Masters Degrees in Immunology, United Kingdom

This course combines theoretical knowledge and practical training in the immunology of infectious diseases through comprehensive teaching and research methods. Students will gain specialised skills in applying scientific concepts, evaluating scientific data and carrying out modern immunological techniques. Students will benefit from the unique mix of immunology, vaccinology, molecular biology, virology, bacteriology, parasitology, mycology and clinical medicine at the School.

Infectious diseases represent an increasingly important cause of human morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Vaccine development is thus of great importance in terms of global health. In parallel with this growth, there has been a dramatic increase in studies to identify the innate, humoral or cellular immunological mechanisms which confer immunity to pathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. As a result, increasing numbers of scientists, clinicians and veterinarians wish to develop their knowledge and skills in these areas.

The flexible nature of the course allows students to focus on attaining a broader understanding of infectious disease through attending taught units. Students can also undertake an extended research project within groups led by experienced team leaders. Such projects can involve basic investigations of immune mechanisms or applied field based studies.

Graduates from this course go into research positions in academia and industry, and further training such as PhD study.

- Full programme specification (pdf) (http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/edu/qualityassurance/iid_progspec.pdf)
- Intercalating this course (http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/intercalate)

Visit the website http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/msiid.html

Objectives

By the end of this course students should be able to:

- demonstrate specialist knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of host immunity to infection against the diverse range of pathogens which confront human populations

- apply this specialist knowledge to a range of practical skills and techniques, in particular modern molecular and cellular techniques for assessing immune responses to pathogens

- critically assess, select and apply appropriate research methods to investigate basic immunological mechanisms and applied issues in the immunology of infection

- critically evaluate primary scientific data and the published scientific literature

- integrate and present key immunological concepts at an advanced level, both verbally and in written form

Structure

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 an introduction to major groups of pathogens, followed by two compulsory modules:

- Immunology of Infectious Diseases
- Analysis & Design of Research Studies

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 study modules, one from each timetable slot (Slot 1, Slot 2 etc.). The list below shows recommended modules. There are other modules which may be taken only after consultation with the Course Directors.

*Recommended modules

- Slot 1:
Advanced Immunology 1 (compulsory)

- Slot 2:
Advanced Immunology 2 (compulsory)

- Slot 3:
Advanced Training in Molecular Biology*
Clinical Immunology*
Extended Project*
Basic Parasitology
Clinical Infectious Diseases 3: Bacterial & Viral Diseases & Community Health in Developing Countries

- Slot 4:
Extended Project*
Immunology of Parasitic Infection: Principles*
Molecular Biology Research Progress & Applications*
Clinical Infectious Diseases 4: Parasitic Diseases & Clinical Medicine
Epidemiology & Control of Communicable Diseases
Ethics, Public Health & Human Rights
Genetic Epidemiology

- Slot 5:
AIDS*
Antimicrobial Chemotherapy*
Extended Project*
Molecular Cell Biology & Infection*
Mycology*

Further details for the course modules - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section2_coursedescriptions/tiid.html

Residential Field Trip

Towards the end of Term 1, students get the opportunity to hear about the latest, most exciting aspects of immunological research at the British Society of Immunology Congress. The cost is included in the £500 field trip fee.

Project Report

During the summer months (July - August), students complete a research project on an immunological subject, for submission by early September. Some of these projects may take place with collaborating scientists overseas or in other colleges or institutes in the UK. Students undertaking projects overseas will require additional funding of up to £1,500 to cover costs involved.

The majority of students who undertake projects abroad receive financial support for flights from the School's trust funds set up for this purpose.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/msiid.html#sixth

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The contribution of Inflammation and Immune dysfunction to a wide range of diseases, from Arthritis to Cancer to Obesity is becoming increasingly clear. The MSc in Immunology and Inflammatory Disease integrates basic, translational and clinical immunology and inflammation biology with cutting edge molecular and cellular techniques to equip students with both a working knowledge of Inflammatory disease together with state of the art research approaches used to study the area.

