Masters degrees in Medical Microbiology explore techniques for the analyses of interactions between microorganisms and human hosts, particularly host-pathogen relationships (microbes which cause disease).
Related subjects and postgraduate specialisms include Immunology, Bacteriology and Pathogenesis. Entry requirements normally involve an appropriate undergraduate science degree.
This course is delivered by specialists, who are engaged in cutting-edge research, and a variety of visiting specialist lecturers, ranging from Hospital Consultants to Senior Biomedical Scientists. These sessions, which specifically focus on developing areas of biomedical science common to all associated disciplines, include recent advances in genetics and immunology, which will equip you with the skills necessary to either complement your clinical laboratory responsibilities if you are currently employed, or to provide you with essential skills needed for seeking future employment or starting a research career. The course is also a suitable stepping-stone for those considering a career in biomedical research.
The course we provide leads to an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited MSc Award. As an Institution we have held accredited status for this award for over 25 years, and this is borne out by its continued accreditation by our professional body.
Please note: although this MSc is accredited by the IBMS, completion of this course does not allow you to practice as a registered Biomedical Scientist. To do that, you would need to have studied out Accredited Undergraduate Award and completed your registration portfolio. If you are interested in our BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science award please click here
Find out more about how you will study Biomedical Science & Physiology
Typical modules may include
The full-time MSc Biomedical Science route is attractive if you are seeking an academic research career and/or wish to make yourself highly employable in a research laboratory, University Laboratory or in the pharmaceutical industry. You may also wish to continue with a research career, and study towards a PhD.
The part-time route (also available as specialist routes in Medical Microbiology, Clinical Biochemistry, Cellular Pathology or Haematology) is designed for students in full-time employment in biomedical laboratories who are allowed day-release by their employers to improve their professional knowledge.
This course is designed to give you the opportunity to study and analyse the theoretical and practical basis of medical microbiology and many of the specialist areas within it. You will gain greater insight into the importance and role of medical microbiology, with an emphasis on cutting edge areas such as molecular diagnostics and genomics, emerging pathogens and antibiotic resistance.
You will study a range of core and option modules that will allow you to tailor studies to your own requirements. You will expand your knowledge of the basic science and analytical techniques relating to medical microbiology and gain an up-to-date understanding of the application of medical microbiology in bioscience/pharmaceutical research, as well as in diagnostic and therapeutic medicine. There will be an emphasis in the course on development of critical analysis skills in assessment of scientific literature and laboratory data. In addition you will have the opportunity to design and execute your own research project. The course team is supported by visiting lecturers who are practising scientists in the field, which helps to ensure that taught material is current and relevant.
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Core modules
Option modules
The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
As well as gaining knowledge and skills in medical microbiology and other associated subject areas you will develop numerous other skills that are designed to make you competitive in the jobs market.
Some students will already be working in healthcare and public health laboratories in the UK and overseas, while others will be gaining the skills they need to work as a Biomedical or Clinical Scientist.
The course will also allow you to work in industry, including the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors as well as regulatory affairs. You will also be well prepared for a career in research including further study at PhD level.
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 actually in the laboratory, learning how to be a microbiologist. You will cover the medical and molecular aspects of bacteriology, virology, mycology 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 clinical sciences or academic and industrial research.
This course runs alongside our MSc Medical Virology course.
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.
IBMS accreditation
This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science and meets the requirements for registration with the Science Council as a Chartered Scientist (CSci).
Extensive practical learning
The lab-focused nature of this course means you will gain maximum exposure to both the practical and theoretical aspects of a wide range of clinically relevant pathogens, helping develop practical skills that are valued by potential employers.
Various study options
You can study either full-time or part-time on both the MSc and PGDip routes, enabling you to fit learning around your other commitments if needed.
Research experience
You will typically carry out research projects within one of the microbiology, virology or mycology research groups. The close relationship between the diagnostic microbiology and virology services and the University department enable our research activities to be directly related to current relevant issues in medical microbiology.
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.
Find out more by visiting the postgraduate teaching and learning page.
You will be assessed via continual assessment and formal theory and practical examinations.
