Microbiology, MSc at University of Aberdeen

The MSc degree in Microbiology will take you through a wide-ranging curriculum describing some of the latest advances in microbiology. It includes courses on microbiology, applied statistics, bioinformatics, regulation of microbial adaptation and host-pathogen interactions in infection and disease. The MSc Microbiology aims to provide you with:

• An understanding of the general principles of microbiology
• An ability to apply knowledge in academic and health contexts
• Opportunities to learn from world renowned researchers

This programme is ideal for students and scientists who would like to improve their career prospects, fill skills gaps and further their hands-on microbiology research experience.

How You'll Study

The programme is taught through a flexible mix of lectures and small group tutorials, practical classes, practical computer workshops and research tutorials. There is also an expectation of self-learning, where you will engage with current microbiology research literature to enhance your knowledge gained and discussed in taught sessions. All lecture material is available on MyAberdeen, the University’s Virtual Learning Environment.

The programme also involves an extended, hands-on laboratory-based research project, supervised by experienced and research-active academic staff. Much of the teaching on this course is participatory and students are expected to consolidate all taught content by completing related tasks and activities and engaging in independent study in their own time.

Learning Methods

• LAB WORK
• LECTURES
• RESEARCH
• TUTORIALS

Why Study Microbiology?

• We are one of the top 10 UK Universities to offer a MSc Microbiology programme.
• You will be taught by world leading microbiology and bioscience researchers and have an opportunity to contribute to cutting edge research during your project.
• You will have access to the University and large teaching hospital all on one campus. The Foresterhill Health Campus is one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe which includes a large teaching hospital, Medical School and the Institute of Medical Sciences.
• Embedded within an active and dynamic research culture, you will have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills required to enhance your employability and further your career as a microbiologist.
• You will benefit from skills training to help with scientific writing, analytical skills, CV writing, interview skills and reading scientific literature.
• Our small class sizes give you the opportunity to participate in class discussions and to have good access to the teaching staff.
• Teaching on the course is delivered by world renowned researchers including staff from the Aberdeen Fungal Group, recently awarded MRC Centre for Medical Mycology status.
• Our support services rank with the best in the UK and we aim to make sure, right from the start, that you have access to any guidance you might need. Our Graduate School also provides additional on-site support and advice.

Careers

The MSc Microbiology Programme will provide you with the academic, analytical and practical skills to assist you in to many careers.

Many of our graduates choose to continue in research careers and begin PhDs or become research scientists (research assistants or technicians). Our scientists have obtained posts in Universities, industry (including oil and gas), biotechnology and hospital diagnostic and pathology laboratories.

More generally, microbiologists can use their training in education, working in schools, colleges of further education and in Universities. Further opportunities are available to apply microbiology training in scientific publishing, in patent offices working on biological patents, in science outreach and contributing to the public understanding of microbiological issues.