Biomedical Science - Antimicrobial Resistance

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

Untangle the molecular basis and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and work alongside our experts on vital research.

Antimicrobials, especially antibiotics, are one of the greatest medical achievements of the 20th century. But their overuse and misuse, combined with a shortage of new antimicrobials, means antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms will continue to emerge. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an urgent threat to global human health. If no action is taken, the World Health Organization warns that in the not-too-distant future a minor graze or injury could kill.

Studying our Antimicrobial Resistance MRes is your chance to explore the healthcare impact, genetic technologies and the latest interventions. It’s right for you if you’re a recent graduate or a healthcare professional who wants to carry out research in this crucial area.

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.

Specialising in AMR, you’ll learn from experts exploring new drugs for tuberculosis, improved chemotherapy to eradicate persistent bacteria, novel antibiotic drug combinations, and more. One of our researchers is a co-holder for more than 100 patents, while another is a research director of a UK-based antibiotic biotech company.

Why St George's?

1. Pioneering course – St George’s was one of the first universities to offer a unique specialist pathway to support important research into antimicrobial resistance.
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, your expertise in Antimicrobial Resistance will evolve as you explore the pathogenesis of infection and virulence mechanisms that drive vaccine development, antibiotic treatment, and immunotherapy.

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 explored areas such as a treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and poly-resistance in candida from intensive care units patients.

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 antimicrobial resistance, you’ll be ready to carry out research which improves drug regimens and combinations. This could ultimately help avoid resistance in the future.

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.