Course description

Our long-running MSc Medical Microbiology course is ideal if you are a graduate looking to develop your skills as a microbiologist.

The course is unique because you will spend much of your time in the laboratory, learning how to be a microbiologist. You will cover the medical and molecular aspects of microbiology and immunity to infection.

We aim to give you a significant level of theoretical and practical understanding of the subject, which will be important if you want to follow a career in the diagnosis and study of infectious diseases.

Since its origins in the 1920s, the course has been taken by many UK and international medical microbiology consultants, clinical or biomedical scientists, along with those who have progressed into academic or industrial research.

During the course you will have the opportunity to specialise in your preferred discipline (bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology) whilst maintaining an understanding of integrated microbiology.

Aims

We aim to provide you with an understanding of the scientific basis of traditional and modern microbiological concepts.

In addition, you will develop the knowledge, specialist practical skills and critical awareness needed to pursue a career in medical microbiology.

Teaching and learning

This course is delivered by academics from the University and NHS specialists in infectious disease and medical microbiology.

You will learn via a range of methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and comprehensive practical classes.

We use both face-to-face sessions and blended learning methods, with some material delivered and assessed online.

Coursework and assessment

You will be assessed via continual assessment and formal theory and practical examinations.

Career opportunities

Our graduates typically find employment in the NHS and related organisations, or as medical microbiologists in industrial and pharmaceutical settings.

In addition, many graduates progress to PhD study and a research or academic career.

Several of our students enrol on this programme to further develop an existing career in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry or veterinary medicine.