Biomedical Science: Medical Microbiology MSc
Subject and course type
- Biomedical Science, Cancer Biology and Microbiology
- Postgraduate
Whether you want to pursue a biomedical or research career, this Biomedical Science: Medical Microbiology MSc course will equip you with the in-depth knowledge and skills you need to succeed. In particular, you'll gain in-depth understanding of both the global and public health implications of microbial disease.
You are reading:
Gain an understanding of the pathology, diagnosis and control of infectious diseases
Learn from practising biomedical scientists and visit specialist laboratories to enhance your knowledge of the working environment.
This course is delivered by the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry. From biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry and forensic science to pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences, the school offers a diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
We've invested heavily in the development of new facilities, including laboratories for teaching and research to provide you with access to ultra-modern equipment. As part of this course, postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
The University has extensive links with leading healthcare and research laboratories, such as GlaxoSmithKline, the Institute of Cancer Research and local hospitals. Our links with industry provide a practical base for our courses. They also help us to ensure your studies are kept up to date and relevant to the workplace.
Doing my Biomedical Science masters at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ was a steep learning curve. Not only did the course change my outlook on the subject matter, but it also changed my perspective on life as a whole and has taught me some core values through academia that I have carried on into life.
Why choose this course
Our Biomedical Science: Medical Microbiology MSc course will help you to develop a comprehensive understanding of the organisms at play in existing and emerging pathogens. You will also explore diagnostic techniques.
The taught modules will introduce you to the fundamentals of microbial pathogenesis. There will also be a large focus on host-pathogen interactions, as well as the control and treatment of microbial infections. You will explore emerging infectious diseases and global health concerns, alongside strategies for disease control and prevention.
During your time at Kingston, the course will offer guidance and preparation for your future IBMS registration. In addition, an extended laboratory research project will enable you to pursue an area of interest in depth, which can be an excellent selling point when looking for a job.
Practising expert biomedical scientists are an integral part of the teaching team and ensure that the programme content reflects current practice. Academic staff in the Faculty are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies. They also provide the opportunity for involvement in internationally-recognised research.
This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Graduates can apply to the IBMS for consideration for admission as Members of the Institute.
Course content
This programme is comprised of four taught modules, plus an extended research project where you have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and develop competencies in advanced laboratory techniques.
Core modules will familiarise you with the theoretical and practical aspects of molecular medicine used in research and hospital laboratories, the molecular basis of immunological mechanisms, cellular mechanisms of disease, physiological manifestations and implications to public health. You will learn about the principles and practice of laboratory management in biomedical science, and you will acquire the skills required for researching and communicating in biomedical science. You will also study modules in your specialist route. In addition to subject-specific knowledge, the course aims to develop your communication and other skills.
To provide our students with the best learning experience, allowing them to get the most out of their study time, the taught elements of our MSc course are typically delivered across two working days during the week.
In addition to the standard 12-month programme, we also offer the course as a two-year postgraduate programme with an optional integrated work placement component. This option is available for both international and full-time home/EU students of this course.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement.
Modules
Modules
30 credits
This module provides you with an introduction to the concepts of immunity and pathobiology. You will become familiar with the different cells and organs of the immune system and how these function and interact to protect the body from infection. You will be introduced to the cellular mechanisms and genetic causes of disease considering both the physiological manifestations and the public health implications. The module also introduces some of the molecular processes and signalling events that are important in communication between cells of the immune system. It goes on to consider the role of cellular pathology in the context of other pathology disciplines such as clinical chemistry. Practical classes will give you the opportunity to apply your basic knowledge of immunology to interpret the significance of laboratory data and the role of the immune system in disease.
30 credits
This module addresses the key features of commensal and pathogenic micro-organisms and their interaction with host cells. It will introduce the theory and practice of modern diagnostic methods used in clinical microbiology as well as the current strategies used to combat infectious diseases. The normal microbial flora of healthy individuals and its contribution to health and disease are considered together with the study of pathogenic micro-organisms. The module introduces you to the factors that determine microbial pathogenicity and will link these factors to a disease. The module will also demonstrate how research in this area can help in the design of strategies to combat microbial infections. The module also critically evaluates the use of disinfection and sterilisation methods, as well as vaccines and antimicrobials in public health. Complex issues such as resistance to antimicrobial agents are also examined together with microbiological standards for food, potable water and sewage.
30 credits
Within this module, the structural properties of microorganisms are introduced and discussed in the context of their use in taxonomic grouping and in aiding identification of microbial agents. You will explore the general principles of both traditional and molecular methods of laboratory investigation of infectious disease. You will develop your knowledge with the in-depth consideration of a number of specific infectious diseases of contemporary importance, with key material being delivered by external specialist practitioners. The material delivered in the module is directly related to the requirements of the biomedical science workplace. The taxonomic aspects covered relate directly to current practices in the grouping of organisms, and cover both traditional and modern molecular techniques. Similarly, in the diagnostics component of the module both traditional and developing diagnostic techniques are covered, often by outside speakers from industry. This not only provides a context for the current application of these techniques, but also scope to demonstrate the requirement for continuous improvements in diagnostics. The module also re-enforces how an understanding of these techniques and developments enhance employability.
