
- UCAS course code
- C55M
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- Master of Science (UG)
- Duration
- 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
AAA-AAB (including specific subjects)
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
AAB-ABC (including specific subjects).Find out more about contextual admissions.
- Refugee/care-experienced offer
-
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.Find out more about contextual admissions.
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
35-36 points overall with 6, 6, 6 to 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry.
- Number of places/applicants
- 650/7000 (overall data for biological and biomedical sciences undergraduate courses at Manchester).
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS .
Please note this course is now closed to applications from home students.
- Sustainable Development Goals
Find out how this course aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:
- Goal 3: Good health and well-being
- Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- UCAS course code
- C55M
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Develop your research skills with an integrated master's degree, making you more attractive to future employers in both academia and industry.
- Understand how the immune system protects us, and also how it can go wrong and cause disease, as in autoimmune conditions and allergies.
- Learn about ways the immune system can be used to prevent disease and to promote better clinical outcomes, as in vaccines and in situations of transplantation and cancer therapy.
Open days
Attending an open day is a great way to find out what studying at Manchester is like. Find out about our upcoming open days.
We also operate campus tours where a student ambassador will tell you all about life at the University. You may also meet with admissions staff, subject to staff availability. These tours run on most days and are open to anybody thinking of applying for any of our courses in biosciences.
To book, please contact the Admissions Office at ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2023 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £30,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Additional expenses
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

UN Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.
Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.
To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our courses address.
Goal 3: Good health and well-being
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
- Telephone
- 0161 529 4539
- ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/biomedicine
- School/Faculty overview
-
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
Applicants predicted/who have achieved a B in their third A level will receive an offer of AAB, while those predicted/who have achieved an A or A* will be eligible for an offer of AAA.
If you are taking only one of the above Core Science subjects, we can consider you for an AAA offer if you are also sitting an A level in at least one of Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education in place of the second Core Science. If your predicted grades are one grade below our minimum entry requirements we may still make you an aspirational offer if you meet our contextual criteria .
Subjects with overlapping content are not normally considered as separate A-levels; Further Mathematics is not considered alongside Mathematics and Human Biology is not considered alongside Biology.
We believe that practical skills in the sciences are integral to a candidate s understanding and appreciation of these subjects. Therefore we encourage all applicants to undertake any practical skills assessment if it is available in their qualification.
In recognition of the significant disruption to studies this year, applicants offers conditions will not state a requirement to obtain a Pass in the practical element of any science A-levels for 2022. This requirement is waived, including those sitting International A-levels.
Contextual offer
Contextual offer: AAB-ABC (including specific subjects).
Typical WP++ Contextual offer: ABB-ABD (including specific subjects).
AS-level
Unit grade information
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk for clarification.
International Baccalaureate
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:
- Three Advanced Highers with grades AAA-BBB including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry or
- Two Advanced Highers with grades AA-BB in two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry, plus two additional Highers with grades AA-BB.
Students with Highers only with grades AAAAA-AABBB may be considered for the Foundation Year.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk
Welsh Baccalaureate
For further details, please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .
European Baccalaureate
We normally require: an award at 75%-80% or above overall, with a minimum of 7.5-8 in three written subjects including two science subjects.
In addition, all applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English Language. We accept a score of 7.0 or 70% at Year 7 in English Language in the EB or a separate English Language qualification such as IELTS 6.5 in each component.
AQA Baccalaureate
The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A-levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester International Foundation Programme in partnership with The University of Manchester are required to achieve a minimum of AAB with grades AA in two sciences (preferably Biology and Chemistry), grade B in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B in every component.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation Year are required to achieve a minimum of AAB or 75% overall with grades AA or 75% in two sciences (preferably Biology and Chemistry), grade B or 65% in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B or 65% in every component.
All applicants resident or studying in the UK are required to attend an interview.
Applicants studying other foundation programmes should contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
We consider the National Extended Diploma in Applied Science with grades DDD for entry when it is taken with one science A-level with grade A.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
We consider the National Diploma in Applied Science with grades DD for entry when it is taken with two A-levels including grade A in a science subject and a minimum of grade A in any other subject.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma
We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
We consider the National Extended Certificate in any subject with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate
We do not consider the National Certificate for entry to this course.
Legacy BTEC qualifications The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (with grade D or above) and two science A-levels (minimum AA required).
We do not consider the BTEC Certificate for entry to this course.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required).
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required).
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required).
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required).
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate (CTEC)
We do not accept the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate (CTEC) for entry to this course.
Legacy CTEC qualifications
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma and CTEC Subsidiary Diploma (with grade D or above) and two science A-levels (minimum AA required).
We do not consider the CETC Certificate for entry to this course.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .
