Microbiology and Immunology Integrated Master's

Keele University

United Kingdom, Keele

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Home/United Kingdom/Keele /Keele University/Microbiology and Immunology Integrated Master's

Keele University

United Kingdom , Keele

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

C500

Campuses

Keele University campus

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 5 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 18,200 / year

Next Intake September-2026

Microbiology and Immunology Integrated Master's

About

Microbiology and immunology are two modern biological sciences. Studied together these two fascinating subjects enable us to explore how microbes can be controlled to prevent disease and so much more.

Microbiology is one of the fastest developing fields of research in biology. Some examples of what microbiologists do include manipulating bacteria to produce useful products such as human insulin, and using other microbes that naturally feed on pollutants to clean up polluted water bodies.

Immunology explores the physiological functioning of the immune system in states of both health and disease as well as malfunctions of the immune system in immunological disorders like immune deficiency and transplant rejection.

Our Microbiology and Immunology MSci curriculum has been carefully designed to enable you to not only develop core knowledge of this fascinating subject area, but to expose you to a comprehensive laboratory programme which encourages you to develop a range of key transferrable and employability skills.

Emphasis on the critical evaluation of scientific literature and effective communication particularly in the fourth year of study will see you develop independent learning and enhanced research skills. Our core modules will enable you to develop the required knowledge of the underpinning themes of the programme with our optional modules offering you the flexibility to tailor the programme to your interests and career aspirations.

In microbiology you will study the biology, biochemistry and physiology of viruses and microorganisms. You will examine bacteria, fungi and parasites, with a particular emphasis on host-pathogen interactions, the diseases these can cause, the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, as well as their wider application in biotechnology and their critical roles in global ecosystems.

In immunology you will explore the role of the immune system in health and disease. You will study the enormous diversity of the human immune system, the importance of this in host-pathogen interactions and how such knowledge is essential in the development of new biotechnological approaches to disease treatment and prevention, such as vaccines.

Knowledge of the development and function of the different components of the immune response is also essential in our understanding of autoimmune disease and other disorders of the immune system, such as immunodeficiency. You will explore how the extraordinary specificity of components of the immune system, such as antibodies, can be exploited in development of targeted molecular therapies in diseases including cancer.

Additional opportunities, such as the Applied Life Sciences Placement and semester or year abroad provide you with the opportunity to apply your learnings to authentic professional practice and develop an intercultural awareness.

The School of Life Sciences operates a robust support system that enables you to access advice, guidance, and one to one support from the following channels:

Areas of research expertise within the School of Life Sciences include:

Find out more about research in the School of Life Sciences.

Why study Microbiology and Immunology Integrated Master's at Keele University?

Enhance your employability through the development of advanced problem solving and communication skills

Gain substantial research skills and the experience to stand out when applying for PhD study or employment in industry

Develop enhanced skills in the critical evaluation of scientific literature, the design and conduct of an authentic research study and the acquisition of research funding

Our core laboratory programme is delivered in state-of-the-art laboratories and offers a wide range of final year research projects

Our innovative assessment methods enable you to replicate the type of tasks you would likely carry out during a career in the field

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Typical offer

Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

A Level: ABB Subject specifics apply

BTEC: DDM Subject specifics apply

T Level: Distinction Subject specifics apply

Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

A Level

ABB in three A Levels including B in two Science subjects from the Keele Defined Sciences List.

Contextual Offer: BBC in three A Levels including B in two Science subjects from the Keele Defined Sciences List.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma

DDM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas: Applied Science, Health and Social Care.

Contextual Offer: DMM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas: Applied Science, Health and Social Care.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Diploma / Diploma

Distinction and Merit in Applied Science or Health and Social Care BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in one Science A Level from the Keele Defined Sciences List.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma

Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two Science A Levels from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or Distinction in Applied Human Biology, Applied Science, or Health and Social Care BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels including one Science A Level from the Keele Defined Sciences List.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

T Level

Distinction in any of the following T Levels: Health, Healthcare Science, Science.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Diploma

655 in Higher Levels including two Science subjects from the Keele Defined Sciences List at Higher Level, or 32 points including two Higher Level Science subjects from the Keele Defined Sciences List.

Contextual Offer: 554 in Higher Levels including 5 in two Science subjects from the Keele Defined Sciences List at Higher Level, or 29 including 5 in two Higher Level Science subjects from the Keele Defined Sciences List.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, or 3 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 3 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme

We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.

If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Access to HE Diploma

128 UCAS points in a Computing, Engineering, Health, Nursing, Medicine, Science, or Sports Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits and Merit in at least 15 Level 3 credits.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru

The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.

Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers

BBBBC in five Highers including two Higher Science subjects from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or BC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers including two Higher or Advanced Higher Science subjects from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or BCC in three Advanced Highers including two Advanced Higher Science subjects from the Keele Defined Sciences List.

You will also need: C in National 5 Maths, or 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Core Maths

If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Ireland - Leaving Certificate

H3, H3, H3, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate including H4 in two subjects from the Science or Applied Science Groups.

You will also need: O4 / H6 in Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

China - Gaokao

75% in the Gaokao including 70% in two of Maths, Physics, Biology or Chemistry.

