Infection and Immunobiology MRes
This Masters integrates training in the core specialisms of infection and immunobiology research: Compartive Medicine, Immunobiology, Medical Microbiology, Molecular Parasitology, and Virology. The flexible format allows you to gain the MRes Infection & Immunobiology, or obtain an MRes in one of five specialisms that can be accessed through this programme.
- You can tailor your study pathway to the precise aspects of infection and immunology that suit your research interests and career objectives.
- You will have the opportunity to work on two separate research projects and benefit from the research excellence of bodies like the MRC Centre for Virus Research, the Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology and the Glasgow Polyomics facility.
- The Institute offers a wide range of cutting edge in vitro and in vivo research facilities for FACS analysis (cellular analysis), histology and state of the art imaging. We also offer the IVIS imaging system, high content screening microscopy, mass spectrometry, an X-ray capable FX Pro bioluminescence imaging system and a protein purification service.
- Through their research interests in drug development, vaccines and diagnostics, many of our project supervisors have strong links with industry. There is an open day to highlight career opportunities in industry related to our research areas.
- Collectively, these facilities underpin a bench to bedside approach that will equip you with research training complementary to a range of career options.
Programme overview
- MRes: 12 months full-time;
- PgDip 8 months full-time;
- PgCert 3 months full-time;
During the first semester you will attend lectures and seminars. There is also a practical course comprising of lab work and tutorials. Following this, you will undertake two 17-week research placements during the programme. These involve individual research projects that require oral and poster presentations and project reports.
Choosing a specialism
Your choice of placements dictates the type of degree you will receive. If you combine two projects from two different specialisms, you are awarded the MRes in Infection and Immunobiology.
The alternative is to complete both projects from one research area. In this instance you will receive your MRes in one of these individual research areas.
The specialisms on offer within the Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation are:
Comparative Medicine
This specialism provides a broad knowledge of topics relevant to comparative medicine, with a focus on infection and immunobiology and quantitative and technical methodologies. Research projects will potentially extend that knowledge into specific areas of infectious disease, quantitative epidemiology, statistics and mathematical modelling, and pathology.
Immunobiology
This specialism, based within the Centre of Immunobiology, ranges from basic cellular immunology through to more focused clinical studies and drug discovery. As a part of a clinical network, we map our basic research interests directly onto a range of human pathological inflammatory disorders.
Medical Microbiology
This specialism provides theoretical background knowledge and practical skills training in the application of modern molecular techniques to the study of microbial pathogenesis. The focus is on selected pathogens that cause infections in humans and domesticated animals.
Molecular Parasitology
This specialism provides theoretical background knowledge and practical skills training in biochemistry, genetics, cell biology and molecular biology of parasites of humans and animals.
Virology
The specialism is dedicated to the study of human and animal viral diseases and conducting multidisciplinary research on viruses and viral diseases of humans and animals, utilising the knowledge gained for the improvement of human and animal health.
Career prospects
You will have excellent opportunities to pursue biomedical sciences research as an academic career or within government or industry.
Further information: email: mvls-infectionandimmunobiologymres@glasgow.ac.uk
Academic entry requirements
At least a 2:2 Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area.
International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.
Further information regarding academic entry requirements: student.recruitment@glasgow.ac.uk
English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):
- overall score 6.5
- no sub-test less than 6.0
- or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
Common equivalent English language qualifications:
- ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
- CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
- CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
- PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk
We ask that you apply online for a postgraduate taught degree. Our system allows you to fill out the standard application form online and submit this to the University within 42 days of starting your application.
You need to read the guide to applying online before starting your application. It will ensure you are ready to proceed, as well as answer many common questions about the process.
Guide to applying online
Do I have to apply online for a postgraduate taught degree?
Yes. To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We are unable to accept your application by any other means than online.
Do I need to complete and submit the application in a single session?
No. You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process. You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload additional documents such as your final transcript or your language test.
What essential documentation should I have available before I start my application?
As well as completing your online application fully, it is essential that you submit the following documents:
- A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s)
- A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
- Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
- Two supporting reference letters on headed paper
- Evidence of your English Language ability (if your first language is not English)
- Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
- A copy of the photo page of your passport (Non-EU students only)
Do my supporting documents need to be submitted online?
Yes, where possible, please upload the supporting documents with your application.
What if I am unable to submit all of my supporting documents online?
If you cannot upload an electronic copy of a document and need to send it in by post, please attach a cover sheet to it that includes your name, the programme you are applying for, and your application reference number.
You may send them to:
Recruitment & International Office
71 Southpark Avenue
Glasgow
G12 8QQ
Fax: +44 141 330 4045
Can I email my supporting documents?
No. We cannot accept email submissions of your supporting documents.
What should I do if am having problems using the online application system?
If you are having issues, please email doashelp@mis.gla.ac.uk
What entry requirements should I have met before applying? Where can I find them?
You should check that you have met (or are likely to have met prior to the start of the programme) the individual entry requirements for the degree programme you are applying for. This information can be found on the ‘entry requirements’ tab on each individual programme page, such as the one you are viewing now.
What English Language requirements should I have met before applying? Where can I find them?
If you are an international student, you should also check that you have met the English Language requirements specific to the programme you are applying for. These can also be found on the ‘entry requirements’ tab for each specific programme.
Guidance notes for using the online application
These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately, they are also available within the help section of the online application form. You can also download a PDF with detailed guidance information for the online application system:
Applicants' Guide to Online Application
- Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
- Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
- Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
- Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
- Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
- English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
- Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.
- References: Please provide the names and contact details of two academic references. Where applicable one of these references may be from your current employer. References should be completed on letter headed paper and uploaded on to your application.
Standard application deadlines
- International applications (non-EU) 23 July 2013
- UK and EU applications 27 August 2013
Classes start on 16 September 2013 (provisional date) for most courses and you may be expected to attend induction sessions the week before
