The MSc Microbiology aims to equip students with the advanced knowledge and skills required to embark on further research or employment in industries striving to solve major global challenges such as antibiotic resistance, clean drinking water, and food security.
The programme is designed to provide the theoretical knowledge, understanding, and practical skills needed for a solid grounding in core and applied microbiology, along with the transferable skills which are essential to enhance students’ employability options. It aims to prepare graduates for a broad range of careers within industrial, commercial, government, and environmental settings, or further postgraduate study.
During the course, students can investigate diverse areas of microbiology that are of concern to the healthcare, environmental, ecological, and biotechnological sectors. There is also the chance to undertake research in relation to medical, environmental, or industrial microbiology, which can further advance knowledge, skills, and career options.
Staff offer expertise in medical, industrial, and environmental microbiology, molecular, cell and system biology, recombinant DNA technology, protein biochemistry, structural biology, fermentation, bioengineering, among others. Students can hear from external guest speakers working in the industry and from other schools across the University.
How You Study
The programme includes a combination of lectures, workshops, laboratory practicals, seminars, problem-based learning group sessions, independent learning, and research projects. The programme also has a major emphasis on the development of professional and research skills, which can enhance employability.
The first term features modules that have been designed to provide students with core theoretical knowledge on current microbiology topics and practical training on techniques used in modern microbiology.
Modules:
The Microbial World
Molecular Virology
Identification of Infectious Diseases
Professional and Research Skills in the Biosciences (spans both terms)
The second term builds on the modules studied in the first and aims to enhance practical skills and provide specialist training in medical, industrial, and environmental microbiology.
Modules:
Infection and Control
Industrial and Environmental Microbiology
Fermentation Biotechnology
Professional and Research Skills in the Biosciences (spans both terms)
Students can then progress to an independent research project within a microbiological discipline over the summer.
Contact and Independent Study
Weekly contact hours on this programme vary depending on the module being delivered and the stage of the study. The postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. For every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in an independent study. For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.
Please note that this course is only available in the full-time format.
Contact Hours
Owing to the nature of postgraduate programmes, a significant proportion of your time will be spent in independent study and research. Research students will have meetings with their academic supervisors, however, the regularity of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and the stage of the programme. For taught programmes, weekly contact hours may vary depending on the individual module options chosen and the stage of the study.
Methods of Assessment
The way you will be assessed on your course will vary depending on the subject and the type of postgraduate programme you select. A taught programme could include a written dissertation, exams, presentations, and projects. A research programme could include a thesis, oral examination, and presentation to a group of research academics. You may be expected to demonstrate how your research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding. Please see the individual course pages to find out more.
Modules
Fermentation Biotechnology (Core)
Identification of Infectious Diseases (Core)
Independent Research Project (Core)
Industrial and Environmental Microbiology (Core)
Infection and Control (Core)
Molecular Virology (Core)
Professional and Research Skills in the Biosciences (Core)
The Microbial World (Core)
How You Are Assessed
Assessment is conducted through coursework and examination. Coursework includes literature reviews, oral presentations, poster presentations, laboratory reports, and short video assessments. The final assessments are the preparation of a research dissertation for your research project and an associated presentation.
Specific training on each form of assessment is included in the programme, with the aim of improving your performance as a postgraduate student as you progress.
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly – usually within 15 working days of the submission date.
Scholarships
There are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, you can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study.
"Both challenging and nurturing, the MSc Microbiology at Lincoln is the perfect choice for anyone wishing to develop a career in this field."
Dale Handley, MSc Microbiology graduate
Course-Specific Additional Costs
For each course, you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required. Some courses provide opportunities for you to undertake fieldwork or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for travel and accommodation will be covered by the University and so is included in your fee. Where these are optional, you will normally be required to pay your own transport, accommodation and general living costs.
With regards to textbooks, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.
Entry Requirements 2021-22
First or second class honours degree in a relevant subject.
Students’ undergraduate backgrounds may be in a wide range of subjects including, but not limited to, biology, biochemistry, biomedical science, veterinary science, forensic science or microbiology. If you are unsure if your background is suitable, please get in touch with the Programme Leader.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. This qualification must have been obtained prior to submitting your application.
For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
Teaching and Learning During Covid-19
At Lincoln, Covid-19 has encouraged us to review our practices and, as a result, to take the opportunity to find new ways to enhance the student experience. We have made changes to our teaching and learning approach and to our campus, to ensure that students and staff can enjoy a safe and positive learning experience. We will continue to follow Government guidance and work closely with the local Public Health experts as the situation progresses, and adapt our teaching and learning accordingly to keep our campus as safe as possible.
Special Features
The School has links with NHS practitioners including consultant microbiologists and experts from other industries who regularly provide guest lectures as part of the taught modules.
Students can conduct practical work with industry-standard apparatus. Equipment and facilities available for students undertaking research projects include a cell culture suite, analytical chemistry instrumentation, protein purification equipment, a scanning electron microscope and real-time polymerase chain reaction equipment for the amplification and quantification of DNA samples.
Career Opportunities
The overall aim of the MSc Microbiology degree is to provide students with the chance to develop knowledge and practical skills in the cross-disciplinary applications of microbiology that are relevant to science and society. This includes the healthcare sector which is particularly interested in the control, treatment, and prevention of infectious disease, as well as environmental and ecological sectors which are interested in microbial communities, interactions, and processes in the environment. These sectors also have relevant industrial applications with a diverse range of career options that may be accessible to graduates from the MSc Microbiology.
The programme also looks to provide students with experience of undertaking microbiology-related research, in particular in relation to medical, environmental, or industrial microbiology. Course content is research-engaged and, in particular, students have the chance to undertake a period of independent scientific research.
This is designed to equip graduates with the necessary theoretical understanding, practical, research, professional, and transferable skills to undertake further postgraduate training (PhD level) or employment within academic research and in industrial, commercial, government, and environmental settings.