Why this programme

-You will receive training in the disciplines of Immunology and Inflammation within an internationally recognized centre of excellence
New opportunities to work together with scientists, clinicians and pharmaceutical industry scientists to research, drug discovery to drive improvements in patient care in areas of critical international importance
-You will attend UK Congress of Immunology
-The University of Glasgow is home the ‘GLAZgo Discovery Unit’ a unique facility established between the Respiratory, Inflammation, Autoimmunity Medicines Unit at AstraZeneca and the Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation to identify new pathways by which inflammation can promote diseases and ultimately create better medicines for patients, http://www.glazgodiscoverycentre.co.uk
-The University of Glasgow is home to an Arthritis Research UK (ARUK) Experimental Arthritis Treatment Centre to recruit local patients to test new and existing drugs and to find new approaches that can predict which treatment works best in Rheumatoid Arthritis
-The University of Glasgow is home to The Arthritis Research UK Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathogenesis Centre of Excellence (in collaboration with Birmingham and Newcastle Universities), which aims to find out more about the causes of rheumatoid arthritis, http://www.race-gbn.org/

Programme structure

The MSc programme will consist of five taught courses and a project or dissertation, spread over 11-12 months. Three courses are compulsory, and two are chosen from a series of options.

The PGDip programme will consist of five taught courses, spread over 7-8 months, with three compulsary courses and two chosen from a series of options.

The PgCert programme consists one core taught course over 3-4 months.

4 Core courses
-Immunology: Basic, Translational and Clinical
-Omic technologies for the biomedical sciences: from genomics to metabolomics
-Designing a research project: biomedical research methodology
-Research project or dissertation

5 Optional Courses (choose 2)
-Drug discovery
-Diagnostic technologies and devices
-Viruses and Cancer
-Current trends and challenges in biomedical research and health
-Technology transfer and commercialisation of bioscience research

The course will include registration and attendance at the British Society for Immunology Annual Congress. This will enable:
-Exposure to the best international immunological research.
-Networking with prospective employers in academia and the pharmaceutical industry.

Excellent opportunities to engage with industrial and clinical scientists, with guest lecturers from the pharmaceutical industry, medical diagnostic laboratories and bioscience business.

Career prospects

The programme provides an ideal grounding for progression to further research studies in Immunology, Inflammation and Infectious diseases, or for a career in pharmaceutical/bioscience industries.
-PhD
-Pharmaceutical industry research and development
-Research technologist
-Graduate research assistant
-Healthcare Scientist
-Scientific publishing
-Scientific management

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Your programme of study

The programme is designed for you to develop your academic knowledge of immunology and its relevance to disease with analysis and research skills designed to enhance your career prospects, or continue to PhD. You can use your training within educational establishments to apply training, work in patents, science outreach and public engagement.

Focusing on the relevance of the immune response in the maintenance of health and development of disease, graduates will be able to attain the intellectual and practical skills needed to address both theoretical and technical aspects of modern biomedical research.
In common with the other molecular biosciences Masters courses, the MSc in Immunology builds on recent advances in genomics to understand the generation of immunological diversity at a cellular level, how this imparts variability in immune responses at the individual and population level and the relevance of the immune system in disease areas such as autoimmunity, cancer, allergy and microbial infections.

Courses listed for the programme

Semester 1
Basic Skills Induction
Generic Skills
Current Topics in Immunology
Introductory Immunology
Applied Statistics

Semester 2
Host-Pathogen Interactions
Genome - Enabled Medicines
Research Tutorials
Immunogenetics

Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/degree-programmes/127/immunology/

Why study at Aberdeen?

• You will be taught by world leading researchers in immunology and bioscience with practical training in Flow Cytometry analysis
• You study at one of the largest health campuses in Europe with a teaching hospital, Medical School, and Institute of Medical
Sciences plus Rowett Institute on one campus
• The university ranked 9th in the world and 5th in Europe for international research collaboration (Leiden 2015)

Where you study

• University of Aberdeen
• Full Time or Part Time
• September

International Student Fees 2017/2018

Find out about fees:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/tuition-fees-and-living-costs-287.php

*Please be advised that some programmes have different tuition fees from those listed above and that some programmes also have additional costs.

Scholarships

View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/finance-funding-1599.php
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/funding/

Living in Aberdeen

Find out more about:
• Your Accommodation
• Campus Facilities
• Aberdeen City
• Student Support
• Clubs and Societies

Find out more about living in Aberdeen:
https://abdn.ac.uk/study/student-life

Living costs
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/finance.php

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The MSc course in Microbiology and Immunology was set up to enhance the training of scientists studying the interactions between microbes and the immune system, and for those students wishing to enter a research career and gain high level skills in Microbiology and Immunology.

