Study MSc Medical Microbiology with Advanced Research

Course Highlights

The MSc Medical Microbiology will equip you with the skills and in-depth knowledge required to have an impactful career in a range of sectors such. The course will help you develop extensive theoretical and practical laboratory skills in by building on the research expertise of the teaching team. Techniques and theoretical skills include: antimicrobial susceptibility testing, antibiotic resistance-gene analysis, microbial identification (16SrRNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry), parasite identification, next generation sequencing analysis, bacteriophage isolation and purification, antibiotic discovery and characterisation, and mammalian cell culture.

You'll be taught by expert speakers from the biopharmaceutical industry, academic experts from other universities and the University of Hertfordshire staff. With our modern facilities, emphasis on laboratory work, and teaching underpinned by the latest research, you'll be qualified to launch a career in research and development for biopharmaceutical companies. You could also work in a wide range of non-laboratory job roles across a range of sectors, including academia and microbiology.

Course Modules

Learning Structure

The course includes a series of taught modules covering topics such as cell biology and immunology, genetics and protein biology, antimicrobial resistance, diagnostic techniques, emerging viruses and fungi, research design and analysis, microbiome studies, biotechnology. There's also a specialist research project where you can focus on a research topic that interests you. You’ll benefit from our problem-based teaching approach and develop advanced critical analysis and group working skills.

You'll undertake a practical project as part of your MSc enabling you to use our expert facilities. You'll work alongside researchers in our Biosciences Research Group and gain vital experience. Current research projects include studies in the following broad areas:

• Novel antimicrobial agent development
• Bacterial pathogen physiology and virulence, e.g. Clostridioides difficile, Mycobacterium spp., Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus
• Antimicrobial resistance studies
• Extracellular vesicles and links to infection processes
• Bacteriophage biology and resistance gene transfer
• MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for microbial identification and characterisation

Entry Requirements

• A 4-year Honours degree (or equivalent) with CGPA 3.00 or 60% of marks (or above) from recognised institution in a Biomedical and related sciences having completed a research project and practical experience in a range of laboratory techniques relevant to the course such as bacterial culturing, DNA extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis.
• Or, a professional qualification accepted as equivalent to the above.
• Or, a qualification in veterinary science, medicine or dentistry.

English Language Requirements

IELTS Academic

Overall 6.5

With minimum 6.0 in each components

TOEFL iBT

Overall 79

Minimum in Listening: 17, Reading: 18, Speaking: 20, Writing: 17

PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic

Overall 59

With minimum 55 in each components

LanguageCert Academic

Overall 70

With minimum 60 in each bands

OIETC (Oxford International English Test Centre)

Overall C1

With minimum B2 in each bands

Duolingo

Overall 120

With minimum 88 in each bands

Study Gaps

For applicants with an academic or professional gap of up to 5 years, admission is generally considered acceptable. If the gap exceeds this period, applications may still be successful but will typically be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

To strengthen your profile, it is important to:

• Provide a clear explanation of how you spent the gap period (e.g., employment, further learning, personal responsibilities).
• Emphasize the skills and experiences you developed during this time that are relevant to the program.
• Demonstrate that your academic qualifications continue to meet the course entry requirements.