Medical Microbiology

Why choose this course?

• You'll be taught by expert staff in medical microbiology, who have worked in academic research, clinical research, the NHS, and the biopharmaceuticals sector
• You'll benefit from pioneering guest lecturers from academia and industry
• Our modern Science Building provides excellent facilities for laboratory work, including QPCR, cell culture, protein analysis, isolated tissue studies and immunohistochemistry
• Upon graduation, you'll be equipped to work in a wide range of roles in the medical microbiology and biotechnology industries
• We adopt a blended learning approach to teaching, focussing on problem-based scenarios so you can develop strong critical analysis skills. You'll have substantial exposure to practical techniques and guaranteed laboratory-based research projects.
• The course is also offered as a part-time option if you are already in employment and wish to broaden your knowledge of medical microbiology with support from your employer.

What will I study?

We'll provide you with opportunities to develop your knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of clinically significant microorganisms. You'll study selected pathogens and learn how diseases are spread, diagnosed, treated, and prevented.

The course includes a series of taught modules covering topics such as cell biology and immunology, genetics and protein biology, antimicrobial resistance, diagnostic techniques, emerging viruses and fungi, research design and analysis, microbiome studies, biotechnology. There's also a specialist research project where you can focus on a research topic that interests you. You'll benefit from our problem-based teaching approach and develop advanced critical analysis and group working skills. 

You'll undertake a practical project as part of your MSc enabling you to use our expert facilities.  You'll work alongside researchers in our Biosciences Research Group and gain vital experience. Current research projects include studies in the following broad areas:

• Novel antimicrobial agent development
• Bacterial pathogen physiology and virulence, e.g. Clostridioides difficile, Mycobacterium spp., Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus
• Antimicrobial resistance studies
• Extracellular vesicles and links to infection processes
• Bacteriophage biology and resistance gene transfer
• MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for microbial identification and characterisation

About the course

The MSc Medical Microbiology will equip you with the skills and in-depth knowledge required to have an impactful career in a range of sectors such. The course will help you develop extensive theoretical and practical laboratory skills in by building on the research expertise of the teaching team. Techniques and theoretical skills include: antimicrobial susceptibility testing, antibiotic resistance-gene analysis, microbial identification (16SrRNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry), parasite identification, next generation sequencing analysis, bacteriophage isolation and purification, antibiotic discovery and characterisation, and mammalian cell culture.

You'll be taught by expert speakers from the biopharmaceutical industry, academic experts from other universities and the University of Hertfordshire staff. With our modern facilities, emphasis on laboratory work, and teaching underpinned by the latest research, you'll be qualified to launch a career in research and development for biopharmaceutical companies. You could also work in a wide range of non-laboratory job roles across a range of sectors, including academia and microbiology. 

Alternatively, consider taking our other MSc Medical Microbiology routes:

• MSc Medical Microbiology with Placement Year
• MSc Medical Microbiology with Advanced Research

Completion of a four year bachelors degree with GPA 2.4 or above.

What job can I get?

Upon graduation, you may go on to work in a broad range of fields including: medical or pharmaceutical research, clinical trials, public health and epidemiology, academia research, medical writing/science journalism, education, or patent law. Alternatively, you may also use the MSc medical Microbiology to underpin an application to study for a research degree such as MRes, MSc by Research, or a PhD in a related field.

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Complex Admissions
University of Hertfordshire
Hatfield
Hertfordshire
AL10 9AB
UK