Entry requirementsEntry requirements If you are a medical practitioner, scientist or nurse currently working in the field of infectious disease the part-time programme is most likely to be the best way to study the MSc. Part-time applicants must hold an appointment or attachment in a microbiology department of a hospital, HPA or other appropriate institution for the duration of the programme. If you are an overseas student or a recent graduate in biomedical science you are more likely to want to follow the full-time programme. Graduates in other related disciplines are considered for either programme provided they have suitable experience in microbiology. Evidence of English proficiency is required of students for whom English is not their first language. A minimum overall score of 7.0 IELTS (or equivalent) is required.
Academic titleMSc/PG Dip Clinical Microbiology
Course descriptionOne year full-time, two years part-time
The postgraduate clinical microbiology programmes develop your skills and understanding in clinical microbiology, and provide a thorough knowledge of associated subjects (eg molecular biology).
The formal teaching includes lectures, practicals and workshops. The lecturers are specialists in their fields and are invited from many institutions in the UK. The practicals are extensive and give you the maximum hands-on experience in all aspects of clinical microbiology. The practicals are taught in a large purpose-built teaching laboratory.
Many students use the MSc as preparation for the MRCPath examinations and the MSc is accredited by the Association of Clinical Microbiologists as part of the training for clinical scientists.
Programme outline
Your studies are broad-based, with extensive coverage of the following topics:
* Bacteriology
* Virology
* Mycology
* Parasitology
* Bacterial pathogenicity
* Immunology
* Molecular biology
* Microbial disease – diagnosis, treatment and prevention
* Antimicrobials and chemotherapy
* Epidemiology and public health
* Hospital infection.
Assessment
There are a series of in-course assessments the programme. These assessments include practical and written examinations, posters, oral presentations, case reports, essays and comprehension of scientific papers. Each assessment is designed as a learning experience as well as a test of knowledge. There are four or five incourse assessments each year and they form approximately 25 per cent of the end of year marks.
The final examinations at the end of year one include a practical exam and a written paper. The final examinations at the end of year two include two written papers, a research project or dissertation and a viva.