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Biological scientists > Microbiologist
Healthcare | Science and research
Microbiologists study micro-organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae.
You could do a degree in a subject like microbiology, biology or biological science. Some employers may ask for a relevant postgraduate qualification and work experience. You may be able to do an integrated postgraduate master's qualification like a MBiolSci, MBiol or MSci. These courses include independent research and can lead onto further postgraduate study for a PhD. 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 usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science and 2 or 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree. You'll need a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study.
Volunteering
You could improve your career prospects if you get some work experience. This could be with the NHS, as part of a sandwich degree course or through a placement with a company during the holidays. Your university can advise you on voluntary opportunities.
You'll need:
As part of your day-to-day duties, you might:
You could move into lab management, research or teaching. In the NHS you could progress to specialist, team manager and consultant. You could also offer consultancy services in areas like pharmaceutical sales, publishing and law.
Data analyst-statisticians collect numerical information to identify trends, create models and present results.
Anatomical pathology technicians (APTs) help pathologists carry out post-mortems in mortuaries.
Hospital porters move patients, equipment and medical supplies around a hospital.
Biochemists investigate the chemical processes that take place inside all living things, from viruses and bacteria to people.
Nurses care for adults who are sick, injured or have physical disabilities.
Health trainers promote healthy living and help people make healthier lifestyle choices.
*THIS IS NOT A JOB VACACNY OR YOUR APPLICATION TO EXETER COLLEGE APPRENTICESHIPS*By applying here and attaching your CVcover letter you are registering your interest in the Dental Nursing Apprenticeship with Exeter College. From this you are put in a talent pool, sent marketing materials and your CV can be passed onto employers looking for apprentices. Please ensure that you have attached a CV to your application or you will not be considered for any position. Your CV should include why you are interested in becoming a Dental Nurse.
Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction, or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday, and sick pay.
Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job – whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables, or building engines!
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