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Infection and Immunity MSc

London, Bloomsbury

This MSc Infection and Immunity emphasises data interpretation, critical analysis of current literature and culminates in a full-time research project. You will learn the language and concepts of infection and immunity, from basic science to translational clinical research, from our world-class investigators. This course is excellent preparation for a research career.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£19,300
£9,650
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£34,400
£17,200
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 28 Jun 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 30 Aug 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper-second class Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject from a recognised university. Applicants not meeting this standard may be considered if they have significant relevant experience.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

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.

You will learn from UCL scientists' research and receive training in the art of research by carrying out a full-time research project in a UCL laboratory.

Some taught content on the MSc Infection and Immunity is shared with UCL undergraduate programmes. If you are a UCL student or graduate and have already taken any of the modules included in the MSc, please contact the Programme Administrator before applying to discuss whether alternative modules are available.

Who this course is for

This programme is suitable for anyone interested in any aspect of infection or immunity, particularly those who wish to pursue a career in basic or clinical research.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities.

  • You join the UCL Division of Infection & Immunity, a vibrant and world-class research community.
  • Students are embedded in this superb training environment which provides a challenging and stimulating academic experience.
  • Our programme 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.
Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Graduates are exceptionally well prepared for a career in research. The combination of research-informed teaching and practical research training provides ideal preparation for a PhD. It is equally useful 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 palette of marketable and transferable skills applicable to many professional career paths.

The course exceeded my expectations. Lectures were delivered by leading experts, passionate about their work and willing to interact and discuss with students. The programme staff genuinely cared about our success and wellbeing.

Ramy Alesi Sima

Ramy Alesi Slama

Infection and Immunity, MSc

What our students say

Employability

The programme produces graduates who are equipped to embark on research careers.

Immersion in the superb research and teaching environment provided by UCL Division of Infection & Immunity gives our graduates a unique understanding of how cutting-edge infection and immunity research is carried out.

Opportunities for networking with UCL senior investigators with international reputations and their worldwide 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.

Networking

There are regular networking opportunities, including events where you can hear from expert speakers. We encourage students to broaden their skills and expand their networks by attending and participating at conferences.

Teaching and learning

You will learn using the following methods:

  • Lectures
  • Tutorials/paper discussion sessions.
  • Data interpretation sessions
  • Self-directed learning
  • Laboratory practicals
  • Independent research project.

We use a diverse range of assessment methods. Coursework may be in the form of presentations, essays, data interpretation exercises, poster preparation, and group work.

The research project is assessed through a 4,000-word report and an oral examination. Some modules also have an unseen written examination.

A typical 15-credit taught module comprises about 30 hours of contact time with about 120 hours spent on independent study, reading, coursework and revision. Taught modules typically have 3-4 hours of contact time per week during term time.

In total, during term one there is about 19 hours of contact time per week (four core modules plus start of data interpretation). In term two, there is about 14 hours of contact time per week (three optional modules plus completion of data interpretation). From the start of term three, for approximately four months, students work full-time on their research project.

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.

Modules

Compulsory modules

  • Laboratory Introduction to Basic Bacteriology (Term 1)
  • Molecular Virology (Term 1)
  • Immunology in Health and Disease (Term 1)
  • Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases (Term 1)
  • Data Interpretation and Critical Analysis in Infection and Immunity (Term 1 and 2)

Term 2 Optional modules (choose three)

  • Microbial Pathogenesis
  • Infectious Diseases in Resource Poor Settings
  • Frontiers in Tuberculosis
  • HIV Frontiers from Research to Clinics
  • The Immunological Basis of Autoimmune Disease - From Experimental Models to Clinical Practice
  • Immunodeficiency and Therapeutics
  • Global Eradication of Viruses
  • Evolution and Infectious Diseases
  • The Immune System, Cancer and its Treatment
  • Biological Therapies and Live Medicines

Dissertation / Report (Term 3)

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

As above, split over two years. The modules you take each year are agreed with the Programme Director. Individual modules must be completed in a single academic year.

As above, split over up to five years. The modules you take each year are agreed with the Programme Director. Individual modules must be completed in a single academic year.

Compulsory modules








Optional modules












Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Infection and Immunity. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Infection and Immunity. Upon successful completion of 60 credits, you will be awarded a PG Cert in Infection and Immunity.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.

Where you'll study

Chemist in laboratory

We offer taught and research degrees, plus a set of undergraduate-level modules that spans our research expertise. We aspire to teach what we specialise in ourselves. Our cutting-edge research and clinical practice informs and shapes the teaching we deliver, ensuring that our programmes cover the latest thinking.

We host a variety of facilities across our sites, at Bloomsbury campus in central London and the Royal Free campus in Hampstead. Our immunity and transplant experts are based in the new purpose-built Pears Building in Hampstead, with cutting-edge laboratories and facilities for patients.

Learn more about Infection and Immunity, our research and experts

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Infection and Immunity MSc and Experimental and Translational Immunology MSc/MRes

This online session will provide you with an overview of our Masters Programmes in the Division of Infection and Immunity. The programme overviews will be followed by a Q&A session with our programme leads.

Watch on demand event

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £19,300 £9,650
Tuition fees (2024/25) £34,400 £17,200

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

Hepatitis B vaccine. Students do not require the hepatitis B vaccine to join the programme. However, a small number of research projects (involving handling of certain types of primary human material) will not be available to those without the vaccine. Applicants may wish to consider arranging a course of the vaccine ahead of arriving at UCL, as a full course of vaccine and follow-up blood test can take up to eight months. The current cost of the vaccine is approximately £50 per dose (£150 total), according to NHS.UK.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application, we would like to learn:

  • why you want to study Infection & Immunity at graduate level
  • why you want to study Infection & Immunity at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to this programme
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this programme
  • where you would like to go professionally with your degree.

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Division of Infection and Immunity
Division of Infection and Immunity

ii.infection-immunityadmin@ucl.ac.uk

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