You will also need: 60% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

India - Standard XII

Average of 75% from four subjects including 70% in two of Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Biology in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 80% from four subjects including 75% in two of Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Biology in any other Standard XII.

You will also need: 6 or C2 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Germany - Abitur

2.0 overall average in the Abitur including 12 in two of Geography, Psychology, Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Technology, Nutritional Science or Sports.

You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Abitur, plus an English language qualification (see below).

France - Baccalaureate

14 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate including 14 in two of Chemistry / Physics, Maths, Science, Sport, Engineering Sciences, Life and Earth Sciences or Information Technology, or 13 in the Baccalauréat Français International including 13 in two of Chemistry / Physics, Maths, Science, Sport, Engineering Sciences, Life and Earth Sciences or Information Technology.

You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Baccalaureate, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Hong Kong - Diploma

544 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE including 4 in two of Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Design and Applied Technology, ICT or Physical Education.

You will also need: 2 in HKDSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Spain - Bachillerato

Overall average of 7.8 in the Título de Bachillerato including 8 in two of Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Physics, Geology, Geography, Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences, Psychology, Industrial Technology or ICT.

You will also need: 5 in Graduado en Educación Secundaria (GES) Maths or 6 in Título de Bachiller Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato

85% in the Esame di Stato including 8 in two of Chemistry, Maths, Natural Science, Geography, Physical Education, or ICT.

You will also need: 5 in Maths in the Diploma, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Cyprus - Apolytirion

18.5 / 88% in the Apolytirion including 18 in two of Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Design and Technology, Information Technology, Geography, Maths, Physical Education or Physics.

You will also need: 14 in Maths in the Apolytirion, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Portugal

Overall average of 16 in a Secondary Certificate including 16 in two of Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Physics, Geology, Geography, Computer Applications, Psychology, Physical Education.

You will also need: 10 in Secondary Certificate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Canada - Diploma

70% / BBBBC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma including 70% in two of Advanced Functions, Biology, Calculus and Vectors, Chemistry, Computer Science, Maths of Data Management or Physics.

You will also need: 50% in Grade 11 Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Kenya - KCSE / Diploma

We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND

We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

USA - Advanced Placement

544 from three Advanced Placement subjects including 4 in two of Chemistry, Calculus (either), Physics (any), Biology, Computer Science (either), Environmental Science, Psychology or Statistics.

You will also need: C in Grade 12 High School Diploma Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Ghana

We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Sri Lanka - Advanced Level

ABB in three Advanced Levels including B in two of Combined Maths, Chemistry, Physics, ICT, Biology or Agricultural Science.

You will also need: C in O-Level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Malaysia - STPM

ABB in three Principal Level subjects in the STPM including B in two of Maths, ICT, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, or Sports Science.

You will also need: C in SPM Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate

We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Singapore - A Levels (H2)

ABB in three H2 Levels including B in two of Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Computing, Maths, Further Maths or Geography.

You will also need: C in O-Level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

European Baccalaureate

75% overall with 7 in two of Chemistry, Maths (3 or 5 period), Physical Education, Biology (2 or 4 period), Geography (2 or 4 period), or Physics.

You will also need: 6 in European Baccalaureate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

NCUK

Pass NCUK Foundation Year with ABB including B in two Science subjects from the Keele Defined Sciences List.

Grade C in EAP English Language module.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or international equivalent.

Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education

ABB in three Principal Level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education including B in two of Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Biology, or Geography.

You will also need: 6 in UACE or UCE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE

ABB in three Advanced Level subjects including B in two of Additional Maths, Agriculture, Animal Science, Biology, Building Technology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Crop Science, Food Technology and Design, Geography, Horticulture, Mechanical Maths, Metal Technology and Design, Physics, Pure Mathematics, Sport Science and Technology, Statistics, or Technical Graphics and Design.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

English Program Requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.

Career

Your future career

95% of Keele students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)

The substantial research skills and experience you will gain during your MSci research project will enable you to stand-out when applying for PhD study, in addition to working in both industry and academia.

Many students with microbiology and immunology degrees seek careers in scientific industries, like research or laboratory technology. Others might prefer jobs in the health care industries, such as in medicine, nursing or pharmaceutical development.

On successful completion of your degree, you will graduate with a strong set of transferable skills suited to a range of roles in the science, education and health sectors. You may also wish to further your knowledge by progressing to postgraduate study.

Key skills you will develop include:

Acquiring, analysing, synthesising, summarising and presenting information from a range of sources
Designing, conducting, analysing, reporting and evaluating biological experiments
Communicating effectively to a variety of audiences by written, spoken and graphical means using appropriate techniques and scientific language
Preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques, statistical programmes, spreadsheets and programs for presenting data visually
Working safely and responsibly in the laboratory with awareness of standard procedures such as risk assessment, COSHH and good laboratory practice (GLP)
Time management, flexibility, creativity and intellectual integrity
Problem-solving and creative thinking
Research
Teamwork

Careers that a graduate of this course could pursue include:
(Please note further study may be required).

Academia
Allergist
Environmental Scientist
Epidemiologist
Food safety expert
Food Technologist
Immunologist
Laboratory technician
Microbiologist
Parasitologist
Pharmacologist
Public health inspector
Research
Technical writer
Virologist

Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offer a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability. From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.

Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.