Microbiology and Immunology with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

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Improving our understanding of health and disease

New for 2024

Key Course Details

4 Year Full Time

UCAS Code: C550
Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): CCD
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2024	£ 9,000

4 Year Full Time

UCAS Code: C550
Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: CCD - More Information
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2024	£ 21,650

Course Overview

If you’re interested in the study of Microbiology and Immunology but don’t have the required entry qualifications to join our BSc programme or are a mature student returning to education, our BSc with a Foundation Year is the right course for you.

Microbiology is the branch of science that focusses on the study of microorganisms, exploring all forms of microscopic life from bacteria to fungi, protozoa, and even non-living viruses. Alongside this, immunology is the study of the immune system, and how the human body protects itself against these organisms by a number of different pathways and processes. This programme will focus on the structure, function, and behaviour of these microorganisms, how they interact with their environment, their ability to cause human disease, and their potential for industrial applications.

This interdisciplinary programme will both bring these two areas together, focusing on how they interplay with one another in response to infectious diseases as well as considering disorders that occur as the result of a malfunctioning immune system. Industrial and research applications, such as the development of novel antimicrobials, and innovative immuno-therapeutics will root the programme in real world applications.

Microbiology and immunology represent disciplines that are not only foundational to our understanding of health and disease but are also integral to various industries. There is a growing demand for experts in these fields, driven by an increasing focus on healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and the broader life sciences sector, translating into excellent prospects for our graduates.

Why Microbiology and immunology at Swansea University?

You will benefit from access to the state-of-the-art research facilities at the Medical School, including bioanalytical equipment such as DNA and protein analytical equipment, flow cytometry for cellular characterisation, real time cell metabolism analysis and computer-based image analysers for molecular or cellular studies.

You will also be taught by researchers working in the fields of microbiology, immunology and bioinformatics, providing real life, working examples of research in practice on this degree programme.

Your Microbiology and immunology experience

The curriculum and programme is designed to prepare students with the skills and attributes needed to become proficient and competent scientists and researchers.

This programme will enhance your creative problem-solving abilities and encourage innovation in research. The first year provides a solid foundation for the programme, focussing on fundamental knowledge and core practical skills. In the second year, you will delve into more advanced subjects and skills related to Biostatistics, Immunopathology, Virology, along with Therapeutic Development. The third year introduces you to advanced topics such as Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Pandemics, and Immunotherapeutics.

You will also hone your independent research skills by undertaking a 'capstone project' in the field of either microbiology or immunology. This project will be an opportunity for you to apply the entirety of your knowledge and skills, contribute to scientific discoveries and demonstrate your ability to function as active members of the scientific research community.

Microbiology and immunology employment opportunities

A degree in Microbiology and immunology opens up a range of exciting career opportunities in diverse fields including:

Pharmaceutical development
Biotechnology
Biofuels
Agriculture
Bioinformatics
Academia

Entry Requirements

A-levels/Welsh Baccalaureate: CCD which must include Biology

IB: 24 to include Higher Level grade 4 Biology

BTEC: Typically DMM including a good Biology profile

As well as one of the above qualification types all applicants are required:

GCSE: English and Maths minimum Grade C Wales (England Pre-2017) or Grade 4 (England Post-2017)

We accept Swansea University approved equivalent qualifications.

For applicants whose first language is not English we require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) and no less than 5.5 in each component.

How You're Taught

Learning will be facilitated using a student-centred approach that includes lectures, practical laboratories, self-directed learning, virtual simulations, small-group sessions, tutorials, and workshops.

This course may offer some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh Provision expander below.

Welsh Provision

At least 40 credits

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study at least 40 credits of this course through the medium of Welsh. Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
Access to modules taught wholly or partly in Welsh.
Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the App Store and Google Play.
A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
Opportunity to be a member of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

To learn more about the above and all the opportunities available to you through the medium of Welsh, visit Academi Hywel Teifi's undergraduate pages.

Meet Your Lecturers

Dr Aled Roberts

Professor Cathy Thornton

Professor Tom Wilkinson

Dr Luke Davies

Dr Nick Jones

Dr Lydia Powell

Dr April Rees

Dr Sophie Reed

Dr Nia Davies

Tuition Fees

Start Date	UK	International
September 2023	£ 9,000	£ 20,600
September 2024	£ 9,000	£ 21,650

Fees for full time Undergraduate UK students may be increased in subsequent years of study by an inflationary amount determined by Welsh Government.

Fees for full time Undergraduate EU/International students will increase by 3% for each subsequent year of study.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
Purchase of books or texts
Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
Advice and guidance on postgraduate study and funding
Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal tutor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Study Abroad and Global Opportunities

To learn more about study abroad, visit our Go Global webpages. Enrolment on a programme with a semester/year abroad does not guarantee you a semester/year abroad placement. Spaces are limited and subject to a competitive selection process. In the event you do not secure a semester/year abroad placement, you will be transferred to the standard variant of your degree scheme without a semester or year abroad.

International summer programmes are open to students from all schools. Programmes typically range from 2 to 6 weeks, across destinations such as China, Zambia, South Korea, Japan, Canada and across Europe. For more information about programmes and eligibility visit our Summer Abroad webpages.

How to Apply

Apply now – UK, EU and international students.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

Application Deadlines

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.