Are you passionate about understanding microorganisms, viruses, and their role in health, agriculture, and the environment? South African universities offer excellent programmes in Microbiology and Virology, from undergraduate to postgraduate level. Here’s a grouped list of where you can study these exciting fields.
1. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- BSc in Biological Sciences – includes Microbiology modules
- BSc in Environmental Sciences & Geosciences with biological research opportunities
2. Rhodes University
- BSc in Science – students can major in Biochemistry & Microbiology
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre supports virology and microbiology research
- Postgraduate: MSc & PhD in Microbiology, Virology, and related sciences
3. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- BSc in Biochemistry
- BSc in Biotechnology & Food Technology – strong microbiology component
- BSc in Chemical Sciences & Zoology with microbiology applications
- Postgraduate research opportunities in molecular biology, virology, and microbiology
4. Stellenbosch University (SU)
- BSc in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology – core microbiology & virology training
- BSc in Biology & Human Life Sciences with microbiology modules
- Honours, MSc, PhD in Microbiology and Virology offered via Faculty of Science
5. University of Limpopo (UL)
- BSc in Life Sciences – foundation for microbiology and virology specialisation
- BSc in Medical Sciences – integrates microbiology and infectious disease study
6. University of South Africa (UNISA)
- BSc in Life Sciences (Biochemistry & Microbiology)
- BSc in Biotechnology
- Postgraduate: BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry & Microbiology, MSc and PhD in Microbiology and Virology
7. University of Pretoria (UP)
- BSc in Microbiology – dedicated undergraduate programme
- BSc in Biotechnology, Biochemistry & Genetics – with virology focus areas
- Postgraduate: MSc & PhD in Microbiology, Medical Virology, and related biosciences
8. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- BSc in Biological Sciences – includes Microbiology majors
- School of Health Sciences offers Biomedical & Medical Sciences linked to virology research
- Postgraduate: MSc & PhD in Microbiology, Infectious Diseases & Virology
Why Study Microbiology & Virology?
These programmes prepare you for careers in:
- Medical Research & Public Health – fighting diseases like HIV, TB, and COVID-19
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals – vaccine and antibiotic development
- Agriculture & Food Safety – improving crops and preventing spoilage
- Environmental Management – studying microbes in water, soil, and climate change