Biomedical Science – Infection and Immunity

Entry criteria

To be considered for this course, you will need to:

• meet the entry criteria
• write a personal statement
• provide two suitable references

Undergraduate degree or equivalent

You should have or be expected to achieve, a minimum of a second class degree (2:2). For healthcare graduates, a pass is required. All degrees must be awarded before 1 August on the year of entry.

We welcome applications from individuals from a range of backgrounds, including humanities, science and healthcare.

We may invite you to interview if are unable to make a decision directly from your application. If you are invited for an interview you will be asked to write a short paper (no more than half a page) on a subject associated with biomedical research.

Alternative professional qualifications, or previous related experience, may be considered and we encourage you to apply.

Intercalating students

Applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree but are current medical students who have successfully completed 360 credits (or equivalent) including at least 120 credits at Level 6 (or equivalent) of their medical degree are also eligible to apply.

International qualifications

We accept equivalent qualifications gained in other countries and use UKNARIC to assess. Please see our International Student Support pages for more information.

If you have any questions, you can contact us at pgenquiries@sgul.ac.uk

English Language

This is a Group 2 course.

Full details can be found on our English Language requirements webpages.

Personal statement and references

You will be asked to outline your reasons for applying for the course in a brief personal statement on the application form. You will also need to provide two satisfactory references.

Go to the Apply tab for more information.

Course structure

There are three core modules:

• Research Methods (15 credits)
• Statistics (15 credits)
• Research Project Planning and Management (15 credits)

These are common to all pathways, and most of teaching will take place in the autumn term.

The specialist modules (30 credits) are specific to each of the five pathways and will run from September till February. The journal clubs (critical appraisal of papers) led by students themselves with guidance from the tutors will run from October until March. The Research Project module will start in October and runs until July/August. Students will present a poster in July and submit a final dissertation in August.

The core modules provide advanced training in the practice of biomedical research across a broad range of laboratory and computer-based biomedical science, while the specialist module prepares you to conduct high-calibre in-depth research in your chosen research field.

Unlike many other courses, our Research Project offers a chance to spend up to 9 months working as part of an active research team. This may provide an opportunity to work with clinical samples or staff on our hospital sites. For example, one past research project tested a novel vaccine candidate against tuberculosis, a global health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Another project examined a specific house dust mite allergen which has been linked to triggering asthma, while yet another project focused on the development of antibody immunotherapy against chikungunya virus.

Course start date

The course will start with enrolment and induction activities on 9 - 10 September 2024. Topics covered will include the virtual learning platform, library and careers service as well as course specific sessions. There will also be keynote speakers and a social event where students from a variety of postgraduate taught courses can get to know each other.

Modules

Teaching

Our teaching team share their expertise in lectures and seminars, practical sessions and small group sessions. Spending time completing wider reading and in-depth study of your area of interest will also be key.

You’ll choose your research project and start with laboratory work in mid-October, completing your research by the following August.

Assessment

We’ve designed assessments that prepare you for your research project. You’ll learn to critically review published work, create appropriate experimental designs and analyse data. At the same time, you’ll develop your scientific writing and presentation skills.

All our modules are assessed through written assignments or an oral presentation – except our statistics module which is assessed via examination. Once you’ve finished your research project, you'll also present a poster on your research.

Expertise

We have a global reputation as experts in population health, infection and immunity, and molecular and clinical sciences. St George’s is also a highly active clinical trial site, offering opportunities to become involved in a wide range of ongoing studies.

• Clinical Academic Groups – we have four Clinical Academic Groups in cardiovascular diseases, genomics, infectious diseases and neuroscience. These groups bring together researchers from the University and clinicians from St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
  
  
• Our Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit is helping develop rapid diagnostics for sexually transmitted infections which are a worldwide public health concern.
  
  
• The Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection is an internationally recognised centre carrying out paediatric infection disease research. Experts are working on global projects to tackle the threat of AMR and develop new vaccines.

Read more about our research.

Careers

Biomedical scientists work at the cutting edge of research and medicine, helping to solve some of the most threatening diseases and conditions facing mankind. Specialising in infection and immunity, you’ll carry out research that advances vaccine development, antibiotic treatment and immunotherapy.

By the end of the course, you’ll be confident planning and managing a research project. This includes knowing how to write a research proposal​, evaluate published research​ and identify good quality research. You’ll also have advanced skills in data handling, scientific communication and using technology to support research projects.

Some of our graduates work in research-active healthcare roles, while others engage with clinical research as trial managers or laboratory scientists. You might find opportunities in:

• Academic biomedical research institutes and universities​
• Clinical medicine and hospitals​
• Pharmaceutical industry​
• Science communications and journalism​
• Teaching

With your extensive research experience, you’ll also stand out as a candidate when applying to continue to PhD study.