Access to HE Diploma
In general, we require 60 credits overall with 45 graded credits at Level 3, which must include a minimum of 15 credits in Biology and 15 credits in Chemistry. All 45 graded credits must be at Distinction grade.
We may also consider applications from applicants whose course has allowed only 12 credits at Level 3 in Biology, with the remaining three credits at Level 3 with Distinction in Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics.
Cambridge Pre-U
We require D3, D3, D3 to D3, D3, M1 in the Cambridge Pre-U, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences). You must have a D3 in one of the Core Science subjects.
If you have achieved or are predicted D3 in one of Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education in place of the second Core Science, you will receive an offer of D3, D3, D3, provided the other Core Science is at D2 or D3.
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions.
For further details, please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk
T Level
We consider the following T levels for the Foundation Year:
- Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Science (Delivered By NCFE)
- Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Healthcare Science (Delivered By NCFE)
- Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Health (Delivered By NCFE)
For the Foundation Year, we require Distinction overall in one of these T levels with a minimum of grade A in the core component and Distinction in the occupational specialism.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies).
Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.
We advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences. Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.
The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to. Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade 4 or C;
- IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 6.5 in any component);
- an acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Student Route Visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the B2 level.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Please note this course is now closed to applications from home students.
Advice to applicants
We would normally only consider applicants who obtained the relevant qualification within the three years prior to entry.
Applicants who have left education for more than three years would normally be recommended to take an Access course or exceptionally considered for the Foundation Year.
Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances.
You should not usually apply for more than one of the bioscience courses offered by The University of Manchester. Please contact us for advice if you are planning to do so.
How your application is considered
Deferrals
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Re-applications
Course details
Course description
Immunology is a highly dynamic field that impacts topical and emerging issues within both the biomedical and biological science disciplines.
Our MSci Immunology course will see you learn about the components, principles and mechanisms of a healthy immune system, and how they co-ordinate to mount safe and appropriate protection against infection.
During your studies you will establish how the immune system can distinguish between healthy and damaged self and identify dangerous non-self, how it can tune responses to protect against different types of infectious agents and how responses vary when these agents are encountered in different anatomical sites, such as in the skin, gut and lung.
In addition to establishing the workings of a healthy immune system, the course will also address what underlies situations of inappropriate or insufficient immunity, such as allergy, autoimmunity and immune deficiency.
Other topics include the current and emerging use of immune molecules in diagnostic and clinical intervention strategies, including therapeutic manipulation of the immune system for cancer treatment, vaccine development and transplant tolerance.
The flexible, modular nature of our course means you can follow special interests within the broader topic at the same time as you build your core subject-specific knowledge.
We are a core centre for immunology research in the UK and, as such, a range of world leading lab options are available for you develop your research skills.
Our course has Advanced Accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology , which recognises academic excellence in the biosciences and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future.
Special features
A range of study options
This course is available as an integrated master's , with industrial/professional experience , with entrepreneurship or with a modern language .
It is possible to broaden your degree by taking units from the University College , Business and Management for all Programmes or the University Centre for Academic English in exchange for a few units from your degree.
Foundation year available
You can prepare for the full degree course if you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry by undertaking our foundation course first.
Flexibility to transfer between courses
You can transfer between most of our bioscience courses at the end of your first year or, in some cases, later.
Teaching and learning
You will benefit from a wide range of teaching and learning methods that suit the content and aims of each course unit.
These range from lectures and tutorials to practicals and research projects.
Find out more about how you will learn and see a typical Year 1 timetable on our teaching and learning page.
Coursework and assessment
Assessment methods vary widely to suit the nature of the course unit and each level of study.
- Lecture units are usually assessed by written exam (multiple choice or essay-based), which are held at the end of an academic semester in either January or May/June.
- Field courses are usually assessed via oral and written presentations, group work and/or projects.
- Practical units are usually assessed by experimental report and/or short written assignment and/or written exam.
The proportion of independent study assignments increases during each year of study.
Year 1
Lecture units are usually assessed by e-learning activities during the unit and multiple choice exams at the end of the semester. Year 1 contributes 6% to your overall degree mark.
Year 2
Lecture units are usually assessed by a combination of coursework during the unit and an essay-based exam at the end of the semester.
Year 2 contributes 19% to your overall degree mark.
Year 3
Lecture units taken with BSc students are usually assessed by essay-based exam. You will also take two degree specific honours papers: a synoptic essay paper and a critical analysis problem paper.
MSci students also take MSci-specific courses, which include a group-based practical unit, a literature review and a written research proposal. Year 3 contributes 37.5% to your overall degree mark.
Year 4
The final MSci year is based on a 7-month research project (120 credits), carried out in a research laboratory run by University staff. The project is assessed by a written assignment, a scientific talk, a written report, a poster and presentation and your performance during the project. Year 4 contributes 37.5% to your overall degree mark. In order to progress on the MSci degree, you must fulfil certain progression criteria. Students that do not meet these criteria are transferred to the 3-year BSc.
