About this course

St George’s has enjoyed an outstanding track record of research and innovation in infectious disease ever since the ‘father of vaccinology’ Edward Jenner, based here, created the world’s first vaccine (against smallpox). More recently, our research has included a focus on tuberculosis, malaria, HIV in low and middle-income countries and Covid-19.

In 2020, the global pandemic highlighted the profound and lasting impact that a devastating infectious disease can have on the human population. Research to understand how diseases like Covid-19 are contracted and spread, and what drugs and vaccines are useful in treating or preventing them, is vital to reduce suffering and try to control or eradicate the disease.

This MRes in Biomedical Science (Infection and Immunity) provides you with research training in fundamental aspects of bacterial and viral pathogenesis, with an emphasis on molecular approaches to understanding infection.

Careers

The course provides excellent preparation for PhD study, which around a fifth of our students complete here at St George’s or elsewhere, and this can lead to a research career within academia or pharmaceutical industry.

Alternatively, on completion, you could pursue a career in the biomedical and medical sector in roles where some research background is required but not necessarily at PhD level. This may include job opportunities as research support staff, technicians, medical laboratory assistants, specialist services provision, equipment operators and laboratory management.

This course is also effective in accelerating the development of your career in healthcare and NHS.