Microbiologists study organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae to make advances in environmental science, medicine and agriculture. On a day to day basis they may test patient samples to identify infections and monitor outbreaks, develop new medical treatments using microbiology techniques, investigate how microorganisms make antibodies, vaccines and hormones, assess the impact of microbes in foods, crops and soils, check the safety of manufactured food or medicines, use microorganisms to control pollution and develop biofuels and much more. You could work at a university or in a laboratory. You may need to wear protective clothing.

Taken from gov 2024. 

You can get into this career through many different routes including:

• University- you could study a degree to attain this career. 

• Apprenticeship- you could find an apprenticeship to support you in gaining this role. 

• Working towards this role- you could get an entry level job for this role. 

To become a microbiologist, you could do a degree in:

• microbiology

• biology

• life sciences

• biological science

Some degree courses include an integrated master's qualification like MBiol or MSci. You'll usually have more time for independent research and they're designed to lead directly onto further postgraduate study like a PhD.

Training programme for the NHS

If you want to work in the NHS as a microbiologist, you could apply to the Scientist Training Programme (STP) after your degree.

You'll train on the job, get paid a salary and receive a master's degree at the end.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Personal Statement Help

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You may be able to become a microbiologist by doing an apprenticeship, for example:

• Laboratory Scientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

• Research Scientist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships can take between 3 and 5 years to complete.

Apprenticeship Finders

https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship 

Interview Help

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/microbiology-interview-questions

https://lab-training.com/commonly-asked-interview-questions-for-microbiologist-with-answers/