Biomedical Science: Medical Microbiology MSc

Why choose this course?

Our expert teaching staff and guest speakers will help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the organisms, pathology, diagnostic techniques and control of infectious disease in existing and emerging pathogens

An extended research project will enable you to pursue an area of interest in depth. It can be an excellent selling point when looking for a job or promotion.

The course is delivered two days per week and, with part-time options, can help you fit your studies around other commitments.

What you will study

Practising expert biomedical scientists are an integral part of the teaching team and ensure that the programme content reflects current practice. Academic staff at the University provide the opportunity for involvement in internationally-recognised research.

The programme comprises four taught modules, plus an extended research project where students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and to develop competences in advanced laboratory techniques.

Core modules will familiarise you with the theoretical and practical aspects of molecular medicine used in research and hospital laboratories, the molecular basis of immunological mechanisms, cellular mechanisms of disease, physiological manifestations and implications to public health. You will learn about the principles and practice of laboratory management in biomedical science, and you will acquire the skills required for researching and communicating in biomedical science. You will also study modules in your specialist route. In addition to subject-specific knowledge, the course aims to develop your communication and other skills.

Teaching and assessment

A wide range of assessments are provided in the programmes. Assessments can be either formative or summative, the formative assessments being designed to provide students with the opportunity to practice assignments and receive feedback as a form of ‘feed-forward' for the summative assessments.

Assessments are designed to assess advanced skills and evaluation of information. In addition to formal examinations, coursework assessment formats are varied in nature and include written reports and essays, poster and oral presentations, a research proposal and in-class tests. They are often authentic in nature, designed around problem-solving exercises and case studies to develop students' research abilities and critical thinking. The research project, which comprises one third of the programme, is designed as a ‘capstone' project and aims to give students the opportunity to use and synthesise the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their degree.

A 2:2 or above honours degree or equivalent in; biomedical science; medical microbiology; medical genetics; molecular biology; haematology; or immunology. Other biology and medical science degrees will be considered on an individual basis. All applicants must demonstrate sufficient understanding of immunology and medical microbiology. Applications are considered individually and candidates with relevant experience are welcome to apply.