Triangle

Course overview

This course is unique in the UK as it is the only one to offer immunology training that covers allergies extensively.

The programme continues to grow in stature and reputation, as it is repeatedly recognised for its excellence, relevance, and innovation within the study of immunology. As a postgraduate in the School of Life Sciences, you will work in an environment with a sound teaching and research base that is committed to providing cutting-edge training in this field.

You will learn about the contribution of immunological mechanisms to a wide range of disease processes, as a basis for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In addition, you will develop the skills to critically evaluate published scientific papers and how to report and interpret results.

This course is particularly suitable for graduates in life sciences, biomedical sciences, and allied subjects. It is also suitable for people who are already employed in related fields who wish to gain valuable research experience, as well as update their knowledge in immunology and novel immunotherapeutic technologies.

Why choose this course?

A Unique Course

A unique course within the UK that offers immunology training that encompasses allergy.

World-Leading research

100% of UoA24 (Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism) and 84% of the UoA5 (Biological Sciences) research submitted was judged to be "world-leading" (4*), or "Internationally Excellent" (3*).

Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

Gold-standard teaching

Our teaching is recognised as the highest standard

Teaching Excellence Framework

Course content

You will undertake 120 credits of taught modules and a 60 credit research project.

The research project lasts about four months and is your chance to study an aspect of immunology and allergy in greater depth. Many students work on exciting novel research projects, such as Coronavirus (CoVid-19), innate immunity, and autoimmunity alongside our research groups.

Modules

Core modules (15 credits)

Immunity and the Immune System

To define the basic mechanisms and concepts underpinning the science of Immunology and Allergy.

Core Research Methods: Transferable Skills

You will gain an understanding of how to plan, prepare and execute research in the field of molecular biology, microbiology immunology and genetics. As well as learning how to manage the various stages of research projects, you will gain experience presenting research data and preparing publications. This module will also enhance your ability to critically assess published literature and analyse data.

Common Research Methods: Molecular Techniques 10 credits

During these practical laboratory sessions, you will gain experience of standard techniques related to laboratory research in the fields of immunology, microbiology and molecular genetics. From this, you will appreciate the workflow of gene cloning, followed by sequence analysis of genes and their variability, as well as cloning and expression of recombinant proteins.

Molecular Aspects of Allergy 20 credits

The aim of this module is to enable you to describe the human immunoglobulin E (IgE) network and the mechanisms of allergic tissue damage. It also explores how to establish strategies for immunological intervention.

Mechanisms of Autoimmunity

This module demonstrates how the application of modern molecular techniques is leading to an enhanced understanding of autoimmunity and the development of intervention strategies.

Innate Immune Recognition 20 credits

This module focuses on the basic mechanisms and concepts underpinning: immune activation within the context of infection with extracellular and intracellular pathogens; tumour recognition; immunoevasion and immunopathology. You will also gain insight in to how this understanding could be used for developing new vaccination or therapeutic strategies.

Therapeutic Immunology 20 credits

The analysis of current and potential therapeutic strategies of immunological-based clinical conditions is covered on this module. You will also assess the use of cytokines, engineered antibodies, in utero stem cell transplantation and peptide vaccines for treating immunological diseases.

Bioinformatics

This introductory module will enable you to obtain practical experience in using bioinformatics software available for the analysis of genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic data.

The module is taught using a combination of lectures and practical sessions. You are required to produce a poster for assessment which includes information gathered from online databases about a particular gene or disease.

Research project (60 credits)

Research Project 60 credits

On this 60 credit module you will design and execute a research programme – performing experiments, surveys, analysing data and undertaking other research activities aimed at solving a specific biomedical problem in the subject area you are studying. You will discuss the research project with your academic supervisor before the project begins.

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

The topic and form of project may vary from laboratory-based work, bioinformatics or extended literature reviews, depending on the expertise of our academic staff and which course you are enrolled on.

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 Thursday 27 October 2022.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Problem-based learning
  • Practical classes
  • Tutorials

Each student is allocated a personal tutor at the beginning of the course, and regular meetings are scheduled throughout the year. 

Course material is delivered in a variety of ways.

How you will be assessed

  • Examinations
  • Written exam
  • Presentation
  • Poster presentation
  • Essay
  • Dissertation

Assessment methods vary depending on the topic being studied.

Contact time and study hours

As a guide, one credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. For the taught-stage of the course, you will spend approximately a third of your time (around 400 hours) in lectures, tutorials, workshops, practical classes, including the directed study which is necessary in preparation for workshops/practical classes. The remaining time will be completed as independent study. Tutorial sessions are built into the timetable and there are several group and individual meetings timetabled throughout the year. Additional meetings can be requested as needed.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2023 entry.

Undergraduate degree2.2 honours degree in any relevant subject

Applying

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

How to apply
Industry standard research facilities in Life Sciences

Where you will learn

Industry standard research facilities in Life Sciences

The school has excellent research facilities to support your practical training in:

  • qPCR and imaging
  • FACS
  • biochemistry and genomics
  • tissue culture
  • microbiology and molecular genetics techniques
  • biofilm interface with biotic and abiotic surfaces
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Where you will learn

University Park Campus

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.

You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Medical School – Queen's Medical Centre

Where you will learn

Medical School – Queen's Medical Centre

Our Medical School is based in Queen’s Medical Centre, one of the UK’s largest hospitals.

There are dedicated clinical skills facilities including a dissection suite and teaching laboratories for medicine and healthcare students.

The hospital is located opposite University Park Campus and connected by a footbridge for easy access. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Fees

Qualification MSc
Home / UK £9,225
International £27,200

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 libraries 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

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

  • PhD Immunology
  • Research Assistant in Immunology
  • Senior House Officer (SHO) in Medical Microbiology
  • Research Technicians - Oncology
  • Senior Registrar 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)
  • Graduate Entry Medicine
  • Research Technician - University of Nottingham
  • PhD University of Nottingham

Career progression

81.5% of postgraduates from the School of Life Sciences secured work or further study within six months of graduation. £25,679 was the average starting salary*

HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time, postgraduate, home graduates within the UK.

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates

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This content was last updated on Thursday 27 October 2022. 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.