Triangle

Course overview

Be trained in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases, with particular emphasis on patient management and infection control.

You will study a series of modules that have been designed to appeal to applicants from different professions and organisational roles. There is the flexibility to undertake modules on an individual, stand-alone basis too.

MSc Clinical Microbiology (Distance Learning) is delivered through distance learning meaning you can study with us from anywhere in the world. It is offered part-time to provide flexibility to study alongside work or around your lifestyle. The course is open to home, EU, and international students and is 100% online-based. Academic and professional competencies are also explored to support your career development.

The course will benefit healthcare professionals or new graduates aiming for a healthcare career, specialising in clinical microbiology. It is also suitable for medically qualified students who wish to prepare for higher professional qualifications, including Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) status.

Why choose this course?

Top 100

university in the world

QS World University Rankings 2026

3rd in the UK

for top employers

The Graduate Market, High Fliers Research 2024

Accreditation

The course has received full accreditation by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)

World-leading research

84% of our Biological Sciences research is known to be “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”

Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

Course content

​​This is a part-time three-year course to complete alongside your work or around your lifestyle. You’ll take six taught modules (120 credits) across years one and two, before completing a research project in year 3 (60-credit module).

​In year one, you'll learn about human pathogens, bacterial pathogenesis and infection. This will help you develop a solid foundation in both the clinical and molecular aspects of human bacterial and viral infections.

​In year 2, the modules will focus on how to diagnose, prevent and treat infections, and how public health systems intervene for infection control. You’ll also develop your academic and professional competencies.

​In year 3, you’ll work on a year-long research project based on your chosen topic in clinical microbiology.

Modules

Core modules

Bacterial Pathogenesis and Infections 20 credits

Dive into the world of harmful bacteria and how they cause disease. This module starts with learning about bacterial pathogenesis, then moves onto exploring diagnostics and treatments with the aid of case studies. You'll learn how to approach bacterial infections systematically. It’s a crucial step in developing your understanding of microbiological disease. 

Viral Pathogenesis and Infections 20 credits

Understand how viruses invade our bodies and cause disease. This module provides a vital foundation in virology and infectious disease, covering how viruses interact with cells, replicate and trigger illness. You'll explore the science behind diagnosing and treating major viral infections, with a focus on real-world clinical relevance. 

Human Infections (Distance Learning) 20 credits

Get an overview of major human infections caused by common pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. You'll study the microbiology, symptoms and treatment of these diseases, with a focus on how infections affect different organs and systems. It’s a key module for building your clinical microbiology knowledge. 

Healthcare Interventions for Infectious Disease (Distance Learning) 20 credits

Understand the strategies used to combat infectious diseases in hospitals and communities. This module covers how antimicrobial drugs work, how resistance develops and how vaccines are designed. You'll also explore infection control strategies used in real healthcare settings. It’s a vital module for understanding how infectious diseases are managed and prevented. 

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Wednesday 21 January 2026.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
Healthcare Interventions for Infectious Disease (Distance Learning) 20 credits

Understand the strategies used to combat infectious diseases in hospitals and communities. This module covers how antimicrobial drugs work, how resistance develops and how vaccines are designed. You'll also explore infection control strategies used in real healthcare settings. It’s a vital module for understanding how infectious diseases are managed and prevented. 

Diagnostic Laboratory Practice (Distance Learning) 20 credits

Step into the world of clinical diagnostics. This module explores the techniques used in modern microbiology labs. This includes diagnosis of infections across body systems, including the urinary tract, the central nervous system, the gastrointestinal tract, the upper and lower respiratory tracts, sexually transmitted infections, bloodstream infections, bone and joint infections.

You’ll explore how lab work supports patient care. It’s an important module for understanding real-world diagnostic practice.

Academic and Professional Competencies (Distance Learning) 20 credits

Build the skills you need to succeed in science and beyond. This module focuses on interpreting and critiquing scientific literature, analysing data and enhancing your communication and critical thinking skills. You’ll also reflect on your professional development and develop advanced evidence-based opinions. It’s a crucial part of becoming a confident and capable researcher. 

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Wednesday 21 January 2026.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
MSc Research Project (Distance Learning) 60 credits

Undertake a major research project and put your course skills into practice. This module gives you experience in planning and conducting research with academic supervision, analysing data and communicating your findings. Your project will enhance your critical thinking and scientific writing skills. It’s the final stage in preparing you for the next step in your career or further study. 

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Wednesday 21 January 2026.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • eLearning
  • Independent study
  • Seminars

​​You’ll learn through a variety of methods including recorded lectures, guided student-based learning, e-learning activities and background reading. You’ll also undertake an individual research project, which will develop skills including literature searching and report writing.

​There will be a range of optional online seminars within the School of Life Sciences and across the university to help you become familiar with cutting-edge research and develop advanced research techniques.​

How you will be assessed

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Viva voce
  • Presentations

Contact time and study hours

The course is fully remote with no official attendance at the University of Nottingham. The course directors offer monthly tutorials through Microsoft teams to discuss the curriculum and assessment of each module and provide a Q&A session. 

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Undergraduate degree2:1 honours degree in any relevant subject

Applying

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply
Distance learning

Where you will learn

Distance learning

Distance learning is designed to be flexible, so you can choose where and when you study. This allows you to fit your course around work or other commitments and study at your own pace.

Our online teaching is an interactive learning experience. You will receive support from your dedicated tutor, who will guide you through your studies and answer any questions.

Fees

Qualification MSc
Home / UK £10,900
International £33,000

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

Our online library resources contain all relevant books and research journals you might require, however, if you wish to purchase these materials for yourself, you should take this into consideration.

Funding

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Graduate destinations

Our MSc graduates are very much in demand by employers in both the private and public sectors and have the opportunity to establish successful careers in a range of areas.

The Clinical Microbiology MSc (Distance Learning) enables you to acquire advanced knowledge of molecular and clinical microbiology to prepare you for hospital-based clinical microbiology, infectious disease and public health positions.

Students from our full suite of MSc courses have gone on to a wide variety of positions – here are a few examples:

  • Senior House Officer (SHO) in Medical Microbiology
  • Research Technicians in Oncology
  • Senior Registrar (SpR) in Medical Microbiology
  • PhD London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
  • Infection Control Nurses
  • NHS Clinical Scientists
  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist – AMGEM Biotech
  • PhD School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Cambridge
  • Clinical Trial Data Managers
  • Application Specialist Biological Sciences, Japan
  • Biomedical Scientists (BMS1)
  • PhD School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham
  • Research Technician – School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham
  • Research Scientist – Glaxo SmithKline

Career progression

91.3% of postgraduates from the School of Life Sciences secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.*

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2020/21-2021/22.

Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)

The course has full accreditation of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), which is a professional acknowledgement of the quality and relevance of the course to individuals employed as biomedical scientists. It helps career progression of biomedical scientists already employed and state registered, allowing those BMS1 technical officers to apply for promotion and higher grades.

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates
" It has always been a dream of mine to study abroad at a prestigious university that allows exploration of the field of microbiology. The highlight of the course was having a suite of research projects to choose from while given the opportunity to learn and work with leading experts in the field. "
Emily Pui-Yee Seto, MSc Clinical Microbiology

Related courses

Clinical and Molecular Microbiology MSc/PGDip/PGCert

This course, fully accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), provides training in all aspects of medical microbiology with emphasis on molecular biological techniques.
View course

This content was last updated on Wednesday 21 January 2026. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.