Triangle

Course overview

Are you ready to gain advanced knowledge of viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections and how they are diagnosed and treated?

You will be taught state of the art techniques by internationally recognised academics and receive guest lectures from industry leaders in the field of microbiology from the NHS and the UK Health Security Agency. Our graduates have gone on to career paths with well-known public and private sectors employers including the NHS, Severn Trent Water and NASA space agency, USA. In addition, we have a high success rate of students progressing on to PhD degrees.

With a strong focus on clinical methods of diagnosis, patient management, and molecular biological techniques, our innovative course accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) aims to provide you with both the theoretical and practical aspects of clinical microbiology to further your career in this innovative discipline. The taught part of the course is supported by a project preparation skills module, to consolidate your molecular and subject-specific microbiology laboratory skills in addition to training on statistical analysis and bioinformatics. You will then complete a substantial individual research project over the summer, utilising these essential employability skills.

 

Part Time study

Students who are unable to attend the university, such as those in employment, are advised to consider our course in Clinical Microbiology by distance learning, which mirrors much of the teaching on the campus-based course, but can be taken part time, fully online, over a period of three years. Both courses are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.

Meet the course leads for Immunology and Immunotherapeutics, Microbiology and Immunology, Bioinformatics and Clinical and Molecular Microbiology - and discover what the similarities and differences are between the courses.

 

Please email our Director of Postgraduate Studies, Dr Naomi Martin, to confirm options for other alternative exit awards such as Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), Professional Development etc.

Why choose this course?

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 2021 

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

MSc Research project

Develop practical laboratory experience, data analysis and science communication skills 

Expert teaching

Learn from internationally recognised academics

Employability

Graduates have gone on to career paths as trainee Biomedical Scientists or Clinical Scientists with well-known public and private sector employers such as Severn Trent Water and NHS Trust laboratories 

Course content

​​During the course, you’ll advance your knowledge and gain practical experience in modern clinical and molecular microbiology through four taught modules (80 credits in total) and a project preparation skills 40-credit module in the spring and a 60-credit research project module in the summer).

​In the autumn semester, you'll gain a strong understanding of 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.

​When you move on to the spring semester, you‘ll learn how to prevent and treat infections, and how public health systems intervene for infection control. You’ll also start to prepare for your research project with the project preparation skills module, gaining the practical and analytical skills you’ll need including a range of molecular and subject-specific microbiology laboratory skills, and statistical and bioinformatics training.

​In the summer, you’ll carry out a substantial individual research project, narrowing down your research area to a particular aspect in clinical and/or molecular microbiology. The individual research project combines laboratory training, data collection and analysis and oral presentation on top of a traditional dissertation project. This will help you develop necessary skills for your own research, both for this course and your future career journey.

Modules

Core modules

Human Infections 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.

Viral Pathogenesis and Infection 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.  

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. 

Healthcare Interventions for Infectious Disease 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. 

MSc Project Preparation Skills 40 credits

This module provides advanced training in contemporary research methods, including subject-specific skills. You will focus on key practical techniques and data analysis. You will develop your ability to interpret and critique experiment results, so you can apply these skills to your MSc Research Project and future scientific work.  

MSc Research Project 60 credits

This module offers an intensive research experience, enabling you to plan, execute and present a substantial project. You’ll gain practical experience in subject-specific laboratory techniques, data analysis, critical thinking and scientific communication. You’ll carry out your own research under academic supervision, write a dissertation and present your findings. It’s the culmination of your degree, equipping you with the skills to contribute to scientific innovation and preparing you for a wide range of employment opportunities 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 Thursday 05 February 2026.

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

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Problem-based learning
  • Workshops
  • eLearning
  • Seminars
  • Lab sessions
  • Independent study

​​You’ll learn through a variety of methods including lectures, practical classes, problem-based learning, statistical workshops, e-learning activities and background reading.

​For your individual research project, you'll learn how to collect and analyse data from existing research and work on a related reflective science paper review.

​There will be a range of optional 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

  • Dissertation
  • Presentations
  • Viva voce
  • Coursework
  • Practical assessment

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 and practical classes, including the directed study which is necessary in preparation for workshops/practical classes.

​The remaining time will be completed as independent study. Personal tutor meetings occur throughout the year and 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 2026 entry.

Undergraduate degree2:1 honours degree in from an approved institution in biological or natural sciences or equivalent degrees including genetics, microbiology, plant sciences, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, molecular biology, molecular medical sciences and similar.
Additional information

​Applicants with a lower second-class degree (2:2) (or international equivalent) may be considered on an individual basis. 

Applying

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

How to apply
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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 PGDip PGCert
Home / UK £10,900 £7,267 TBC
International £33,000 £22,000 TBC

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

Our alumni have varied prospects and inspirational careers – including working for NASA as a Planetary Protection Engineer

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

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This content was last updated on Thursday 05 February 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.