The course consists of 120 credits of taught material and followed by a 60-credit research project (MSc only). There are shared and course-specific units across the Medical Microbiology and Medical Virology courses as follows:
Shared units
Course-specific units
MSc Medical Microbiology students should take Clinical Microbiology 1 and 2. Students wishing to have a more virology-focused curriculum should enrol on the MSc Medical Virology course and will take Clinical Virology 1 and 2.
All MSc students carry out a three-month research project after the taught components have been successfully completed.
Full-time (FT) students take the above units and research project in Year 1. Part-time (PT) students can undertake the MSc over two years, one full semester per year.
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.
Our MSc is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
This programme is intended for graduates already working in Medical Microbiology laboratories, or in a closely-related field, who want to enhance their understanding of the role of microorganisms in health and disease.
You will study the theoretical aspects of medical microbiology, which encompasses: the biological and pathogenic properties of microbes; their role in health and disease; the reactions of the host to infection; and the scientific basis for the detection, control and antimicrobial treatment of infectious disease.
Upon successful completion of the course, you will possess a deeper knowledge of medical microbiology and highly developed management and research skills which will enhance your professional activities.
This programme is studied part-time over two academic years. It consists of eight taught modules and a research project.
Example module listing
The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
All our lecture modules are offered as stand-alone short courses and are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences for the purposes of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Each module lasts for five or six weeks, with the lectures taking place on Wednesdays throughout the academic year. Individuals wishing only to attend the lectures may do so; alternatively, you may decide to take the assessment and acquire credits which may contribute to a postgraduate qualification, either at the University of Surrey or elsewhere.
You may take up to three modules as stand-alone courses before registering retrospectively for the MSc and counting the accumulated credits towards your degree.
The fee structure for short courses is different to that for registered students and details may be obtained upon enquiry to the programme administrator. Also contact the programme administrator for information regarding the timing of each module.
The programme is intended for graduates already working in medical microbiology laboratories, or in a closely-related field, who want to enhance their understanding of the role of microorganisms in health and disease. This includes:
Other applicants seeking an understanding of the advances in modern medical microbiology and its associated disciplines will also be considered. This includes:
This part-time two year programme is intended primarily for those who are already working in the field of Medical Microbiology who aspire to become leaders in their profession.
The programme has been designed to increase your scientific understanding of medical microbiology and develop your critical and analytical skills so that you may identify problems, formulate hypotheses, design experiments, acquire and interpret data, and draw conclusions.
It will allow you to study theoretical aspects of medical microbiology encompassing the biological and pathogenic properties of microbes, their role in health and disease, the reactions of the host to infection, and the scientific basis for the detection, control and anti-microbial treatment of infectious disease.
Knowledge and understanding
Intellectual / cognitive skills
Professional practical skills
Key / transferable skills
We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.
In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.
Learn more about opportunities that might be available for this particular programme by using our student exchanges search tool.
This programme combines taught modules with extensive research training, increasing your scientific understanding of Medical Microbiology whilst developing your critical and analytical skills.
You will study theoretical aspects of Medical Microbiology which encompass: the biological and pathogenic properties of microbes; their role in health and disease; the reactions of the host to infection; and the scientific basis for the detection, control and antimicrobial treatment of infectious disease.
The extensive research experience you receive differentiates this Euromasters programme from all other UK MSc Medical Microbiology programmes, and allows us to produce graduates highly sought-after by employers.
This programme is studied full-time over two academic years. It consists of twelve taught modules and a research project.
Example module listing
The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
Most of our lecture modules are offered as stand-alone short courses and are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences for the purposes of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
You may take up to three modules as stand-alone courses before registering retrospectively for the MSc and counting the accumulated credits towards your degree.
The fee structure for short courses is different to that for registered students and details may be obtained upon enquiry to the programme administrator. Also contact the programme administrator for information regarding the timing of each module.
Medical Microbiology (Euromasters) graduates are working in senior research positions in industry, academia or the public sector in the UK and around the world. Others have gone on to apply the extensive research experience obtained during the programme to study for a PhD.
