Never before has this area of study been so publicised. The importance of infection and its control, being so visible during the coronavirus pandemic, 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.
Our Infection and Immunity MSc programme will develop your 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.
You will be taught by internationally-renowned infection and health scientists and clinicians in practice, to provide in-depth scientific knowledge and you will receive training for research that can be applied to academic, commercial and healthcare settings.
In addition, you will learn digital, programming and informatic skills that are of increasing importance for research and many employers.
Please note that this programme is suitable for intercalating medical students.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH (LIFE702) | 30 |
| BIOLOGICAL DATA SKILLS (LIFE707) | 15 |
| INFORMATICS FOR LIFE SCIENCES (LIFE721) | 15 |
| CODING FOR LIFE SCIENCES (LIFE733) | 15 |
| EMERGING INFECTIONS AND PANDEMICS (LIFE751) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH (LIFE702) | 30 |
| IMMUNOLOGY (LIFE728) | 15 |
| DIAGNOSTICS, THERAPEUTICS AND VACCINES (LIFE732) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MSC RESEARCH PROJECT (LIFE703) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You will experience a range of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, group discussion and e-learning.
Programme modules encourage individual and group work where you will tackle problems by developing ideas and hypotheses, design learning strategies to solve problems, and then analyse and interpret your findings.
Course material is available 24-hours a day on Canvas, our online learning platform. One-to-one meetings with your research supervisor will allow you to discuss science, develop your critical thinking and creativity through an ongoing feedback model.
Your master research project provides a full academic research experience, including the planning, execution and communication of scientific research.
Assessment of knowledge and understanding, practical skills and transferrable skills is through a blended mix of coursework that may include practical and project reports, essays, completion of workbooks, talks, data handling sessions and posters.
All modules will provide you with feedback on your learning progress and allow for adjustment of your learning. Electronic resources available on the University virtual learning environment support learning and teaching.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Intercalation allows you take a break from your medical degree, usually after year 3 or 4, and study an additional qualification. Most intercalating students choose to study a master's degree. This gives you the opportunity to explore a subject of interest at an advanced level and acquire new skills and knowledge that will enhance and/or complement your medical degree.
This course is led by the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences. The Institute integrates cutting-edge research in infectious diseases, veterinary science, ecology and evolution to benefit people, animals and ecosystems, nationally and globally. Their work addresses major societal challenges, including emerging infectious diseases, food security, antimicrobial resistance and the impacts of environmental change. Research-led teaching provides exciting opportunities for students, who will form the next generation of researchers and medical and veterinary clinical practitioners.
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Commercial sectors such as the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and agriculture industries are employers of our graduates, especially with the increase of next-generation sequencing and the corresponding data analysis that is required. Graduates have also developed careers in conservation or qualified to immediately go into industries.
Past graduates of the School of Biosciences have continued their academic careers as research assistants or pursued further study leading to a PhD.
There is also a current demand for science teachers and following the completion of a PGCE, this master’s is suitable for those interested in a career in teaching. In fact, many of our graduates pursue careers in a wide range of fields, including management, where the skills obtained through this degree are of considerable benefit.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £13,300
Full-time place, per year - £28,300
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in a Biological Sciences subject or equivalent. Candidates must have a scientific background acceptable to the Programme Director. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MSc, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 overall, with no component below 105 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 11 November 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions