MSc Medical Microbiology with Advanced Research

University Of Hertfordshire

MSc Medical Microbiology with Advanced Research

  • Country United Kingdom
  • Course Duration 24 month
  • Course Type Full Time
  • Courses Campus On Campus
  • Language Specification IELTS
  • Program Level Post-Graduate
  • Education Required Undergraduate
  • Admission intake SEP
  • Minimum GPA 3.2
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Application Charges

Application Fee Tution Fee
Free GBP 16,650

Application Date

Application Start Date Application Closing Date
2023-02-01
2023-08-16

Program Description

Professional Accreditations

Subject to validation, this course will be accredited by the Royal Society for Biology Accreditation.

About the course

The MSc Medical Microbiology with Advanced Research equip you with the skills and in-depth knowledge required to have an impactful career in a range of sectors such. The course will help you develop extensive theoretical and practical laboratory skills in by building on the research expertise of the teaching team. Techniques and theoretical skills include: antimicrobial susceptibility testing, antibiotic resistance-gene analysis, microbial identification (16SrRNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry), parasite identification, next generation sequencing analysis, bacteriophage isolation and purification, antibiotic discovery and characterisation, and mammalian cell culture.You’ll be taught by expert speakers from the biopharmaceutical industry, academic experts from other universities and the University of Hertfordshire staff. With our modern facilities, emphasis on laboratory work, and teaching underpinned by the latest research, you’ll be qualified to launch a career in research and development for biopharmaceutical companies. You could also work in a wide range of non-laboratory job roles across a range of sectors, including academia and microbiology. Alternatively, consider taking our other MSc Medical Microbiology routes:

Why choose this course?

  • You’ll be taught by expert staff in medical microbiology, who have worked in academic research, clinical research, the NHS, and the biopharmaceuticals sector
  • You’ll benefit from pioneering guest lecturers from academia and industry
  • Our modern Science Building provides excellent facilities for laboratory work, including QPCR, cell culture, protein analysis, isolated tissue studies and immunohistochemistry
  • Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped to work in a wide range of roles in the medical microbiology and biotechnology industries
  • If successful, you will have the opportunity for an extended 12-month research project 
  • We adopt a blended learning approach to teaching, focussing on problem-based scenarios so you can develop strong critical analysis skills. You’ll have substantial exposure to practical techniques and guaranteed laboratory-based research projects
  • Allied Health was ranked in the top 25% of UK universities for research impact (Research Excellence Framework, 2021). 

What will I study?

We’ll provide you with opportunities to develop your knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of clinically significant microorganisms. You’ll study selected pathogens and learn how diseases are spread, diagnosed, treated, and prevented.The course includes a series of taught modules covering topics such as cell biology and immunology, genetics and protein biology, antimicrobial resistance, diagnostic techniques, emerging viruses and fungi, research design and analysis, microbiome studies, biotechnology. There’s also a specialist research project where you can focus on a research topic that interests you. You’ll benefit from our problem-based teaching approach and develop advanced critical analysis and group working skills. You’ll undertake a practical project as part of your MSc enabling you to use our expert facilities.  You’ll work alongside researchers in our Biosciences Research Group and gain vital experience. Current research projects include studies in the following broad areas:
  • Novel antimicrobial agent development
  • Bacterial pathogen physiology and virulence, e.g. Clostridioides difficile, Mycobacterium spp., Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus
  • Antimicrobial resistance studies
  • Extracellular vesicles and links to infection processes
  • Bacteriophage biology and resistance gene transfer
  • MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for microbial identification and characterisation

Other Requirements

The normal entry requirements for the programme are: 65% or above average grade in an undergraduate degree in the Biological Sciences or A professional qualification accepted as equivalent to the above; or A qualification in veterinary science, medicine or dentistry; or A first or second class Honours Degree in disciplines other than those described above but where the applicant, in the opinion of the Programme Leader, would benefit from, and succeed on, the programme.

Extra Notes


* NOTE : The Tuition Fee is subject to change Semester wise, as such for exact Tuition Fee kindly see the Website of the respective University.
* NOTE : Pathways : Students who want to pursue a Graduate Degree through a particular University but are unable to meet the university requirements for the GPA, GRE/GMAT or English Language scores, have to take up an additional academic and language support i.e. pathways in order to ensure the admit and study at the desired University.