MSc Medical Microbiology

The University holds regular open days, where you will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about our facilities and courses. On this day, you will find out more about the course and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have. For more information, see Open days .

Please apply via our online application form . See the application and selection section for details of the supporting documents we require.

We recommend that you apply as early as possible. We reserve the right to close applications if the course is full.

Your application form must have the following supporting documents.

• One academic reference will be sought. You will be required to provide details of one academic referee when completing your application form. Professional references can be provided in instances where you have been out of university for more than three years.
• Official degree certificates (with translations if not in English) if you have already graduated.
• Official University transcripts (with translations if not in English).
• Full CV.
• Personal statement (300-500 words).
• If English is not your first language, we require proof of your English language ability. If you have already taken an English language qualification, please include your certificate with your application. We may be willing to consider your application without this document, but if we choose to make you an offer, the conditions will include IELTS (or equivalent qualification).

Supporting documents can be uploaded with the online application form. We may not be able to consider your application until we have received all of the documents listed above.

You must include your University ID number on any correspondence and do not send any documents before you have submitted your application.

A place on this course cannot be guaranteed if offers made are not accepted by the deadline stated in the offer letter.

Please note that places on the PGDip course may be offered to students who do not exactly meet the academic entry requirements, with the possibility of transfer to the MSc on adequate academic progression in Semester 1.

Our established MSc Medical Microbiology course is ideal if you are a graduate or healthcare professional looking to build expertise in infectious diseases and gain the practical laboratory skills valued by employers in healthcare, research and industry. With advanced practical and research training, the course prepares you for doctoral study, career progression, or specialist roles in microbiology and infectious disease.

This course is unique in its emphasis on laboratory-based learning. You'll gain extensive hands-on experience in the techniques and technologies used in modern medical microbiology, developing confidence and the practical expertise to work in real-world laboratory environments.

You'll explore the medical and molecular basis of infectious diseases, alongside host immunity, laboratory diagnostics, epidemiology, antimicrobial therapies, and infection prevention and management. By combining fundamental principles with current advances in microbiology, you'll develop both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to understand and respond to today's infectious disease challenges.

You'll also have the opportunity to tailor your learning through your research project and specialist teaching from leading academics and industry experts. You can focus on areas such as bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology, antimicrobial resistance, molecular diagnostics, or global health, while gaining a broad understanding of the interconnected disciplines that underpin modern medical microbiology.

Since its origins in the 1920s, the course has attracted microbiologists from the UK and around the world. Our graduates have progressed to successful careers as clinical and biomedical scientists, medical microbiologists, healthcare professionals, and researchers in academia, public health, and the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

PhD with integrated master's

If you're planning to undertake a PhD after your master's, our Integrated PhD programme will enable you to combine your postgraduate taught course with a related PhD project in biology, medicine or health.

We aim to provide you with an understanding of the scientific basis of traditional and modern microbiological concepts.

In addition, you will develop the knowledge, specialist practical skills and critical awareness needed to pursue a career in medical microbiology.

Extensive practical learning

The lab-focused nature of this course means you will gain maximum exposure to both the practical and theoretical aspects of a wide range of clinically relevant pathogens, helping develop practical skills that are valued by potential employers.

Flexible study options

You can study either full-time or part-time on the MSc route, enabling you to fit learning around your other commitments if needed. Our part-time option comprises full-time study, one semester per year (approximately 12 weeks).

Research experience

You'll undertake your research project within one of the University's internationally recognised research groups in microbiology, virology, parasitology or mycology, with opportunities to collaborate with industry partners. A range of laboratory-based and dry/computational projects is available, allowing you to contribute to current research while developing the practical, analytical and research skills valued by employers and research organisations.

Through our close links with diagnostic services across Greater Manchester, you'll work on research that addresses current clinical challenges in medical microbiology. These projects provide opportunities to make genuine translational impact on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases.

This course is delivered by academics from the University and NHS specialists in infectious disease and medical microbiology.

You will learn via a range of methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and comprehensive practical classes.

We use both face-to-face sessions and blended learning methods, with some material delivered and assessed online.

Find out more by visiting the postgraduate teaching and learning page.

You will be assessed via continual assessment and formal theory and practical examinations.

This course is based in Stopford Building on Oxford Road, where you will find state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories, a student common room and good access to University computing clusters.

You will attend lectures across the University campus.

You will be able to access a range of facilities throughout the University.

Our graduates pursue a wide range of careers across healthcare, research, industry and public health. Many go on to roles within the NHS, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), diagnostic and reference laboratories, biotechnology and life sciences sector.

The MSc also provides an excellent foundation for doctoral study, with many graduates progressing to PhD programmes and careers in academic, clinical and industrial research. Others apply their expertise in areas such as regulatory affairs, medical writing, science communication, clinical trials, bioinformatics and data analysis.

The course is equally suited to qualified professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, dentists, veterinarians and biomedical scientists, who want to enhance their specialist knowledge, support career progression, or broaden their expertise in infectious diseases and medical microbiology.