Many part-time students already working in the public or private sector receive a promotion as a result of their qualification, having significantly improved their practice during the course.
This full-time two year programme is intended primarily for those who already have some practicalexperience in medical microbiology or a closely related field. Those who undertake this MSc will aspire to become leaders in their profession.
The programme therefore aims to provide a strong scientific and intellectual platform on which further development can be built, including the ability to evaluate and exploit new technology.
The programme will develop students’ ability to conceive, execute and manage full-time research projects with the aim of equipping students for careers in microbiology research.
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:
Knowledge and understanding
Intellectual / cognitive skills
Professional practical skills
Key / transferable skills
We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.
In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.
Learn more about opportunities that might be available for this particular programme by using our student exchanges search tool.
This course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical training in the spread of microorganisms (predominantly bacterial and viral pathogens), disease causation and diagnosis and treatment of pathogens significant to public health. The increasing incidence of microbial infections worldwide is being compounded by the rapid evolution of drug-resistant variants and opportunistic infections by other organisms. The course content reflects the increasing importance of genomics and molecular techniques in both diagnostics and the study of pathogenesis.
In response to a high level of student interest in viral infections, the School has decided to offer the opportunity for students who focus on viruses in their module and project choices to be awarded a Master's degree in Medical Microbiology (Virology). This choice will depend on the module selection of the individual student in Terms 2 and 3 and choice of project.
Graduates from this course move into global health careers related to medical microbiology in research or medical establishments and the pharmaceutical industry.
The Bo Drasar Prize is awarded annually for outstanding performance by a Medical Microbiology student. This prize is named after Professor Bohumil Drasar, the founder of the MSc Medical Microbiology course.
The Tsiquaye Prize is awarded annually for the best virology-based project report.
- Full programme specification (pdf) (https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/files/mm_progspec.pdf)
- Intercalating this course (https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/courses/ways-study/intercalating-study-masters-degree)
Visit the website https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/medical-microbiology
By the end of the course students should be able to:
- demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the nature of viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi and basic criteria used in the classification/taxonomy of these micro-organisms
- explain the modes of transmission and the growth cycles of pathogenic micro-organisms
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and the outcomes of infections
- distinguish between and critically assess the classical and modern approaches to the development of therapeutic agents and vaccines for the prevention of human microbial diseases
- demonstrate knowledge of the laboratory diagnosis of microbial diseases and practical skills
- carry out a range of advanced skills and laboratory techniques, including the purification of isolated microbial pathogens, study of microbial growth cycles and analyses of their proteins and nucleic acids for downstream applications
- demonstrate research skills
Term 1:
There is a one-week orientation period that includes an introduction to studying at the School, sessions on key computing and study skills and course-specific sessions, followed by two compulsory modules:
- Bacteriology & Virology
- Analysis & Design of Research Studies
Recommended module: Molecular Biology
Sessions on basic computing, molecular biology and statistics are run throughout the term for all students.
Terms 2 and 3:
Students take a total of five modules, one from each timetable slot (Slot 1, Slot 2 etc.). The list below shows recommended modules. There are other modules that can be taken only after consultation with the Course Director.
- Slot 1:
Clinical Virology
Molecular Biology & Recombinant DNA Techniques
- Slot 2:
Clinical Bacteriology 1
Molecular Virology
- Slot 3:
Advanced Training in Molecular Biology
Basic Parasitology
- Slot 4:
Clincal Bacteriology 2
Molecular Biology Research Progress & Applications
- Slot 5:
Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
Molecular Cell Biology & Infection
Mycology
Pathogen Genomics
Further details for the course modules - https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/courses/masters-degrees/module-specifications
During the summer months (July - August), students complete a laboratory-based original research project on an aspect of a relevant organism, for submission by early September. Projects may take place within the School or with collaborating scientists in other colleges or institutes in the UK or overseas.
The majority of students who undertake projects abroad receive financial support for flights from the School's trust funds set up for this purpose
The Royal College of Pathologists accepts the course as part of the professional experience of both medical and non-medical candidates applying for membership. The course places particular emphasis on practical aspects of the subjects most relevant to current clinical laboratory practice and research.
Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/msmm.html#sixth
Build on your existing biomedical sciences knowledge and skills to become a specialist in medical microbiology. You will practise working autonomously in the laboratory during the large practical components of the course, using your thorough theoretical grounding as the driver for your research. You will have the opportunity to experience a range of techniques across microbiology and molecular biology, and the topics you will study, from the role of microbiology in medicine to molecular microbiology and epidemiology, will give you specialist knowledge and a variety of skills applicable to a range of careers in the field of biomedical science and microbiology.
This course will be delivered through independent laboratory research, expert lectures and individual meetings with your tutors. You will complete a range of activities and assignments, including group projects that will mirror the work environment by requiring you to work effectively as part of a laboratory team and produce reports to detail your findings.
You will be supported in your studies by staff with vast practical and academic experience, which will allow you to pursue your research interests in a wide range of areas. The modern facilities you will have access to include our purpose-built Biomedical Sciences Laboratory that contains a range of the latest scientific testing equipment, walk-in cold and warm rooms and state-of-the-art IT and AV facilities. You will have access to visiting professionals through our seminar series, who will share their industry and research experience. Not only will you gain insights into the very latest practices, you will also be able to cultivate your professional networks. Opportunities to develop your personal and professional skill set is built in to all the course modules, and the Personal & Professional Development module will focus on exercises such as role-specific simulated job interviews, that will enhance your employability, increase your confidence and prepare you to complete job and funding applications. The School offers a wealth of opportunities to cultivate your skill set beyond the laboratory. Serving as a student representative, supporting the School?s widening and participation events or joining the student-led Biomedical Sciences Society will expand your circle of experience to complement your practical scientific expertise.
You will be able to apply for practical laboratory-based roles, such as a research, diagnostic or healthcare scientist, and you will also be well placed should you want to apply for the NHS Scientist Training Programme. You could work for an organisation such as Public Health England, contributing to scientific research aimed at improving the health of the nation. You will also be thoroughly prepared for doctoral-level study.
If Biology is your passion Microbiology at Aberdeen allows you to understand advances in microbiology, adaptation, host-pathogen interactions and infection and disease processes. You learn with established and renowned international researchers and there are opportunities to learn and apply knowledge in practical situations. You also learn about applied statistics methods, bioinformatics and immunology plus regulation and genome enabled medicines.
This programme is designed to provide advanced training in molecular microbiology. You will investigate molecular microbiology, host-pathogen interactions and immune system interactions by pathogens, environmental microbiology, and the core physiology and biochemistry of bacterial and fungal pathogens. Bioinformatics and biotechnology areas are currently in high growth within innovation markets due to major advances in the discipline areas, IOT and Photonics advances and customised methods of treating disease at source within advanced stratified medicine for example. Careers upon graduation can include hospital diagnostics, pathology laboratories and microbiology research. There is a lot of scope to develop innovation in this subject area if you continue to apply innovative research towards new solutions within biological patents. Scottish innovation centres http://www.innovationcentres.scot/innovation-centres/ you may be interested in finding out about if you want to continue within research and innovation at SMS-IC, IBioIC, DHI and CENSIS or if you live within England the CPI. All of these innovation centres allow for exciting new research and upstream testing towards new spin out companies or product lines. You may also be interested in continuing your studies to PhD in order to teach.
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page
*Please be advised that some programmes have different tuition fees from those listed above and that some programmes also have additional costs.
View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page
Find out more about:
Find out more about living in Aberdeen and living costs
This MSc programme is built on the combined expertise in microbiology and infection that has been assembled through the establishment of the Institute of Microbiology and Infection at Birmingham.
It draws on the internationally recognized expertise of members of both the College of Life and Environmental Sciences and College of Medical and Dental Sciences to provide a course that will be attractive to aspiring biomedical scientists and clinical microbiologists worldwide.
Students graduating from this course can look forward to gaining a thorough grounding in this important area, with job opportunities throughout the public and private sector, as well as in research settings.