The course aims to provide training in theoretical and practical aspects of microbiology and immunology, with particular emphasis on molecular biological techniques and the interactions at the interface between microbes and the immune system. Students will gain basic and advanced knowledge of important viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. Alongside this, students will acquire an understanding and knowledge of the immune system and how it detects and responds to pathogens.

Students who have completed the course will acquire relevant transferable skills such as data management, interpretation and presentation, time management and organisation, and effective verbal and written communication skills. In addition, the students' ability for analytical and creative thinking will also be improved whilst undertaking the course.

The MSc will consist of seven taught modules and a laboratory-based project. Successful completion of the course will necessitate accumulation of 180 credits, 120 of which will derive from the taught modules and 60 from the research project. All of the modules are compulsory. There is an additional non-credit bearing module to provide the students with factfinding networking opportunities with each other and the staff alongside navigation of teaching facilities.

Autumn Semester:

Microbiology and Immunology General Sessions
Introduction to Medical Microbiology
Research Methods in Immunology and Microbiology
Viral Pathogenesis and Infections

Spring Semester:

Bacterial Pathogenesis and Infection
Immunity and the Immune System
Therapeutic Immunology
Innate Immune Recognition
Research Project

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This course focuses on how the body defends itself against disease. It helps us understand processes of viral, bacterial or parasitic infection and how the immune system is sometimes tricked into attacking its own tissue, leading to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or allergy.

What you’ll study

This course will provide you with comprehensive postgraduate life sciences training. You'll receive dedicated training in a broad range of practical laboratory skills. This is complemented by classes that develop your transferable skills in:
-Statistics
-Presentations
-Career development
-Ethics
-Science writing skills
-Your ability to design experiments and analyse sophisticated datasets

Our taught classes capture the excitement of cutting-edge research fields. You'll be taught by active researchers or practising clinical professionals.

Course structure

You'll have two semesters of postgraduate laboratories. You'll attend short optional classes in:
-In Vivo biology
-Drug discovery
-Haematology

You'll also attend a compulsory Immunology class together with a choice of either Clinical Immunology or Applied Immunology.

Finally, you'll undertake a summer project in an active research laboratory.

Future prospects

This course is the perfect route to future training at PhD level. It also gives you a range of skills and experience that employers from industry or in health care are looking for.

Course content

Compulsory classes
-Generic Skills for Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Students
-Entrepreneurship
-Advanced Techniques in Biomedical Research 1 & 2
-Postgraduate Studies in Immunology
-Statistics
-Research project

Elective classes
-In Vivo Biology
-Drug Discovery
-Postgraduate Studies in Haematology
-Postgraduate Studies in Applied Immunology
-Postgraduate Studies in Clinical Immunology

The course is delivered through lectures, tutorials and hands-on practical sessions.

If you successfully complete the required taught classes you can undertake a laboratory project for the MSc.

Assessment of taught classes is through multiple choice tests, computer quizzes, problem solving scenarios, poster and oral presentations, essays, and formal written exams. The laboratory project is assessed through a written thesis.

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Our MSc in Clinical Immunology provides a unique opportunity for you to gain insights into a specialist area of laboratory medicine from clinical leaders in the field, in addition to academic teaching from researchers at the forefront of immunology.

You will gain a fundamental understanding of the principles and mechanisms of the immune system and immune responses in the context of infection, malignancy and immunological disorders.

Six course units span the field of Clinical Immunology, with teaching being delivered on both campus and hospital sites by more than 40 individual contributors. Within each unit you will learn about assays and techniques employed in the clinical laboratory that will develop and enhance your understanding and clinical interpretation of results. The course's content covers:
-Basic and advanced immunology
-Immune deficiency
-Hypersensitivity
-Haematological malignancy
-Autoimmunity

For part-time students, these units are delivered in 2 week blocks and are spread across the 2 years, allowing students to work alongside their studies.

In addition to the taught component, you will develop critical and experimental research skills relevant to the field through a focused literature review, research masterclasses (practical sessions) and a research project.

You will learn alongside students from a range of backgrounds who are studying on aligned courses. This diversity of educational and professional input from both speakers and students provides a fantastic opportunity for enhanced collaborative learning and networking.

If you have an interest in this highly diverse and ever changing field, and you wish to expand your knowledge at the interface of clinical and academic immunology, this master's is ideal for you.

