Microbiologist

To become a microbiologist, you could do a degree in:

• microbiology
• biology
• life sciences
• biological science

Some degree courses include an integrated master's qualification like MBiol or MSci. You'll usually have more time for independent research and they're designed to lead directly onto further postgraduate study like a PhD.

Training programme for the NHS

If you want to work in the NHS as a microbiologist, you could apply to the Scientist Training Programme (STP) after your degree.

You'll train on the job, get paid a salary and receive a master's degree at the end.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You may be able to become a microbiologist by doing an apprenticeship, for example:

• Scientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
• Research Scientist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships can take between 3 and 5 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• apprenticeship levels|https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/about-apprenticeships#UnderstandingApprenticeshiplevelsandqualifications
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You might be able to get into microbiology by working your way up from a laboratory technician .

You would need to study part time for a biological science degree or degree apprenticeship while you work.

You may improve your career prospects if you can get some work experience in a lab .

You can find opportunities with the NHS, as part of your degree course or by working during the holidays. Your university can also help you find volunteering opportunities.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You can join the Microbiology Society to get professional recognition, find training opportunities and make new contacts.

Further Information

You can get more advice about working in microbiology from the Microbiology Society and Health Careers .

As a microbiologist, you could:

• test patient samples to identify infections and monitor outbreaks
• develop new medical treatments using microbiology techniques
• investigate how microorganisms make antibodies, vaccines and hormones
• assess the impact of microbes in foods, crops and soils
• check the safety of manufactured food or medicines
• use microorganisms to control pollution and develop biofuels

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a microbiologist to be a green job, you could:

• research how to generate hydrogen fuel using algae and bacteria
• investigate ways to clean wastewater
• develop microorganisms that can capture greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide

Find out more about green careers

You could work at a university or in a laboratory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.