Accessibility links
The UK’s official graduate careers website
Accessibility links
Entry generally requires a degree in a relevant subject, for example:
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website provides a list of first degree courses in microbiology. Courses such as biological sciences or applied biology provide a wide-ranging background prior to having to make choices about specialist areas.
The Higher Education Academy Microbiology Subject Profile provides an overview of the provision of undergraduate and taught postgraduate microbiology programmes in higher education in the UK.
There are two main scientific occupations where microbiologists (who are not medically qualified) can work in a clinical setting: as a biomedical scientist and as a clinical scientist (or, in this specific context, a clinical microbiologist).
A degree in biomedical sciences is advisable, although not essential, for entry as a biomedical scientist in hospital medical microbiology laboratories. A list of accredited degree programmes is available through the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) . Biomedical scientists must hold the Certificate of Competence awarded by the IBMS and be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC) . A new co-terminus route, which incorporates the necessary laboratory training for HPC registration is also available. Graduates in other related science subjects taking an MSc in Microbiology can also specialise in this area.
To be able to work as a clinical scientist in The National Health Service (NHS) , university medical schools and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) , you must complete a three-year in-house training programme as a trainee clinical scientist (Grade A), in addition to a relevant first degree, and be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC). The programme leads to an MSc in Microbiology. Further training is then necessary in order to become a registered clinical scientist (Grade B). Check with employers that the training offered is accredited by the appropriate bodies.
Pre-entry work experience in a laboratory can be difficult to get, but will be advantageous.
Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following employability skills:
Potential employers will often require you to have experience of good laboratory practice (GLP).
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) careers website provides a list of pharmaceutical companies offering summer work opportunities. Contact companies as early as possible. Otherwise, talk to hospital laboratories or your university careers service about gaining some voluntary experience.
The Society for General Microbiology (SGM) offers grants to society members to fund penultimate-year undergraduate students undertaking a six to eight-week research project on a microbiological topic in the summer vacation. The closing date for applications is February. Applications should be made by academic supervisors, who must be SGM members. Further information is available from the SGM website.
The Society for Applied Microbiology (SFAM) provides a Students into Work Scheme to enable students to gain a work placement of up to ten weeks. Society members must apply on behalf of a named student. Some companies provide funding to support research work in laboratories over the summer.
Becoming a member of a professional body, such as the SGM or the SfAM, will demonstrate commitment and provide valuable networking and career development opportunities.
For more information see work experience and find courses and research.
This website is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with CSS enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets if you are able to do so.
