Course summary
The MSc Medical Microbiology will equip students with the skills and in-depth knowledge required to have an impactful career in a range of sectors such. The programme will develop extensive theoretical and practical laboratory skills in graduates, building on the research expertise of the programme team, including techniques and theoretical skills such as: 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. With our excellent facilities, emphasis on practical work, and teaching underpinned by the latest research, you will be qualified for research and development positions in biopharmaceutical companies as well as a wide range of other non-laboratory roles in industry and academia. The course will make use of expert external speakers from the biopharmaceutical industry as well as academic experts from other universities and from University of Hertfordshire staff. What will I study? The MSc Medical Microbiology aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of clinically significant microorganisms by studying selected pathogens and how disease is spread, diagnosed, treated, and prevented. The programme comprises 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, and a specialist research project aligned with the students’ research interests. A problem-based learning approach is used to develop advanced critical analysis and group working skills in students’ on the programme. You will undertake a practical project as part of your MSc enabling you to use our excellent facilities and to gain experience working alongside researchers in our Biosciences Research Group. 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
Entry requirements
The normal entry requirements for the programme are: A first or second class Honours Degree in Biosciences or Biological Chemistry with a final classification grade of a minimum 55%; 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. In addition, all international students are required to demonstrate an English Language capability of IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in any band) or equivalent qualification.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fees for Postgraduate Study 2023/24:
https://www.herts.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/fee-information/how-much-are-my-fees
Provider information
University of Hertfordshire
College Lane
Hatfield
AL10 9AB