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This is a full-time 1 year MSc programme suitable for biomedical or life scientists who wish to acquire an extensive knowledge and key skills relating to the fundamental molecular and cellular regulation of immunity and its application to the treatment of disease. The programme will be delivered by world leaders at the forefront of immunology and immunotherapy research, each with an internationally renowned research group.

Over the past few years significant advances have been made in our understanding of the molecular and cellular control of immune responses. These discoveries are now being translated into the design and testing of immunotherapeutic interventions for a range of diseases including cancer, autoimmunity and inflammatory disease. This programme is for biomedical or life scientists who wish to extend their knowledge and skills in both immunology and its translation to immunotherapy.

A series of interlinked taught modules cover molecular mechanisms in immune cell differentiation and function, autoimmunity, transplant and tumour immunology, and inflammation. This is complemented by comprehensive coverage of the latest developments in immunotherapy including the use of microbial products in immunomodulation and vaccination, small molecules and biologics, as well as cellular immunotherapy.

The programme aims to allow you to understand the research process, from the fundamental discoveries at the forefront of immunological research, to the application of novel interventional immune-based therapies.

A key part of the MSc programme is the planning, execution and reporting of a piece of independent study leading to submission of a dissertation. This study will be in the form of an extensive laboratory research project carried out in internationally renowned research groups. Each student will be a fully-integrated member of one of the large number of research teams in a wide variety of topics across both immunology and immunotherapy. We also plan to offer some projects within external biotechnology companies.

About the College of Medical and Dental Sciences

The College of Medical and Dental Sciences is a major international centre for research and education, make huge strides in finding solutions to major health problems including ageing, cancer, cardiovascular, dental, endocrine, inflammatory diseases, infection (including antibiotic resistance), rare diseases and trauma.
We tackle global healthcare problems through excellence in basic and clinical science, and improve human health by delivering tangible real-life benefits in the fight against acute and chronic disease.
Situated in the largest healthcare region in the country, with access to one of the largest and most diverse populations in Europe, we are positioned to address major global issues and diseases affecting today’s society through our eight specialist research institutes.
With over 1,000 academic staff and around £60 million of new research funding per year, the College of Medical and Dental Sciences is dedicated to performing world-leading research.
We care about our research and teaching and are committed to developing outstanding scientists and healthcare professionals of the future. We offer our postgraduate community a unique learning experience taught by academics who lead the way in research in their field.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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The course will allow you to expand your understanding of immunology, immunopathology and immunotherapy, to further develop skills in analytical approaches to immunodiagnosis and molecular therapeutics, as well as enhance your competence in the design and execution of a laboratory based project. You will be able to take a proactive role in research, development, evaluation and implementation of current immunological techniques while perceiving the subject in the broader perspective of health care and scientific progress.

The scope of the modules included will ensure a breadth of knowledge appropriate for the scientific and professional needs of practising immunologists, at the same time making use of your knowledge and experience. This course is designed so that you can plan your own taught programme to match your interests and experience by combining core and optional modules with emphasis on therapeutics, diagnostics, haematology or public health.

Modules

The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.

Core modules
-CELL SIGNALLING AND GENETICS
-IMMUNOPATHOLOGY
-IMMUNOTHERAPY
-POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH METHODS
-POSTGRADUATE PROJECT

Option modules
-ADVANCED CANCER BIOLOGY
-EXTENDED POSTGRADUATE PROJECT
-IMMUNOHAEMATOLOGY AND HAEMOSTASIS
-INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
-MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR THERAPEUTICS
-MOLECULAR SCIENCE AND DIAGNOSTICS
-PRINCIPLES OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE
-SYSTEMS BIOLOGY

Associated careers

The course has been designed to provide professionals with a broad range of skills in immunology, immunopathology and immunotherapy. Successful completion of the course will enhance your career prospects in education, in PhD programmes, in academia, research institutes, as well as in pharmaceutical and related industries. UK part-time students are normally employed in hospital or NHSBT laboratories or in research establishments.

You will develop a range of transferable skills that will enhance your employment prospects and research opportunities in the UK or overseas. As an international student with experience in biomedical sciences, following completion of their studies, you will be able to return to your home country to pursue research opportunities or promotion, seek employment as research technician, biomedical scientist, scientific or medical technical officer or research assistant. You may also seek jobs in industry, research or healthcare or apply for further training (biomedical or clinical scientist routes).

