MSc Medical Microbiology (Part-time)
- Programme director
- Dany Beste
- Programme length
- Part-time: 24 months
- Programme start date
- February 2013, September 2013, February 2014
One of the longest running and most successful in its field this programme provides a strong scientific and intellectual platform on which further development can be built.
Programme overview
This part-time day-release programme is intended forcandidates with experience of working in a medical microbiology laboratory, in public health, the food industry or water authorities.
Most of your practical training is the responsibility of your home laboratory. However, practical modules (one per annum) provide an opportunity to introduce new techniques and equipment. To enhance your understanding of the basic principles behind modern kits and tests, traditional techniques will also be used.
Those who undertake this MSc will already have practical experience in medical microbiology or a closely related field and will aspire to become leaders in their profession. The programme aims to provide a strong scientific and intellectual platform on which further development can be built.
The programme is one of the longest running and most successful programmes in its field. In addition to the expertise available from within the University, we involve external specialist lecturers who are expert in these fields.
Entry requirements
Applicants should usually possess at least a 2.2 honours degree in a relevant subject from an approved university. Students must be in appropriate employment and will usually have at least one year of experience in this environment.
Applications from persons not possessing the qualifications mentioned above may be considered, depending on the length and quality of their experience, published works and recommendations from employers. Such candidates may be required to complete a qualifying assessment.
Selection is based upon a candidate’s application, references and an informal interview. In special circumstances, a student may be set work for assessment before being offered a place on the programme.
English language requirements
IELTS minimum overall: 7.0
IELTS minimum by component:
6.5
We offer intensive English language pre-sessional courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Fees and funding
All fees are subject to increase or review for subsequent academic years. Please note that not all visa routes permit part-time study and overseas students entering the UK on a Tier 4 visa will not be permitted to study on a part-time basis.
| Programme name | Study mode | Start date | UK/EU fees | Overseas fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSc Medical Microbiology (Part-time) | Part-time | Feb 2013 | £2,950 | £8,795 |
| MSc Medical Microbiology (Part-time) | Part-time | Sep 2013 | £2,950 | £8,795 |
| MSc Medical Microbiology (Part-time) | Part-time | Feb 2014 | £2,950 | £8,795 |
Funding
Students are usually sponsored by their employers for the duration of the programme.
Programme content
Module Titles
- Viral Infections
- Management and Laboratory Skills
- Epidemiology: Disease Control and Public Health
- Microbial Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Bacterial, Protozoal and Fungal Pathogens 1
- Bacterial, Protozoal and Fungal Pathogens 2: Diagnosis and Treatment
- Immunology and Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease 1
- Immunology and Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease 2
Module Overview
The taught programme consists of the following modules, which run in a two-year cycle. Each module is worth 15 credits:
Viral Infections
This module covers the aetiology, clinical features, laboratory diagnosis, pathogenesis, epidemiology and control of viral diseases.
Bacterial, Protozoal and Fungal Pathogens 1
This module covers the aetiology, clinical features and pathogenesis of bacterial protozoal and fungal diseases.
Bacterial, Protozoal and Fungal Pathogens 2: Diagnosis and Treatment
This module covers the laboratory diagnosis, epidemiology and control of bacterial diseases. The two Bacterial, Protozoal and Fungal Pathogens modules and the Viral Infections module aim to consolidate and expand your prior basic knowledge and form the core of medical microbiology
Immunology and Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease 1 and 2
These modules give you a broad, basic understanding of the cellular and biochemical mechanisms involved in protecting the host from disease. The modules highlight the roles of immunology and the infecting microorganism in the generation of pathological changes accompanying infectious disease. The modules involve a mixture of lectures and practical exercises.
Microbial Genetics and Molecular Biology
This module consolidates prior basic knowledge of microbial genetics, and considers further those aspects especially relevant to medical microbiology. The module involves a mixture of lectures and practical exercises.
Epidemiology: Disease Control and Public Health
This module examines the strategies used in controlling infectious diseases, the basic methods used in epidemiology and the factors affecting disease spread. The module includes an introduction to the microbial ecology of food and water, the effects of processing/treatment and the practical measures taken to ensure a safe and wholesome supply.
Management and Laboratory Skills
This module is an introduction to aspects of management (presentation skills, team-building, problem-solving, and so on) and the skills required for research management, including the principles of laboratory safety.
Research project
All students aiming for the MSc qualification undertake a research project and submit a dissertation. Part-time students usually do their project at their normal place of work.
The project carries 60 credits for the part-time programme.
Who is the programme for?
The part-time programme is a day-release programme, intended mainly for graduates already working in diagnostic and public health laboratories. Staff from other laboratories who want to enhance their understanding of the role of microorganisms in health and disease will also benefit from this programme. This includes:
- Pharmaceutical research personnel
- Veterinary laboratory staff
- Food and water laboratory personnel
Other applicants seeking an understanding of the advances in modern medical microbiology and its associated disciplines will also be considered. This includes:
- Clinicians
- Public health personnel
- Nurses
The programme is designed to be completed in two years, but the flexibility of the programme allows you to take up to six years.
Short courses
- All our lecture modules are offered as stand-alone short courses and are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences for the purposes of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- All our lecture modules are offered as stand-alone short courses
- Each module lasts for six or twelve weeks, depending on their credit rating, with the lectures taking place on Wednesdays throughout the academic year
- Individuals wishing only to attend the lectures may do so; alternatively, you may decide to take the assessment and acquire credits which may contribute to a postgraduate qualification, either at the University of Surrey or elsewhere
- You may take up to three modules as stand-alone courses before registering retrospectively for the MSc and counting the accumulated credits towards your degree
The fee structure for short courses is different to that for registered students and details may be obtained upon enquiry to the programme administrator. Also contact the programme administrator for information regarding the timing of each module:
Awards
Part-time students register for an MSc which will be awarded after the successful completion of modules worth 180 credits, including a research project. Alternatively, you can be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) or a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits).
You may also attend modules on a one-off basis to update your knowledge in a particular area.
Length of study
The master’s programme is designed to be completed in two years. You may start in October or February in any year. The modular nature of the programme allows you to take up to six years to obtain your MSc.
Programme structure
The programme consists of eight taught modules totalling 120 credits (four 15-credit modules per year) and a research project.
Part-time students attend the University on Wednesdays and perform their project at their workplace.
Assessment
Each taught module will be assessed by examination and/or coursework. This may take the form of essays, data manipulation and analysis, practical reports or multiple choice questions.
Programme objectives
The part-time Medical Microbiology programme leads to the award of Master of Science.
The study programme has been designed to increase your understanding and the development of critical and analytical skills, such that you may identify problems, formulate hypotheses, design experiments, acquire and interpret data, and draw conclusions.
Upon successful completion of the programme, you will have a greater depth of knowledge of your chosen subject and will have developed management and research skills which will enhance your professional activities.
Professional recognition
The MSc qualification is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science. It fulfils one of the entry criteria for the Higher Specialist Diploma examination and also enables eligible members of the Institute to be recognised as Chartered Scientists.
Career prospects
Many of our graduates have gone on to positions of responsibility within the profession, while others have opted for alternative paths including study for a PhD.
Department links
Contact us
For general enquiries
0800 980 3200 or +44 (0)1483 681 681
For admissions enquiries
+44 (0)1483 686 400