Literature 6/B)

International Baccalaureate

Standard entry requirements*:

Year 1 entry: 30

(Two science subjects at HL5, at least one of which must be Biology or Chemistry. Maths SL5 and English SL5)

Year 2 entry: 30

(Chemistry and Biology, one at HL6, the other at HL5. Maths SL5 and English SL5)

HNC/HND

Year 1 entry: HNC, Graded Unit B
Year 2 entry: HNC, Graded Unit A or HND, Graded Units BB
Year 3 entry: HND, Graded Units AB.

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.