MSc Medical Microbiology

Our MSc Medical Microbiology is made up of six core modules which you will study over one year full-time. This includes modules that let you explore various aspects of microbiology, infectious diseases and biomedical science, together with two modules based around your research project. 

During the masters, you’ll explore taking a systematic approach to disorders and the principles and applications of essential analytical techniques in modern biomedical science. This includes electrophoresis, mass spectrometry and recombinant DNA technology. 

You’ll study in-depth the management and control of infectious disease, gaining the confidence and ability to evaluate strategies for characterising disease. This will involve critically assessing the relevance of new methods to current biomedical practice, ensuring you take a forward-thinking approach to your professional practice. You'll also look at diagnostics and the ability to take a critical approach in the selection of appropriate methods used in medical microbiology diagnostics. 

We've designed our Research Methods and Ethics in Biomedical Science module to help you develop advanced skills in research methods. You’ll explore the evidenced-based and ethical frameworks you’ll need to complete your own in-depth, independent research project. 

Above all, your research project is your chance to tackle the issues that fascinate you most. With a deep dive into a topic of your choice, your project will help you understand both the process and the communication of scientific enquiry. You’ll be guided through your proposal and review process to equip you with the skills you need to complete an independent piece of research. 

As part of our Department of Life Sciences, you’ll have the support of an expert team and access to excellent laboratory facilities spanning microbiology, exercise performance and human physiology, cell and molecular biology, genomics, blood biochemistry, cell culture and biomechanics. 

Our research

We represent one of the highest concentrations of health research excellence, ranking 15th in the UK for the power of our health and biomedical research (REF 2021). 

Our research is targeted at alleviating the threats of infectious disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke and age-related decline to human health and wellbeing. We recognise that a fundamental understanding of how biology and biological interactions contribute to these disease conditions will inform clinical application and policy change to benefit human health and wellbeing.

Our research stretches from prokaryote microbiology, through eukaryote cell, tissue and organ biology to clinical science and human population studies. Our microbiology research group focuses on minimising the negative impact of living with pathogenic bacteria in modern society. We conduct basic and translational research to understand biological systems in disease, sensing and detecting by-products of disease and contemporary challenges, including ageing and development of new technologies for personalised medicine. 

Our scientists are pioneering new ideas with real-world, global applications. You’ll be joining a collaborative community dedicated to improving health and wellbeing, making a positive difference in people's lives.

You’ll need a UK honours degree – normally a 2:2 – or the international equivalent, in biological or biomedical science, including the study of Medical Microbiology. We might also consider your application if you a have an equivalent professional qualification or substantial relevant professional experience, or if you have an HNC Medical Laboratory Science plus at least 10 years’ experience. If you are a fellow of The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), you’ll be eligible for exemption from some of the units on the course. 

International students please see mmu.ac.uk/international

Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.