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Unlock the wonders of medical science. Further your knowledge and techniques in medical microbiology to tackle global health challenges and drive advancements in disease management.
We’ve designed our MSc Medical Microbiology to enable you to develop an advanced theoretical understanding, together with the practical techniques you’ll need to apply those theories in a research or clinical context.
On this masters degree, you’ll gain a well-rounded understanding of analytical approaches and human disorders. To further your knowledge, you’ll develop an in-depth study of human infectious diseases, cultivating the skills that are required to understand, control and manage those diseases.
You’ll also complete an independent research project, building professional-level research skills. This is your opportunity to explore the issues that fascinate you most by accessing our extensive research knowledge base to conduct proj...
1 year full-time
Dr Michael Carroll“Studying for a postgraduate degree is much more than just about the science: it’s also about gaining valuable life skills. Dealing with failed experiments, being enthused by exciting results and realising that hard work does pay off.”
Reader in Reproductive Science
Our MSc Medical Microbiology is made up of six core modules which you will study over one year full-time. This includes modules that let you explore various aspects of microbiology, infectious diseases and biomedical science, together with two modules based around your research project.
During the masters, you’ll explore taking a systematic approach to disorders and the principles and applications of essential analytical techniques in modern biomedical science. This includes electrophoresis, mass spectrometry and recombinant DNA technology.
You’ll study in-depth the management and control of infectious disease, gaining the confidence and ability to evaluate strategies for characterising disease. This will involve critically assessing the relevance of new methods to current biomedical practice, ensuring you take a forward-thinking approach to your professional practice. You'll also look at diagnostics and the ability to take a critical approach in the selection of appropriate methods used in medical microbiology diagnostics.
We've designed our Research Methods and Ethics in Biomedical Science module to help you develop advanced skills in research methods. You’ll explore the evidenced-based and ethical frameworks you’ll need to complete your own in-depth, independent research project.
Above all, your research project is your chance to tackle the issues that fascinate you most. With a deep dive into a topic of your choice, your project will help you understand both the process and the communication of scientific enquiry. You’ll be guided through your proposal and review process to equip you with the skills you need to complete an independent piece of research.
As part of our Department of Life Sciences, you’ll have the support of an expert team and access to excellent laboratory facilities spanning microbiology, exercise performance and human physiology, cell and molecular biology, genomics, blood biochemistry, cell culture and biomechanics.
We represent one of the highest concentrations of health research excellence, ranking 15th in the UK for the power of our health and biomedical research (REF 2021).
Our research is targeted at alleviating the threats of infectious disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke and age-related decline to human health and wellbeing. We recognise that a fundamental understanding of how biology and biological interactions contribute to these disease conditions will inform clinical application and policy change to benefit human health and wellbeing.
Our research stretches from prokaryote microbiology, through eukaryote cell, tissue and organ biology to clinical science and human population studies. Our microbiology research group focuses on minimising the negative impact of living with pathogenic bacteria in modern society. We conduct basic and translational research to understand biological systems in disease, sensing and detecting by-products of disease and contemporary challenges, including ageing and development of new technologies for personalised medicine.
Our scientists are pioneering new ideas with real-world, global applications. You’ll be joining a collaborative community dedicated to improving health and wellbeing, making a positive difference in people's lives.
Whether you've already made your decision about what you want to study, or you're just considering whether postgraduate study is right for you, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about postgraduate student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
You’ll need a UK honours degree – normally a 2:2 – or the international equivalent, in biological or biomedical science, including the study of Medical Microbiology. We might also consider your application if you a have an equivalent professional qualification or substantial relevant professional experience, or if you have an HNC Medical Laboratory Science plus at least 10 years’ experience. If you are a fellow of The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), you’ll be eligible for exemption from some of the units on the course.
International students please see mmu.ac.uk/international
Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.
Full-time fee: £12,000 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Full-time fee: £22,000 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
A masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits, and an MFA 300 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Lab coats and safety glasses are provided free of charge and are expected to last for the duration of the course. Students will have to purchase replacements for lost or damaged items.
Optional estimate: 10-100
You may wish to join the Institute of Biomedical Science. The level at which you join will depend upon your individual circumstances/ background. The annual cost can vary from £10 to £100.
Optional estimate: £400
Students often choose to buy a laptop for their course (costing approximately £300 to £400) and a printer (costing £50 to £100 including print consumables) but there are numerous drop-in computer facilities and printers across campus, and a laptop loan service available. On campus printing costs start from 5p per page.
This course offers an avenue into a range of specialist fields like hospital science, biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. The subjects you’ll cover will not only help you prepare for the Institute of Biomedical Science higher specialist examination and the advanced practice that follows, but it can also lay the groundwork for careers in research or teaching, or to pursue studies towards a PhD.
Our work with the NHS and clinicians helps shape our curriculum, transfers our expertise and ensures our graduates are ready for the workplace – and sought after by employers. Some of our MSc Medical Microbiology graduates have gone into roles such as:
You’ll have careers support from the moment you join us and for up to three years after you’ve finished your course. We offer a range of services, both within the Department of Life Sciences and through the University’s Careers Service, including dedicated careers and employability advisers you can turn to for guidance and support.
The Department of Life Sciences was the first in the UK to design and receive accreditation for the new Practitioner Training Programme Healthcare Science degrees commissioned by Higher Education England's Modernising Scientific Careers. The course combines academic study and work-based training and is a professional qualification required to practice as a healthcare science practitioner in a number of areas.
We’ve built strong links across the NHS in the region, working with clinicians to keep our courses relevant and ensure that our graduates are ready for the workplace. So, when you leave us, you should have the skills and understanding that employers want – whether you’re looking to join the NHS or work in the local bioscience industry, or you want to pursue a future in research, education or management.
Study in the Dalton building
We've invested £115m into cutting-edge facilities and advanced technology to enhance your learning. With newly refurbished computing labs and interactive study spaces, this redevelopment has been built to prepare students for the modern workplace.
Please contact our course enquiries team.
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current terms and conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current student protection plan.