Microbiology: Career areas

A 2012 HESA survey of 2011 graduates indicates that six months after graduation just over 40% microbiology graduates had entered employment. Of these graduates in employment, just over a fifth went to work in scientific research, analysis and development, while 13% went into techncial and professional roles.

Types of work typically undertaken by microbiology graduates include:

• investigating diseases of humans, animals and plants;
• developing medicines and healthcare products;
• monitoring and preventing pollution;
• ensuring safety and quality of food;
• medicines manufacture.

Microbiology graduates can also enter unrelated fields such as finance, retail and management - employers are very interested in science graduates as they generally have good analytical and problem-solving skills.

Where are the jobs?

Microbiology-related careers are found in a diverse range of employment sectors and typical employers include:

• healthcare organisations such as the National Health Service (NHS) - see NHS Careers ;
• environmental organisations;
• industry - food and drink, pharmaceuticals, toiletries, and biotechnology companies;
• publicly funded research organisations;
• higher education institutions.

You can find information about the range of employment available by looking into the following sectors:

• Science and pharmaceuticals - scientists work in industry, the health service, government establishments, research and educational institutions.
• Health and social care - the UK health sector employs people across a range of organisations within the public, independent and voluntary sectors.
• Teaching and education - includes schools, further and higher education. Many scientists are employed in universities to carry out research or in schools as teachers.

For further information on possibilities in other employment areas, see job sectors. 

Statistics are collected every year to show what HE students do immediately after graduation. These can be a useful guide but, in reality, because the data is collected within six months of graduation, many graduates are travelling, waiting to start a course, paying off debts, getting work experience or still deciding what they want to do. For further information about some of the areas of employment commonly entered by graduates of any degree discipline, check out What Do Graduates Do?  and your degree...what next?