Facilities

Everything you need for success in the health and life sciences profession is here – from opportunities to learn from professionals working on the clinical frontline to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and bio-imaging technology.

We’re the UK’s only university dedicated to medical and health sciences education, training and research. We share our site with a major London teaching hospital. This means you’ll become part of a unique clinical and academic research community, mixing with the many different healthcare professionals you will go on to work alongside throughout your career.

Laboratories

Our teaching laboratories are fully fitted with equipment for biological, chemistry, biomedical, molecular biology and pharmacy practicals. This includes:

• Microscopes
• Spectrophotometers
• DNA amplifiers
• Organ baths
• Specialist glassware

We’ve installed audio-visual equipment so microscope images can be projected onto large screens. You’ll also be able to use our tissue culture facilities, flow cytometry, pathogen containment facilities.

Image Resource Facility (IRF)

The IRF is designed for Light Microscopy, Electron Microscopy, and sample preparation. Here you can image histology samples, cells and molecules of all varieties, and model organisms such as zebrafish using any of the light microscope, slide scanning, or electron microscope systems.

Zebrafish facility

Our zebrafish facility has an aquarium that can house over 2,500 adult fish. The facility is fully staffed to provide the infrastructure and care required by the Home Office’s strict licensing laws for the use of animals in scientific procedures.

The zebrafish have a vertebrate system which can be used to model human disease. Our researchers take advantage of this to aid drug development, improve patient care, and answer questions at the forefront of medical science.

Did you know each adult mating can produce up to 300 eggs? This provides a great deal of data for performing statistical analysis.

If you use this facility as part of a project, we’ll provide you with training.

Pathology museum

Our on-site Museum of Human Diseases houses a collection of over 2,000 pathological specimens, including those donated by Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie in 1843. This space is used for small group tutorials exploring the mechanisms of disease.

Library and learning technology

Our library is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You’ll find silent, quiet and group learning spaces, as well as group discussion rooms.

We have a wide range of books, e-books, academic journals and other resources. You’ll also have access to online resources, such as the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment and our Hunter discovery service.

Need accessibility equipment? The library also loans noise-cancelling headphones, laptop stands, coloured overlays, desktop whiteboards, and more.

IT facilities

We have an extensive range of IT facilities, including:

• 260 workstations in five computer suites, three of which are open 24 hours a day
• 75 self-service laptops available
• Free Wi-Fi covering the whole campus, including our halls of residence accommodation.

You can use these resources to access your course materials, discussion boards and feedback through Canvas.

Looking for a free space? Simply use our handy real-time computer locator.

University of London

BLOOM@Senate House

As St George's is part of the University of London, you have access to BLOOM@Senate House, a unique space in the heart of Bloomsbury. Senate House offers a central London base which is particularly useful if you’re studying or living further out. The area has great transport links, making it easy to access from anywhere in London or further afield.

Senate House Library

Students can join the Senate House library free of charge. Your membership includes a 10-book borrowing allowance, access to all reading rooms and study areas, and on-site access to digital resources.

How to apply

Before beginning your application please check the entry criteria of the course you wish to study to ensure you meet the required standards.

Applications must be submitted through our online application system, which you can access below. Guidance on submitting an application can be found on our how to apply webpage.

Access our online application system

Select the relevant application link and create an account: 

• MRes in Biomedical Science - Infection and Immunity

1. Once you've created an account, complete the application form and upload any relevant documents. You can save a partly completed form and return to it later. Please make sure you complete all sections. Please make sure that the information you provide is accurate, including the options you select in menus.

2. Add pgadmissions@sgul.ac.uk to your address book to ensure you do not miss any important emails from us.

3. When you have checked that your application is complete and accurate, click ‘submit’.

You can track your application through your online account.

Fees and funding

In this tab you will find the financial information for this course of study, including details of financial support.

Tuition fees

2024 UK (home): £15,750

2024 International (including EU): £27,300

We do not expect students to incur any extra costs over and above those that we have advertised on the course page. To get the most from your studies, you will need your personal computer or laptop and an internet connection in your home. Find out more about technology requirements.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Credit transfer from the Healthcare Research Skills and Methods PgCert qualifies for a proportional discount in course fees. Recognition of prior learning, including credit from research skills modules at other recognised providers, may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Funding

We have a range of funding opportunities available for students. You may be eligible for the following.

• The St George's postgraduate scholarship (deadline 1 May 2024)
• A Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK Government
• Other financial support for Postgraduate Study
• An alumni discount – if you're a former St George’s student you can qualify for an additional 10% discount from this course if you're self funded