Professional recognition

The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

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The area of cancer immunotherapy considers how to use conventional therapies including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Whilst these treatment have served well and new drugs will continue to be designed, clinical trials over the last five years have shown that boosting the body’s immune system, whose main task is to deal with invading pathogens, can help our immune system to destroy tumour cells. Many of the new immunotherapies may be tested in combination with more conventional treatments or tested alone, but investigators and oncologists now believe immunotherapy, initially combined with pharmacological treatments, will soon provide curative therapies and certainly give many patients a new lease of life.

More about this course

Worldwide the incidence of cancer is increasing, and is expected to reach 22 million new cases per year by 2030. In addition to treatments such as radiotherapy and surgery, chemotherapy has a vital role to play in prolonging the lives of patients.

The aims of the Cancer Immunotherapy MSc are to:
-Provide an in-depth understanding of the molecular targets at which the different classes of anticancer drugs are aimed, and of how drug therapies are evolving
-Review the biology of cancer with respect to genetics, pathological considerations, and the molecular changes within cells which are associated with the progression of the disease
-Enhance intellectual and practical skills necessary for the collection, analysis, interpretation and understanding of scientific data
-Deliver a programme of advanced study to equip students for a future career in anti-cancer drug and immunotherapy development
-Cover new areas in immunotherapy (some of which may enhance existing pharmacological therapies including: History of immunotherapy and review of immune system; Monoclonal antibodies in cancer therapy and prevention; DNA vaccines against cancer; Adoptive T cell therapy; Dendritic cell vaccines; Antibodies that stimulate immunity; Adjuvant development for vaccines; Epigenetics and cancer: improving immunotherapy; Immuno-chemotherapy: integration of therapies; Exosomes and Microvesicles (EMVs) in cancer therapy and diagnosis; Dendritic cell vaccine development and Pox virus cancer vaccine vectors; Microbial causes of cancer and vaccination

Students will have access to highly qualified researchers and teachers in pharmacology and immunology, including those at the Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Centre. Skills gained from research projects are therefore likely to be highly marketable in industry, academia and in the NHS. Students will be encouraged to join the British Society of Immunology and the International Society of Extracellular Vesicles.

Assessment is a combination of coursework, which includes tests and essays, the research project and its oral defence and examination.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2016/17 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules include:
-Advanced Immunology (core, 20 credits)
-Cancer Immunotherapy (core, 20 credits)
-Cancer Pharmacology (core, 20 credits)
-Cancer: Diagnosis and Therapy (core, 20 credits)
-Molecular Oncology (core, 20 credits)
-Research Project (core, 60 credits)
-Scientific Frameworks for Research (core, 20 credits)

After the course

Students will have many opportunities to work in industry. There are established industries working hard to develop cancer immunotherapies including Bristol-Myers Squibbs, MERCK, AstraZeneca and Roche. There are also an innumerate number of start-up companies appearing including Omnis Pharma, UNUM Therapeutics and Alpine Immune Sciences.

Students will also have ample opportunity for future postgraduate study either within the School of Human Sciences and the Cellular and Molecular Immunology Centre at the MPhil/PhD level or beyond, even with some of our research partners within the UK, Europe and beyond.

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Research profile

This programme is organised by Edinburgh Infectious Diseases (EID), which is hosted by the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine and the College of Science and Engineering.

It provides an introduction to research methodology for biologists, medics and veterinarians. The training also provides an entry into PhD studies. Previous students have undertaken projects in the following areas:

• antibiotic resistance and hospital-acquired infections
• arthropod vector biology and vectorborne diseases
• epidemiology and mathematical modelling of animal and human infections
• functional genomics and bioinformatics
• molecular diagnosis and point-of-care detection of infectious diseases
• the immunology of bacterial and parasitic infections (including major tropical diseases such as malaria, lymphatic filariasis and river blindness)
• the immunology of ruminant infections (for example Johne's Disease)
• the pathogenesis of prion and viral diseases (animal and human, including herpes and HIV)

The learning process includes a one-year research project and during the study period students will be required to attend research seminars and lectures, including those on the related areas of immunology, microbiology and pathology. Training will also be given in generic skills including: statistics; project management and planning; oral and written presentational skills.

