University of Birmingham - College of Life and Environmental Sciences
MSc in Microbiology and Infection
Birmingham, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
GBP 31,390 **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for international students | application deadline for home students: 29 august 2025
** international full time |international part time: £15,695 | home full time: £11,740 | home part time: £5,870
Key Summary
Discover why we are the UK university most targeted by top graduate employers ('Graduate Market in 2024' High Fliers report) at our on-campus Postgraduate Open Day.
Join the largest grouping of microbiologists in the UK as you gain theoretical and hands-on laboratory experience in cutting-edge microbiology.
Dive into a field at the forefront of understanding life at a microscopic level. With invaluable expertise, theoretical knowledge and practical lab skills, you'll be well-equipped to tackle challenges in healthcare, industry and research.
Course highlights
Tackling the global challenge of infectious diseases with a degree in MSc Microbiology and Infection.
Set within the context of the Institute of Microbiology and Infection, learn from expert researchers who work at the cutting-edge of microbiology research. Bringing together experts in the field, you will become part of the UK’s largest grouping of microbiologists. Develop specialist knowledge in key aspects of bacterial infection and experience working with a range of microorganisms with hands-on laboratory experience.
- Expert Supervision: Get guidance from leading academics throughout your journey, mastering essential techniques and training.
- Personalised Mentorship: Benefit from dedicated academic support for your well-being and academic success.
- Cutting-Edge Facilities: Enjoy access to state-of-the-art resources and labs.
Join the UKs largest Microbiology Institute: Become part of the Institute of Microbiology and Infection at Birmingham, the UK’s largest microbiology community. - Deepen Your Knowledge: Explore fundamental molecular microbiology and tackle the growing challenges of bacterial infectious diseases in healthcare.
- Hands-On Experience: Gain specialist knowledge and practical lab experience in cutting-edge microbiology, paving the way for a career in biomedical science or further postgraduate studies.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
125th Anniversary Scholarships for International Students
We have a proud heritage of removing barriers to education. In 2025, we celebrate our 125th anniversary as a University. To mark this milestone, we’re offering £5,000 scholarships to students from a select number of countries.
Scholarships for international students
At Birmingham, we believe in removing all barriers to education, so all of our talented students can achieve their full potential. As an international student, you can take advantage of our wide range of University-run scholarships as well as the many scholarships and bursaries from external funding organizations.
The course comprises a series of core modules and a research project. Each of the 6 taught modules is worth 20 credits, with the total taught component being 120 credits. The research project is worth 60 credits, bringing the total credits for the course to 180.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
Full time
The following must be taken:
- Medical Microbiology (Practice and Applications)
- Biosciences Postgraduate Master's Skills Programme
- Core Concepts and Skills in Microbiology
- Host-Pathogen Interactions
- Microbial Physiology and Virulence
- Omics of Microbes
- Antimicrobials and Resistance
- Research Project (M&I)
Part-time
Year 1
The following must be taken:
- Medical Microbiology (Practice and Applications)
- Core Concepts and Skills in Microbiology
- Biosciences Postgraduate Master's Skills Programme
- Microbial Physiology and Virulence
Year 2
- Host-Pathogen Interactions
- Antimicrobials and Resistance
- Omics of Microbes
- Research Project (M&I)
- Top 100 in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine - QS World Rankings 2025
- 16th in the UK for Biosciences - QS World University Rankings 2025
Gain a solid foundation in microbiology, with job opportunities in the public and private sectors and research settings. With strong theoretical background, hands-on lab experience, and specialized knowledge in bacterial infection, you'll be prepared for careers in healthcare, research alongside hospital and public health labs, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. It also sets you up for academic research or a PhD journey.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
The taught modules will be delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops and laboratory teaching. The Institute of Microbiology and Infection infrastructure provides high-level capabilities for laboratory teaching at the module level, while leading research groups offer opportunities for innovative and challenging research project opportunities.
- Taught modules – A combination of lectures, workshops and laboratory teaching.
- Assessments – These will include essays, assessed laboratory notebooks, reports, and group work.
- Research project – Leading research groups offer opportunities for innovative and challenging research project opportunities.