30 credits
The module enables you to develop and extend skills required to research and communicate in biosciences, and the principles and practice of laboratory techniques, research planning, management, data handling and presentation. The material is contextualised by lectures, practicals, workshops and directed reading around the planning and execution of experiments and interpretation of the data in a clinical setting or in clinically-based studies.
60 credits
This Research project module is the final stage in the MSc qualification and represents 60 Level 7 credits. It is designed as a 'capstone' module, and gives you the opportunity to use and synthesise the knowledge and skills you have acquired from the other taught modules in applied 'real-world learning'. It involves presenting work in formats appropriate to wider professional audiences, practising new and/or improved laboratory skills, and most importantly demonstration of the ability to independently solve complex problems.
Optional placement year
Professional placement
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for the major project or future career.
It is the responsibility of individual students to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity. This should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the Course Leader, prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. Students seeking placements will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Career opportunities
Work placement scheme
This course, like many postgraduate courses at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, enables students to integrate a 12-month work placement into their course. You are responsible for finding and securing your own professional placement, which can be highly competitive but also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a Student Route visa.
We work with a variety of employers such as hospitals, community health care, NHS foundation trusts, academic publishers, and pharmaceutical companies. Many of which also offer professional experience opportunities for the students on this course.
Careers and recruitment advice
The University has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills. For example, CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques.
Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements. The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.
Having been able to tap into different aspects of Biomedical Science, I'm leaving ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ with a greater interest to learn more and transfer my new knowledge and skills to different fields and professions. The course has broadened my horizons to career pathways I'd previously not considered, from specialised hospital settings to research, development and scientific marketing.
Teaching and assessment
A wide range of assessments are provided in the programmes. Assessments can be either formative or summative, the formative assessments being designed to provide students with the opportunity to practice assignments and receive feedback as a form of ‘feed-forward' for the summative assessments.
Assessments are designed to assess advanced skills and evaluation of information. In addition to formal examinations, coursework assessment formats are varied in nature and include written reports and essays, poster and oral presentations, a research proposal and in-class tests. They are often authentic in nature, designed around problem-solving exercises and case studies to develop students' research abilities and critical thinking. The research project, which comprises one third of the programme, is designed as a ‘capstone' project and aims to give students the opportunity to use and synthesise the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their degree.
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
As a student at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- 31% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Type of assessment
- Year 1: Coursework 45%; exams 19%; practical 11%
Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation).
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
You will be part of an intimate cohort of 20-40 students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes; you may therefore be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £11,400 |
| Part Time | £6,270 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £19,300 |
| Part Time | £10,615 |
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £10,900 |
| Part Time | £5,995 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £18,500 |
| Part Time | £10,175 |
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree on the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying Biomedical Science: Medical Microbiology MSc at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support:
The Gangolli Scholarship is a fully-funded (100% of fees) scholarship for ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ graduates progressing to a taught MSc course in the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Gangolli Scholarship page.
The Inspire the Future Scholarship offers a 40% reduction in fees for taught masters or postgraduate diploma courses with September start dates. 20 scholarships are available for progressing ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ graduates.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Inspire the Future Scholarship page.
International postgraduate students could receive up to £5,000 towards tuition in their first year of study.
For more information on how to apply for these scholarships, visit the International Scholarship page.
If you are a ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ 2024/25 undergraduate progressing to a 2025/26 postgraduate degree (taught or research), you could get a 15% reduction in tuition fees.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Postgraduate Progression Scholarship page.
ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ offers a 10% discount on full and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees to our alumni.
For more information on how to apply for this discount, visit our alumni discount page.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
Specific courses may require uniforms, specialty clothing, or specific equipment like lab coats and safety shoes.
Apply for this course
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
If the postgraduate admissions tutor requires further information or wishes to invite you to further assessment by interview they will contact you directly. You will then hear whether your application has been successful.
If you do not clearly meet the standard entry requirements and the admission tutor wishes to see a portfolio from you, you will be sent an email asking you to upload your portfolio to your ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ OSIS account. Further details on how to do this will be provided at the time.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
What our students and graduates say
As a group, the lecturers at Kingston challenged us and encouraged us to challenge them in return. This and the diversity within the class created a proactive, dynamic atmosphere where information and ideas flowed freely and productively. We were inspired and motivated by lecturers that made studying a pleasure.
The Biomedical Science MSc programme at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ is designed to challenge the student, not only academically but also on a personal leve. The practical sessions, assessments and research project encouraged me to think critically, creatively and more broadly about the material, while I was also required me to reflect on my own approach, abilities and experience. This allowed me to gain valuable insight on how I could improve upon and apply my skillset.
I used the opportunity to fully explore and understand the vastness of the field of science and what it has to offer a person like me. The academics at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ were nothing short of approachable, kind and helpful, and have significantly contributed towards my success in my masters degree. The lessons I picked up will stay with me for life and I am beyond grateful for the experience.