Course unit details
This course is modular. You will study compulsory course units and choose some optional units.
Most units are assigned 10 credits and you will take 120 credits each year.
Course content for year 1
You will gain a broad introduction to biological sciences, covering key concepts such as:
- biochemistry
- microbiology
- molecular biology
Year 1 also provides an introduction to essential data handling and laboratory skills required for all biological scientists.
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Academic Tutorials Year 1 | BIOL10000 | 10 | Mandatory |
Biochemistry | BIOL10212 | 10 | Mandatory |
Molecular Biology | BIOL10221 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Laboratory Science | BIOL10401 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Experimental Biology - Molecular & Cellular Biology | BIOL10412 | 10 | Mandatory |
Microbes, Humankind and the Environment | BIOL10532 | 10 | Mandatory |
Writing and Referencing Skills (online unit) | BIOL10741 | 0 | Mandatory |
Health & Safety online course | BIOL12000 | 0 | Mandatory |
From Molecules to Cells | BIOL10232 | 10 | Optional |
Genes, Evolution and Development | BIOL10521 | 10 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 18 course units for year 1 | |||
Display all course units for year 1 |
Course content for year 2
You will continue your studies in greater depth and begin to specialise. You will also undertake a Science Communication unit.
In the Research Skills practical unit, you will have the opportunity to use techniques that are widely used in current immunology research.
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Academic Tutorials Year 2 | BIOL20000 | 10 | Mandatory |
Immunology RSM | BIOL20952 | 10 | Mandatory |
Human Sciences EDM | BIOL21061 | 10 | Mandatory |
Principles of Infectious Disease | BIOL21192 | 10 | Mandatory |
Immunology | BIOL21242 | 10 | Mandatory |
Molecules and Cells in Human Disease | BIOL21351 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Virology | BIOL21381 | 10 | Mandatory |
Science Communication | BIOL21392 | 10 | Mandatory |
Genome Maintenance & Regulation | BIOL21101 | 10 | Optional |
Proteins | BIOL21111 | 10 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 20 course units for year 2 | |||
Display all course units for year 2 |
Course content for year 3
You will take 80 credits alongside Immunology BSc students.
The remaining 40 credits will come from the following MSci units:
- Research Project Proposals (10 credits)
- Bioinformatics Tools and Resources (10 credits)
- Experimental Skills (20 credits)
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Academic Tutorials Year 3 | BIOL30000 | 0 | Mandatory |
Advanced Immunology (E) | BIOL31371 | 10 | Mandatory |
Immune Response & Disease (E) | BIOL31802 | 10 | Mandatory |
MSci Experimental Skills Module | BIOL33012 | 20 | Mandatory |
Post-Genome Biology (L) | BIOL31301 | 10 | Optional |
Glycobiology: Glycan Function in Health & Disease (E) | BIOL31321 | 10 | Optional |
Biochemical Basis of Disease (E) | BIOL31332 | 10 | Optional |
Macromolecular Recognition in Biological Systems (L) | BIOL31341 | 10 | Optional |
Current Topics in Microbiology (E) | BIOL31351 | 10 | Optional |
Gene Regulation & Disease (E) | BIOL31381 | 10 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 17 course units for year 3 | |||
Display all course units for year 3 |
Course content for year 4
You will undertake a 120-credit research project over a period of six to seven months in research laboratories run by University staff to complete the work needed for your MSci award.
Course units for year 4
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
MSci Research Project | BIOL40010 | 120 | Mandatory |
What our students say
Find out more about what it's like to study at Manchester on the Biology, Medicine and Health Student Blog .
Facilities
Learning facilities
Our modern teaching labs are equipped for a range of biological and biomedical techniques. The following are just a few of the techniques you could undertake during your degree:
- polymerase chain reaction (PCR);
- DNA sequencing;
- gel electrophoresis;
- enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA);
- histology;
- immunofluorescence microscopy;
- fluorescence activated cell separation (FACS).
Our computing facilities include access to over 200 PCs in dedicated clusters and e-learning tools including online lecture notes, discussion boards, lecture podcasts and quizzes.
You will also have access to the University's other facilities for undergraduate students.
Research facilities
As a final year student, you have the opportunity to undertake a project in the labs of our world-class immunology researchers. To support our research, we have extensive research facilities equipped with high-quality technology.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
The significant research skills and experience you will gain in the Year 4 MSci research project will pave the way for further lab-based postgraduate study such as a PhD, as well as preparing you for work in both industry and academia.
Find out more about how we help our students prepare for the workplace and the careers our graduates go into within and outside the lab.