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.

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?

World top 100

university

QS World University Rankings 2026

3rd in the UK

3rd most targeted university by top UK 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

100% of sport and exercise sciences, leisure and tourism and 84% of the biological sciences research submitted was judged to be world-leading or internationally excellent

Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

Course content

Students progressing toward the MSc need to complete 180 credits, consisting of 120 credits of taught modules and a 60 credit Research Project.

All modules are compulsory.

Modules

Core modules

Autumn

Introduction to Medical Microbiology 10 credits

This module provides the necessary foundations in medical microbiology through studying the properties and host range of various micro-organisms involved in infection.

Human Pathogens 20 credits

An overview of the major bacterial, fungal and parasitic human pathogens of clinical importance is provided on this module.

Pathogens covered may include: Campylobacter jejuni; Legionella pneumophila; Staphylococcus aureus; Helicobacter pylori; Anaerobes of Clinical Importance; Coagulase negative Staphylococci; Haemophilus spp.; Listeria monocytogenes; Burkholderia and Stenotrophomonas; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Yeast and yeast-like fungi; Filamentous and dimorphic fungi; Vibrionaceae; Pathogenic Neisseria spp.; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Group A Streptococci; Mycobacterium tuberculosis and atypical mycobacteria; Enterococcus; Escherichia coli; Enterobacteriaceae; Leishmania and Trypanosoma; Protozoa (Intestinal, Toxoplasma, Trichomonads and Amoebae); Bacillus Spp.

Spring

Viral Pathogenesis and Infection 20 credits

This advanced level module explores the molecular details of how viruses interact with cells the underlying mechanisms of infection and replication, and how these interactions lead to clinical disease.

Clinical Syndromes in Infectious Disease 10 credits

You will develop the ability to apply a clinical syndrome-focused view of important infectious diseases. This module is delivered primarily using lectures on clinical and scientific aspects of: bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections; management of infectious diseases; organ-based microbiology; management of the laboratory service and the management of human and financial resources.

Content includes: respiratory infections; anaerobes of clinical importance; bone and joint infections; STDs; pathogenesis of foodborne bacterial diseases; infections of travellers and rickettsiae; epidemiological, clinical and laboratory aspects of pneumonia due to atypical pathogens; cystic fibrosis; malaria; endocarditis and HACEK; septis and bacteraemia; blood cultures; skin and soft tissue infection; central nervous system infections; UTIs; pyrexia of unknown origin; and infection in the immunocompromised host.

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 19 November 2025.

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

Autumn

Diagnostic Microbiology and Laboratory Methods 20 credits

You will gain an understanding of conventional and molecular methods applied in routine and specialised laboratories – for the diagnosis of bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections using weekly practical sessions spread over the autumn and spring semesters. You will study diagnostic microbiology, from specimen to final report: blood, cerebro-spinal fluid, respiratory, enteric, urinary and other tissue specimens.

Specimens from sterile sites and agar-based detection methods, such as molecular diagnostics and antibiotic sensitivity testing, are also covered by this module.

Core Research Methods: Transferable Research Skills 10 credits

This module will develop some of your broadly applicable workplace skills. You will gain experience in written and oral presentation of complex data and concepts, writing and critically editing preparing  report-style documents. This module will also develop your ability to critically assess published literature and analyse data to build evidence-based opinions. 

Spring

Prevention and Treatment of Infection 20 credits

This module facilitates an understanding of antimicrobial therapies for the control of infection and disease – encompassing the study of the action of specific antimicrobial compounds, mechanisms of resistance and the development of preventative and therapeutic vaccines, , and novel strategies for the development of alternative therapies.

Infection Control and Public Health 10 credits

This module examines aspects of:

  • hospital infection control including: infection control team; infection control manual; sterilisation and dis-infection; surveillance and antibiotic policy
  • alert organisms including MRSA, vancomycin-resistant enterococcus and multi-drug resistant bacteria, such as gram negatives and mycobacteria
  • epidemiology and public health, as well as the management of natural, man-made or deliberate outbreaks in the community
  • national and regional bodies and their roles, such as: the Health Protection Agency – with special reference to HPUS – the Centre for Infections, reference laboratories, Strategic Health Authorities, Primary Care Trusts, local authorities and Public Health.
  • health professionals and their roles: Consultant in Communicable Disease Control, Health Protection Specialist, regional epidemiologists, district nurses, school nurses, environmental health officers
  • reference facilities and their uses – through practical sessions on typing schemes, water and environmental microbiology, as well as antibiotic resistance monitoring
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 19 November 2025.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
Research Project 60 credits

You will design and execute a research programme performing experiments, analysing data or undertaking other research activities aimed at solving a specific biomedical problem in clinical microbiology. 

The form of project may vary from laboratory-based work, bioinformatics, or extended literature reviews, depending on the expertise of your project supervisor. As well as gaining the technical and project management skills required for contemporary research, you will develop the ability to write scientific texts through producing a dissertation based on your research findings.

You will be asked to write a project proposal on a formal pro-forma document in year 2 to be checked for authenticity and appropriate level of study.

This report is discussed with academic staff during an oral viva voce examination.

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 19 November 2025.

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

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • eLearning
  • Podcasts
  • Presentations
  • Interactive learning
  • Distance learning materials
  • Audio lectures

You will be taught through a blended learning approach, using different mediums.

Materials are prepared by a panel of leading national and international experts including:

  • academics from the University of Nottingham
  • experts in their respective fields from other leading institutions
  • practicing healthcare professionals working in the National Health Service (NHS), Public Health England, and other relevant bodies

The online learning environment also supports the development of online networks to facilitate communication between students on the course and the tutors.

There is a monthly tutorial held through Microsoft teams with the course leads to discuss any issues with teaching and learning of the modules and have a Q&A session. 

How you will be assessed

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Viva voce

This course is assessed in a similar manner to the campus-based Clinical and Molecular Microbiology course, but without any online examinations. The course is taught through podcasted recordings of each lecture in the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Moodle and assessed by coursework, in the form of email discussion forums, written essays and case studies. There is also a viva voce examination through Microsoft Teams of the research project.

You'll gain a wide range of knowledge and skills relating to clinical microbiology including:

  • Knowledge of key human infections, with particular emphasis on medically important bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites
  • Management of patients with infections
  • Diagnostic tests carried out in routine and specialised laboratories
  • Anti-microbial chemotherapy
  • Infection control and management of outbreaks in hospitals and the community
  • Research in clinical microbiology and transferable (generic) research methods
  • Capability to assess and provide leadership in investigating complex clinical scenarios relating to infection
  • Analyse and critically assess scientific data and make decisions on their significance
  • Understand, assess and assist in the management and prevention of outbreaks of communicable diseases
  • Independently acquire knowledge and utilise it for applied or research purposes
  • Recognise signs and symptoms of infection and manage patients effectively
  • Process laboratory specimens competently and offer sound advice on diagnostic issues
  • Carry out audits and surveillance to monitor infection and antibiotic resistance in hospitals and community
  • Investigate and manage outbreaks of infection in hospitals and community

In addition, you will gain the following transferable skills:

  • Plan and organise workload and time
  • Use available resources (computer programmes, specialised services, etc) effectively
  • Undertake self-education and analytical self-assessment

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 19 November 2025. 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.