Depending on the project selected, students will learn how to apply modern molecular and biochemical techniques to the investigation of pathogenesis of infections, or the use of statistics and mathematical models to study the epidemiology of diseases.

Programme structure

The learning process includes a one-year research project and during the study period students will be required to attend research seminars and lectures, including those on the related areas of immunology, microbiology and pathology. Training will also be given in generic skills including: statistics; project management and planning; oral and written presentational skills.

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The need to develop new strategies to combat diseases remains a major global challenge. This programme provides advanced training in the mechanisms underpinning a spectrum of infectious and non-infectious diseases, including viral, bacterial and parasitic infections, cancer, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease and chromosomal abnormalities. You’ll also explore current and emerging diagnostic and treatment strategies.

You’ll learn about the latest molecular, genetic and cellular approaches being used to understand, diagnose and treat human disease, including traditional methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and novel methods involving genome and proteome analysis. You’ll have the opportunity to investigate the role of the immune system in the response to infection and disease, covering topics such as innate and adaptive immunity, allergy and immune evasion.

You’ll study in a faculty ranked 6th in the UK for its research impact in the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), and you’ll graduate with the solid base of scientific knowledge and specialist skills valued by employers.

Course content

You’ll gain an overview of a range of modern techniques and methodologies that underpin contemporary biomolecular sciences through the investigation of five topic areas: molecular biology, structural biology, cell imaging and flow cytometry, high throughput techniques and transgenic organisms. You’ll also conduct an extended practical investigation in the form of a laboratory-based project, involving practical training in a range of modern molecular biology and protein engineering techniques such as gene cloning, PCR, mutagenesis, protein expression, protein purification and analysis.

Added to this is an independent research project in an area of infection, immunity or human disease which provides substantial subject-specific training.

Specialist taught modules make up the remaining part of the programme and cover topics such as infectious and non-infectious disease, advanced immunology, medical diagnostics and treatment of infectious diseases and cancer. If you have have previous experience of immunology, you could opt to investigate the structure, regulation and development of the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, or explore aspects of human toxicology, including the actions of toxicants on the cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems, kidneys, liver and lungs, genetic toxicology and chemical carcinogenesis, and the effects of chemicals on fetal development.

In the final part of the course you'll work on an independent laboratory-based research project related to your course options. You’ll receive extensive training in experimental design, the practical use of advanced techniques and technologies, data analysis and interpretation, and will be assigned a research project supervisor who will support and guide you through your project.

Course structure

Compulsory modules

• Advanced Immunology 10 credits
• Infectious & Non-infectious Diseases 10 credits
• Practical Bioinformatics 10 credits
• Medical Diagnostics 10 credits
• MSc Bioscience Research Project Proposal 5 credits
• Treatment of Infectious Disease and Cancer 10 credits
• Research Planning and Scientific Communication 10 credits
• Advanced Biomolecular Technologies 20 credits
• Protein Engineering Laboratory Project 15 credits
• Bioscience MSc Research Project 80 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Infection, Immunity and Human Disease MSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

We provide the very best learning resources and academic support and our teaching draws on the University’s world-class research base and highly-qualified professionals from industry, non-governmental organisations and charities.

You’ll experience wide range of teaching methods including formal lectures, interactive workshops, problem-solving, practical classes and demonstrations.

Through your research project and specialist modules, you’ll receive substantial subject-specific training. Our teaching and assessment methods are designed to develop you into a scientist who is able to think independently, solve problems, communicate effectively and demonstrate a high level of practical ability.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods: multiple-choice testing, practical work, data handling and problem solving exercises, group work, discussion groups (face-to-face and online), computer-based simulation, essays, posters and oral presentations.

Career opportunities

The strong research element of the Infection, Immunity and Human Disease MSc, along with the specialist and generic skills you develop, mean you’re equipped for a wide range of careers.

Our graduates work in diverse posts, ranging from bioscience-related research through to scientific publication, teacher training, health and safety and pharmaceutical market research.

Links with industry

We have a proactive Industrial Advisory Board who advise us on what they look for in graduates and on employability-related skills within our programmes.

We collaborate with a wide range of organisations in the public and commercial sectors. Many of these are represented on our Industrial Advisory Board. They include:

• GlaxoSmithKline
• Ernst and Young
• The Food and Environment Research Agency
• The Health Protection Agency
• MedImmune
• Thermofisher Scientific
• Hays Life Sciences
• European Bioinformatics Institute
• Smaller University spin-out companies, such as Lumora

Industrial research placements

Some of our partners offer MSc research projects in their organisations, allowing students to develop their commercial awareness and build their network of contacts.

