Biomedical Science - Infection and Immunity

Entry requirements

You should have or be expected to achieve, a minimum of a second class degree (2:2). For healthcare graduates, a pass is required. All degrees must be awarded before 1 August on the year of entry.

We welcome applications from individuals from a range of backgrounds, including humanities, science and healthcare.

We may invite you to interview if are unable to make a decision directly from your application. If you are invited for an interview you will be asked to write a short paper (no more than half a page) on a subject associated with biomedical research.

Alternative professional qualifications, or previous related experience, may be considered and we encourage you to apply.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Learn how to carry out life-saving research that advances vaccine development, antibiotic treatment and immunotherapy.

How are diseases contracted? What can we do to help affected communities? Can we use vaccines to prevent the spread? Answering these questions is vital if we want to reduce suffering and eradicate disease around the world.

Saving lives starts with understanding the pathogenesis of infection and virulence mechanisms. Studying with us, you’ll learn how to apply this expertise to create vaccines, antibiotic treatments and cancer-fighting immunotherapy.

Kickstart your research career

Research and innovation are in our DNA. Edward Jenner, the ‘father of vaccinology’ who created the world’s first vaccine (against smallpox), completed his medical training at St George’s in 1770. More recently, our research has helped accelerate the treatment of tuberculosis, malaria, HIV and Covid-19.

You’ll learn from experts in all aspects of the physiology, molecular biology, immunology and diagnostics of infectious diseases. Their latest research is exploring fascinating areas like the physiology of malarial parasites and rapid diagnostics for infectious diseases.

Why St George's?

1. Diverse research expertise – our research covers five key themes: pathogen biology and genomics, diagnostics, immunology and pathophysiology, therapeutics and vaccinology, and clinical and tropical infection.

2. Expert research community – you’ll have access to specialist equipment and expertise in clinical, epidemiological and laboratory research. Your project might involve working with clinical samples or staff on our hospital sites.

3. Intense research training – completing an MRes means you’ll spend nine months working on a research project and receive one-to-one training. Past students have even been listed as authors of published papers.

Course content

Whichever biomedical science pathway you pick, you’ll complete three core modules: Research Methods, Statistics, and Research Project Planning and Management.

All the core modules provide advanced training in biomedical research and help you interpret data. You’ll develop specialist skills in tissue culture, handling of clinical specimens, flow cytometry, gene cloning and protein techniques, microbiological techniques and more.

Throughout the year, you’ll also develop specialist knowledge in clinical biomedical research. We’ll look at how to carry out studies in a clinical environment and implement strategies needed to improve current healthcare practices.

Your research project

Unlike MSc courses, you’ll complete an extensive research project which involves spending up to nine months working as part of a research team. This may provide an opportunity to work with clinical samples or staff on our hospital sites.

During the first term, you’ll meet potential supervisors and pick a project. Past projects have investigated the mucosal immunity to group B streptococcus and explored the development of hepatitis A virus-like particles in a plant system​.

Careers

Biomedical scientists work at the cutting edge of research and medicine, helping to solve some of the most threatening diseases and conditions facing mankind. Specialising in infection and immunity, you’ll carry out research that advances vaccine development, antibiotic treatment and immunotherapy.

By the end of the course, you’ll be confident planning and managing a research project. This includes knowing how to write a research proposal​, evaluate published research​ and identify good quality research. You’ll also have advanced skills in data handling, scientific communication and using technology to support research projects.

Some of our graduates work in research-active healthcare roles, while others engage with clinical research as trial managers or laboratory scientists. You might find opportunities in:

• Academic biomedical research institutes and universities​
• Clinical medicine and hospitals​
• Pharmaceutical industry​
• Science communications and journalism​
• Teaching

With your extensive research experience, you’ll also stand out as a candidate when applying to continue to PhD study.

Information for international students

For information on how to apply, advice on visas and immigration and English language requirements please visit our international student support webpages.

Fees and funding

For information about tuition fees, funding and scholarships please visit our fees and funding webpages.