MSc in Integrated Immunology

About the course

The aim of the taught MSc in Integrated Immunology (Full-time) is to provide a comprehensive education, high-quality research training and the professional skills required for a career in modern immunology. We expect that our graduates will become part of the global network of immunologists within academic research, biotech and related industry, medicine or healthcare professions.

The MSc in Integrated Immunology (Full-time) course explores immunology in breadth and depth and is intended for science and medical postgraduates. It is a 12-month, full-time course comprising two 11-week taught terms followed by a 14-week research project within a University of Oxford research group. The first taught term focuses on the fundamental science of immunology, while the second explores the applied, clinical and therapeutic aspects of immunology. This MSc course is not modular in structure; all elements are compulsory for all students. Teaching is delivered across a series of linked topic themes to ensure holistic coverage of modern immunology. By the end of the course students should be able to demonstrate their understanding of how the fundamental principles of immunology integrates with the clinical aspects of immune-driven disease and with other disciplines including cell and molecular biology, genetics and microbiology.

You will be taught by leading academics in immunology throughout the first two terms of the course. You will hear from a wide range of different lecturers, drawn from the University of Oxford Immunology Network, Oxford University Hospitals or external institutions. In the third term you you will undertake a project in a top-ranked research department or institute. MSc projects are provided by internationally-recognised research groups across the Medical Sciences Division. Oxford has one of the highest concentrations of research-active immunologists in the world. Students on this MSc course are therefore uniquely placed to benefit from this wealth of expertise.

Each of the two 11-week taught terms consist of nine weeks of classroom-based teaching, one for revision and one for examination. An average teaching week comprises approximately seven lectures, each lecture being 60 to 90 minutes in duration. In addition, there are small-group discussion and problem-based learning sessions, which may be led by tutors, or by students. Continuing professional development classes, including on presentation and IT skills, statistics, ethics, scientific methodologies, careers and special seminars take place throughout both taught terms. Self-directed study is required alongside structured teaching. In the third term you will undertake an original, supervised research project to gain a working understanding of research techniques in immunology or a related area. Research supervisors provide regular support and guidance during the course of the research project, and students are normally expected to work on their projects during core working hours during the week, or as agreed with their supervisor.

Students are expected to treat their studies as a full-time occupation of at least 40-hours per week.

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the equivalent of the following UK qualifications or their equivalent: a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a biological, biomedical or other relevant science, including interdisciplinary subjects. However, entrance is very competitive and many successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent. An appropriate medical qualification equivalent to MBBS (MD for overseas students) is also a suitable background for applicants. For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0. However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.7 or above.