Further study

A substantial proportion of our graduates undertake further study at Leeds or elsewhere. Recent graduates have gone on to:

• PhD positions in the UK, USA and overseas eg at the Max Planck Institute, Germany
• research post at Harvard School of Public Health, Botswana.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

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The language and concepts of infection and immunity, from basic science to translational clinical research, are taught by our world class investigators. The programme emphasises data interpretation, critical analysis of current literature and culminates in a full-time research project: excellent preparation for a research career.

Degree information

The programme provides insight into state-of-the-art infection and immunity research, current issues in the biology of infectious agents, the pathogenesis, prevention and control of infectious diseases, and immunity and immune dysfunction.

Students learn from UCL scientists about their research and are trained in the art of research by carrying out a full-time research project in a UCL laboratory.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of five core modules (75 credits), three optional modules (45 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma comprising four core modules and four optional modules (120 credits, full-time nine months, part-time, flexible study two to five years) is offered. A Postgraduate Certificate comprising four core modules (60 credits, full-time three months, and flexible study up to two years) is offered.

Core modules
-Laboratory Introduction to Basic Bacteriology
-Molecular Virology
-Immunology in Health and Disease
-Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases
-Data Interpretation

Optional modules
-Microbial Pathogenesis
-Tropical Microbiology
-Advanced Virology
-HIV Frontiers from Research to Clinic
-Immunological Basis of Disease
-Immunodeficiency and Therapeutics
-Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Global Health Policy

Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake independent research which culminates in a 4,000-word dissertation.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, paper review sessions, laboratory practicals, an independent research project and self-directed learning. A diverse range of assessment methods is used; coursework may be in the form of presentations, essays, data interpretation exercises, poster preparation, and group working. Many modules also have unseen written examination.

Careers

The programme produces graduates who are equipped to embark on research careers. Immersion in the superb research and teaching environment provided by UCL and the Division of Infection & Immunity, gives our graduates a unique understanding of the cutting edge of infection and immunity research and how world-class research is carried out.

Opportunities for networking with UCL senior investigators with international reputations and their world-wide collaborators can provide the inside track for career development. Graduates are well placed to move onto PhD programmes, research positions in diverse biomedical fields, clinical research positions, further training and positions in associated professions.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Research Assistant, UCL (University College London)
-Research Officer, A*STAR Agency for Science, Technology and Research
-Biology, The University of Cambridge
-Research Assistant, Stanford University
-PhD Immunology, Cardiff University (Prifysgol Caerdydd)

Employability
Graduates are exceptionally well prepared for a career in research. The combination of research-informed teaching and practical research training provides an ideal preparation for a PhD and is equally applicable for clinicians seeking specialist training or wishing to pursue the clinical academic career track.

More broadly, a rigorous grounding in scientific method, critical analysis, data interpretation and independent thinking provides a pallet of marketable and transferable skills applicable to many professional career paths.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The UCL Division of Infection & Immunity is a vibrant and world-class research community. Students are embedded in this superb training environment which provides a challenging and stimulating academic experience.

Programme content reflects the research and clinical excellence within the division as well as cross-disciplinary research from all over UCL. First-class teaching and research supervision is provided by UCL academics, many of whom have international reputations.

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Course Aims
The MSc course is designed to integrate current cutting-edge research knowledge and expertise in important infectious diseases and their relationship to the immune system. The course is carefully integrated and combines up-to-date practical and theoreticalteaching methods to prepare students for careers in medicine, postgraduate research and opportunities in the bio-pharmaceutical industry.

Course Modules
In semester 1, students acquire and apply knowledge in three modules. These are Core Theory & Practical Techniques, Infection & Immunity, and a more specialised interactive module entitled Advanced Topics in Infection and Immunity, all taught by research-active lecturers of international standing. Students participate in a set of practicals generic to all MSc students in the School of Biological Sciences at the University. In addition special microbiology and immunology practicals cover techniques relevant to the research projects. The research project is conducted during semester 2 under supervision of a member of staff of the Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, andis submitted as a research dissertation at the end of the project. The research project is chosen by the students at the end of semester one.

