BSc Immunology and Infection
Our BSc programme is research-focused and provides an in‑depth understanding of the role of the immune system, infectious agents and cellular processes in the pathogenesis of diseases.
This degree is a great opportunity for students who wish to develop their interest in infection and immunity. The strong research focus is excellent preparation for a PhD or postgraduate study. This programme runs in parallel with our iBSc Immunology, Infection and Cell Pathology for MBBS medical students.
UCL students may transfer to the BSc programme for the final year of a three year degree.
Key information and entry
Duration
1 year (full-time)
Entry requirements
Enquiries from students on Life Sciences degree programmes are welcomed. To be accepted students must achieve a good upper second-class average in their first and second year exams and are expected to have taken the Infection and Immunology modules offered in year two.
Structure
The curriculum provides a broad and comprehensive foundation in three compulsory modules on Immunology in Health and Disease, Infectious Agents and Cellular Pathology in term one. In term two, students choose two from eight optional modules to extend their study of immunology, infectious diseases and/or neoplastic diseases. Each taught module represents 15 credits and the laboratory project represents 45 credits. Therefore, students will complete 120 credits, comprising the laboratory project and five taught modules.
The taught components of this programme are complemented by a substantial laboratory research project based on the student's interests, which spans four months of the course. This highly popular component offers students an invaluable opportunity to experience original scientific research by becoming an integral part of leading UCL biomedical research groups. Frequently, this leads to original research publications, and provides an excellent platform for those with aspirations for careers in clinical academic research.
- Immunology in Health and Disease
- Infectious Agents
- Cellular Pathology
- Laboratory-based Research Project
Fees and funding
For further information about current tuition fees and funding support visit the UCL Undergraduate Degrees website.
Apply
Students interested in transferring to our BSc Immunology & Infection programme should arrange a meeting with our Teaching Director, Professor Richard Milne, to discuss their application.
Decisions are based on overall performance in years 1 and 2, plus an informal interview. To register your interest, please contact: ii.infection-immunityadmin@ucl.ac.uk.
Careers
Our BSc Immunology & Infection programme is a great opportunity for students wishing to develop their interest in infection and immunity. In particular the strong emphasis on research provides excellent preparation for a PhD or postgraduate study.
What our students say
Student testimonial - Li Rong Tan
Li Rong Tan transferred to the BSc Immunology & Infection programme and felt genuinely excited by the research-led approach to lectures and teaching. She gives the course two thumbs up!
29 January 2021
Student testimonial - Walton Chan
For Walton Chan, the main benefit of moving to the BSc Immunology and Infection was the ability to learn from peers outside of the classroom. This set him up for a PhD at the University of Hong Kong.
30 January 2020
Student testimonial - Alexandra Kondratiuk
Alexandra tells us about transferring to the BSc Immunology and Infection (third-year pathway) and how it helped her grow both as a scientist and as a person.
30 November 2018
Transferring to the Immunology & Infection BSc for my final year turned out to be the best decision I have ever made, not just because of the range of modules to explore this field further but also due to the care and support of the course organisers. I was directed to work on my dissertation on HIV in the Towers lab, which ultimately led to undertaking a PhD at Oxford. The Immunology & Infection BSc is a brilliant course for making connections and forming close relationships with scientists.