This course will provide graduates in the Biosciences with a sound theoretical background and hands-on laboratory experience in leading-edge microbiology. Students will gain specialist knowledge and insight in key aspects of bacterial infection.
The Institute of Microbiology and Infection at Birmingham brings together a group of researchers and lecturers from the College of Life and Environmental Sciences and the College of Medical and Dental Sciences with expertise in a wide range of aspects of microbiology in infectious disease. The MSc Microbiology and Infection draws on this expertise to highlight the impact of recent advances in understanding of microbes in infection.
The course will enable students to develop basic abilities and skills on which to build professional capability in a healthcare or related microbiology or biomedical research setting.
The taught modules will be delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops and laboratory teaching. The Institute of Microbiology and Infection infrastructure provides high level capabilities for laboratory teaching at module level, while leading research groups offer opportunities for innovative and challenging research project opportunities.
The course will give you a thorough grounding in this important and topical area of biomedical science, enabling your entry into employment in health-related positions including hospital and public health laboratories, industry (biotechnology, pharmaceutical and other sectors) and regulatory or quality assurance functions in the public sector or industry. It will also prepare you to work in a research setting, perhaps studying for a PhD as the next step on a research-based career path.
This programme is intended for those who wish to enhance their understanding of the role of microorganisms in animal health and disease, and provides an excellent grounding in molecular biology, immunology, epidemiology and microbiology.
This grounding leads into the study of the complex mechanisms of host/microbe interactions that are involved in the pathogenesis of specific animal diseases, and provides insights into diagnosis and interventions, such as vaccines, essential for disease control.
You will enhance your critical and analytical skills and gain hands-on experience in the diagnosis of veterinary diseases, such that you may identify problems, formulate hypotheses, design experiments, acquire and interpret data, and draw conclusions.
This programme is studied full-time over one academic year.
Example module listing
The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
This is a full or part-time programme, intended mainly for graduates, those already working in veterinary diagnostic/research laboratories and staff from other laboratories who want to enhance their understanding of the role of microorganisms in animal health and disease.
Pharmaceutical research personnel, policymakers, veterinarians, public health personnel and environmental biologists will also benefit.
Most modules are offered as standalone short courses. The fee structure for short courses is different to that for registered students, and details may be obtained via admissions enquiries, please refer to the contact details on this page.
The option to study the MSc on a part-time basis is only available following successful completion of three modules as stand-alone/CPD. Please contact the [email protected] for further information.
This Masters programme is delivered by a consortium comprising the University of Surrey and two world class veterinary microbiology institutions: the BBSRC funded Pirbright Institute (PI), and the Government sponsored Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA).
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and Public Health England (PHE) also contribute to the programme.
You will have the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the diagnosis of important veterinary diseases within the world reference laboratories of the APHA and Pirbright Institute (PI).
There will also be an opportunity to visit Public Health England (PHE) to gain a detailed knowledge of how zoonotic diseases outbreaks are investigated, and to visit the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), a livestock abattoir and an intensive livestock farm.
Colleagues from the CEFAS laboratory will also contribute to the programme, and further research training will be provided during your practical research project.
This is a one year full-time programme aimed at preparing graduates to work in a range of fields in which a detailed understanding of veterinary microbiology is a valuable asset.
These fields include research, commerce, government and policy, reference laboratory and diagnostic work, epidemiology and disease mapping, veterinary science, farming especially animal production, wild and zoo animal conservation and education.
As such, it is intended that graduates will achieve the highest levels of professional understanding of veterinary microbiology within a range of contexts.
The programme combines the study of the theoretical foundations of, and scholarly approaches to, understanding the application and various practices of veterinary microbiology within the contexts described above along with the development of practical and research skills.
The main aims are to enable students to:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas.
The learning outcomes have been aligned with the descriptor for qualification at level 7 given in the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) produced by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for Higher Education.
Knowledge and understanding
Following completion of the programme, students should display knowledge of:
Intellectual/cognitive skills
Following completion of the programme, students should be able to:
Professional practical skills
Following completion of the programme, students should be able to:
We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.
In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.
Study Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with The University of Edinburgh
