Microbiology is an extremely diverse subject with many opportunities for careers in both academia and industry. The work of microbiologists is cutting-edge and very important. We are all familiar with organisms such as MRSA, bird flu, HIV and E.coli, as a graduate in microbiology, you could have the chance of working on these. However, your work isn’t limited to the medical field, a graduate course in microbiology could land you a job in industries such as food manufacture, brewing and the water industry. Studying a graduate microbiology course will give you the chance to undertake a long-term independent research project, enhancing skills that are required by all advanced practitioners in the field.

Which Course?

There are different types of graduate microbiology programs to choose from. Your long-term career goals and specific interests in microbiology should be deciding factors in the mode of study you undertake. Full-time graduate programs include:

• PhD Microbiology
  The length of study for this gradate course is usually no more than four years. This includes writing and submitting a thesis. Your thesis will be the product of three years laboratory study which will be supervised by at least one supervisor. To gain entry to a PhD in Microbiology, you will normally need a minimum of an upper second class degree (or equivalent) in a related subject.

• MSc Microbiology
  The length of study for this graduate course is usually one year. During this time you will undertake 11 months of laboratory study and submit a thesis on your work. In some universities and colleges, there will be a taught element to this course. Like the PhD, you will be supervised by at least one supervisor. To gain admission to an MSc in Microbiology, you will need a minimum of an upper second class degree in a related subject.