Immunology of Infectious Diseases (Taught)

Recent years have been a stark reminder that we’re all vulnerable to infectious diseases, whoever we are, and wherever we live in the world. By studying MSc Immunology of Infectious Diseases, you’ll explore how the body defends itself against infection and how we can use this information to create life-saving therapeutics and vaccines.

Most immunology courses focus on non-communicable diseases such as cancer, but infectious diseases represent an increasingly important cause of morbidity and mortality around the globe. We’re one of the few universities to offer an immunology course that is devoted to this area. We’ll help you understand the whole research process, from the fundamental discoveries at the forefront of the field to the application of findings and vaccinology.

What you will learn

• Master the basic principles of host immunity against the diverse range of pathogens that confront human populations

• Explore the immunology of a whole range of infectious diseases, from viral to fungal, bacterial to different types of parasites

• Apply scientific concepts, evaluate primary scientific data, and carry out techniques for assessing immune responses to pathogens

• Learn how to plan, design and conduct research and use these skills to investigate basic immunological mechanisms and applied issues in the immunology of infection

• Discover our unique mix of expertise in immunology, vaccinology, molecular biology, virology, bacteriology, parasitology, mycology and clinical medicine.

Please note: applications for the 2026/27 academic year are expected to open in November 2025. This information relates to 2025/26 academic year and will be updated in due course.