Teaching and Assessment methods
The course caters for different student learning styles by offering a variety of teaching (formal lectures, practicals, tutorials and student presentations) and assessment modes (written, oral, practical, MCQ).

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The two contributing universities of Salford and Keele have considerable complementary research experience in the biology of parasites and the vectors which transmit them.

This has led to the development of this unique, pioneering joint Masters degree focusing on the molecular aspects of parasite infections and vector biology. It aims to give you a sound insight into the biology of parasites and their control. The course provides you with contemporary studies of research on immunological and molecular aspects of selected parasites and vector/parasite relationships. You will gain research experience in parasitology and/or entomology.

Key benefits:

• Innovative, collaborative course taught jointly by the University of Salford and Keele.
• Significant practical training in parasitology including intensive residential field trip to Malham Tarn.
• Excellent platform for a research career.

Suitable for

Graduates who wish to enter research, teaching, scientific laboratory management and careers in parasitology and vector biology including diagnostic centres and overseas fields centres.
Programme details

Course detail

Individual research projects can be based in any of the three institutions, choosing a topical aspect of parasitology, or vector biology.

This course has both full-time and part-time routes, comprising of three 14-week semesters or five 14-week semesters, which you can take within one or up to three years respectively.

Format

Teaching is delivered by research active staff from Salford and Keele Universities. Teaching sessions are primarily based at Salford, though the facilities at Keele are also utilised. Transport is provided for classes based at Keele.

Teaching sessions include lectures, laboratory practicals, field work, tutorials, guest lectures and guided reading.

The Dissertation can be based at Salford or Keele.

Part-time students study Fundamentals of Parasitology and Molecular Biology of Parasites in year 1, Vector Biology and Control, and Research Skills (Parasitology) in year 2. Students may wish to complete the Dissertation in year 2, or year 3 depending upon commitments.

Module titles

• Fundamentals of Parasitology
• Vector Biology and Control
• Molecular Biology of Parasites
• Research Skills (Parasitology)
• Dissertation

Assessment

The Research Skills (Parasitology) and Dissertation modules are assessed by coursework. The remaining modules are assessed by coursework and examination.

Career potential

Graduates from this course have entered employment as research assistants or research laboratory technicians in pharmaceuticals, drug design and pesticide research. Other careers have included pollution microbiologists with water authorities, and work in hospital laboratories investigating the haematology, molecular biology and immunology of infectious diseases.

The MSc equips students for PhD research and former students have gone onto PhD study at prestigious Universities, including Oxford, Glasgow, Liverpool and Manchester and Toledo (USA). The students at Toledo have now completed their PhD studies are have gained employment at US Ivy League Institutes (Harvard Medical School and Cornell). Other students have elected to work in hospital laboratories, or diversify their careers by taking medical sales or enter teacher training posts.

Former overseas students have returned to their home country to take academic, or government positions.

How to apply: http://www.salford.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying

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Programme description
One year full-time, two years part-time

This programmes develop your skills and understanding in clinical microbiology, and gives you a thorough knowledge of associated subjects such as molecular biology. Your formal teaching will include lectures, practicals and workshops. The lecturers are specialists in their fields and are invited from many institutions in the UK. The practicals are extensive and give you the maximum hands-on experience in all aspects of clinical microbiology. The practicals are taught in a large purpose-built teaching laboratory.

Many students use the MSc as preparation for their FRCPath examinations and the degree is accredited by the Association of Clinical Microbiologists as part of the training for clinical scientists.

Programme outline
Your studies will be broad-based, with extensive coverage of the following topics:

Bacteriology
Virology
Mycology
Parasitology
Bacterial pathogenicity
Immunology
Molecular biology
Microbial disease � diagnosis, treatment and prevention
Antimicrobials and chemotherapy
Epidemiology and public health
Hospital infection.
Module 1: Clinical Microbiology: Pathogens and Commensals

Module 2: Diagnostic Microbiology and Laboratory Methods

Module 3: Molecular Biology, Microbial Pathogenesis and the Host Immune Response

Module 4: Antimicrobials

Module 5: Public Health and Communicable Disease Control

Module 6: Clinical Microbiology: Diagnosis and Management of Human Disease and Control of Hospital Infection

Module 7: Clinical Microbiology Research and Presentation Skills

Module 8: Advanced Clinical Microbiology and Laboratory Management

Module 9: Research Dissertation.

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