School of Life Sciences launches new Masters programme in Infection and Immunity

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Infection cells

The School of Life Sciences has developed an MSc programme in Infection and Immunity for the coming academic year.

Never before has this area of study been so publicised, with the importance of infection and its control so visible during the coronavirus pandemic. This has highlighted the need for scientists who can contribute to infectious disease research from an understanding of epidemiology, to public health measures and how the immune system responds to viruses and vaccines.

Led by researchers from the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, the new MSc Infection and Immunity programme will develop students’ understanding and skills within infectious disease, immunology, therapeutics and vaccines that connects with world class infection-related research, and interfaces with clinical and global health issues.

Students will be taught by internationally-renowned infection and health scientists and clinicians in practice, to provide in-depth scientific knowledge and will receive training for research that can be applied to academic, commercial and healthcare settings. In addition, they will learn digital, programming and informatic skills that are of increasing importance for research and many employers.

Programme Director Dr Mal Horsburgh commented: “The past year has reinforced the importance of versatile microbiologists with a range of infection and bioinformatic-related skills and the MSc is designed to train the next generation of scientists in these areas.” 

Professor Matthew Baylis, Executive Dean of the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences said: “I am delighted to see the launch of this new MSc, at a time when knowledge and understanding of infectious diseases has never been more important. This is an exciting opportunity to learn from leading academics on the front line of research on Ebola, Zika, COVID-19 and more.”

Applications are now open for the inaugural autumn 2021 intake. Further information regarding the programme content, fees and entry requirements can be found on the MSc Infection and Immunity study page.