Microbiology and Immunology with Integrated Master's - MSci (Hons)

Keele University

What is microbiology and immunology?

Microbiology and immunology are two modern biological sciences. Studied together these two fascinating subjects enable us to explore how microbes can be controlled to prevent disease and so much more.

Microbiology is one of the fastest developing fields of research in biology. Some examples of what microbiologists do include manipulating bacteria to produce useful products such as human insulin, and using other microbes that naturally feed on pollutants to clean up polluted water bodies.

Immunology explores the physiological functioning of the immune system in states of both health and disease as well as malfunctions of the immune system in immunological disorders like immune deficiency and transplant rejection.

Course overview

Our Microbiology and Immunology MSci curriculum has been carefully designed to enable you to not only develop core knowledge of this fascinating subject area, but to expose you to a comprehensive laboratory programme which encourages you to develop a range of key transferrable and employability skills.

Emphasis on the critical evaluation of scientific literature and effective communication particularly in the fourth year of study will see you develop independent learning and enhanced research skills. Our core modules will enable you to develop the required knowledge of the underpinning themes of the programme with our optional modules offering you the flexibility to tailor the programme to your interests and career aspirations.

In microbiology you will study the biology, biochemistry and physiology of viruses and microorganisms. You will examine bacteria, fungi and parasites, with a particular emphasis on host-pathogen interactions, the diseases these can cause, the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, as well as their wider application in biotechnology and their critical roles in global ecosystems.

In immunology you will explore the role of the immune system in health and disease. You will study the enormous diversity of the human immune system, the importance of this in host-pathogen interactions and how such knowledge is essential in the development of new biotechnological approaches to disease treatment and prevention, such as vaccines.

Knowledge of the development and function of the different components of the immune response is also essential in our understanding of autoimmune disease and other disorders of the immune system, such as immunodeficiency. You will explore how the extraordinary specificity of components of the immune system, such as antibodies, can be exploited in development of targeted molecular therapies in diseases including cancer.

Foundation Year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

Your future career

The substantial research skills and experience you will gain during your MSci research project will enable you to stand-out when applying for PhD study, in addition to working in both industry and academia.

Many students with microbiology and immunology degrees seek careers in scientific industries, like research or laboratory technology. Others might prefer jobs in the health care industries, such as in medicine, nursing or pharmaceutical development.

On successful completion of your degree, you will graduate with a strong set of transferable skills suited to a range of roles in the science, education and health sectors. You may also wish to further your knowledge by progressing to postgraduate study.