Taught course

Microbiology in Public Health

Institution
University of Bedfordshire · Division of Science
Qualifications
MScMSc

Entry requirements

Take a look at the latest entry requirement information on our website: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/guide-to-applying-to-uob/before-you-apply/entry-requirements/

Months of entry

February, October

Course content

On this progressive course, you focus on the science of microorganisms and the rapidly developing challenges they bring to public health, exploring areas such as epidemiology, antimicrobial chemotherapy and outbreak investigation. By giving you an in-depth understanding of both microbiology and public health while building your practical and transferable skills, the course opens up a broad range of exciting career directions.

Facilities and specialist equipment

  • Modern STEM building with specialist facilities and bespoke study spaces
  • State-of-the-art cell culture lab and analytical science suite
  • Industry-standard equipment, including high-tech HPLC, FTIR and GC-MS machines and advanced qPCR and protein analysis facilities, to mirror the professional workplace

Industry links

Our Life Sciences Liaison Board draws in industry-wide experts such as Pharmaron, Life Science Group, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and the NHS. The Board’s close collaboration with real-world organisations ensures our course aligns with UK QAA standards as well as preparing you to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Student experience

Study under a team of international experts at a University with 30-plus years of experience teaching biological sciences.

Our school’s active involvement in cutting-edge research and consultancy feeds directly into course delivery, ensuring you’re up to date with the latest advances in the field.

Benefit from practical laboratory sessions and research-based projects, equipping you with both technical knowledge and skills as well as hands-on experience.

Tackle a prevailing issue in an area of your choosing with a microbiology research project.

Immerse yourself in interactive seminars and masterclasses from guests such as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Ministry of Defence (MOD), Rothamsted Research and GSK.

Take part in our annual STEM Careers Expo, which brings together employers and students through presentations, workshops and networking sessions

Develop your transferable skills, including sought-after competencies such as scientific communication; analysis and evaluation; problem solving; and effective leadership.

Fulfil your potential with guidance from your own personal academic tutor.

What will you study?

Our Microbiology in Public Health MSc course allows you to combine knowledge of microorganisms with public health strategies by providing you with the understanding and skills required in an employment context, including academic research, biomedical science, health care and public health management. The course focuses on disease and its prevention, and in Microorganisms in Health and Disease, you will investigate the role of microorganisms in both promoting health and contributing to disease states. Control of Infectious Disease will enable you to investigate the scientific principles and strategies employed to control infectious diseases by reviewing current research to understand the scientific basis of interrupting transmission.

This closely links to Molecular and Diagnostic Microbiology, where you will investigate traditional, molecular and recent advances of diagnostic laboratory techniques for the identification of pathogens – a key applied area of microbiology in public health. Aside from this, you will be exposed to key Principles, Policies and Issues in Public Health to explore how these shape and address public health issues in the UK and internationally. Moreover, you will consider the role of Public Health Protection in protecting the population from infectious diseases and the effects of environmental hazards by examining current policies and strategies used to prevent and control threats to public health, including how to manage outbreaks of infectious diseases or natural disasters.

Furthermore, you will be introduced to key concepts of Epidemiology in Public Health where you will employ skills to describe, analyse and interpret epidemiological studies. Finally, you will complete a Microbiology Research Project, undertaking a significant piece of research on a relevant area to your study with help from experienced researchers. This is a great opportunity for you to showcase your work professionally while developing specialised knowledge skills that you can take with you as you progress into your career. To help you with this, Microbiology and Public Health and Research Methods will introduce you to a range of research strategies, including quantitative and qualitative methods, thus developing your critical understanding skills to build on your data analysis and research skills.

Careers

This course prepares you for a career in pharmaceutical or biotechnological industries; the health sector including the NHS and public health; and academic research. It equips you with the knowledge and skills to take on roles in settings such as diagnostic and reference laboratories as well as within local and national government agencies.

Information for international students

Please see our website for the latest fee information.

Fees and funding

Please see our website for the latest fee information.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MSc
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
  • MSc
    full time
    15 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Course Enquiries
Email
study@beds.ac.uk
Phone
0300 3300 073