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Immunology
Immunology is the study of the body’s defence (immune) system, in health and disease. It involves elements from a wide range of basic biological sciences, all focused towards understanding how the cells and molecules of the immune system interact to combat attack from infection.
Programme structure
Year 1
In your first year you will be given a general introduction to all aspects of modern biology and encouraged to acquire general scientific skills.
You will also study two other subjects of your choice in year 1: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.
Year 2
In your second year, you will be introduced to the study of immunology, and infection and immunity. You will also be able to choose from a wide range of other courses which might include genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology.
You will also study one or two other subjects in year 2: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.
Years 3 and 4
If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4), you will attend lectures in third year which cover the whole field of immunology together with supporting lectures on molecular biology, statistics and data analysis. A series of practical classes is run in parallel with the lectures, which increase familiarity with many current immunological techniques.
In fourth year you will continue your study of immunology in more depth, with the opportunity to plan your own work. You will also undertake a supervised laboratory research project and prepare a dissertation on a separate topic based on a literature survey. The Honours programme provides a full understanding of how the immune system works under both physiological and pathological conditions, covering topics such as infectious disease, vaccination, transplantation, cancer, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Special features
Immunology can be taken as an MSci, which includes an additional placement year, between the third and final years of the degree. This is normally spent doing full-time research in industry, academia or another approved placement provider in the UK or overseas.
This is one of the few programmes in the UK which offer an Honours degree focusing solely on immunology for two years (years 3 and 4).
Glasgow is one of the major centres for immunology research in the UK.
Our international links
This degree is recognised abroad as an excellent qualification and many of our graduates are now working in top research laboratories and companies throughout the world.
Career prospects
Careers for new graduates, or those with a postgraduate degree, are available in research and teaching in universities and research institutes; in industry, especially pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies; and clinical research and diagnostic work in hospital laboratories. A degree in Immunology can also be a route for entry to a career in other fields such as biochemistry, microbiology, parasitology and molecular biology. There are also opportunities in areas such as teaching, scientific journalism and the civil service.
Many of our graduates will continue to postgraduate study for either a Masters or PhD.
Glasgow International College
For international students entry to this programme is supported by courses from GIC.
Academic entry requirements
for entry in 2014
BSc, MSci
Highers: AAAA or AAABB (including two science subjects) in first sitting = unconditional offer.
Applicants who achieved AAAB or AABBB (including two science subjects) at their first sitting WILL receive an offer from the University. This offer may be conditional (on second sitting results) or unconditional, depending on how many applications are received from students who have attained these grades.
Additional offers, either conditional or unconditional, MAY be made to applicants who achieved between ABBB and AABB (including two science subjects) at their first sitting. A decision re these applications will be made in March 2014 once all applications have been reviewed.
Applicants who receive an offer conditional on second sitting results will be required to study Advanced Highers in relevant subjects as an integral part of their conditional offer.
A-levels: AAB, including two science subjects. AS Level in either Biology or Chemistry. All Biology students study a minimum level of Chemistry in first year.
IB: A minimum of 34 points is required to be considered for an offer. Actual offers will specify subjects and grades to be attained at Higher Level.
Advanced entry
If you have exceptional A-level or Advanced Higher grades it's possible to gain exemption from Year 1 study and enter directly into Year 2 or follow a faster route advanced entry programme, both of which allow you to complete your degree in one year less than usual. See: Advanced entry
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 7.0
- no sub-test less than 7.0
- or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
Common equivalent English language qualifications:
- ibTOEFL: 100; no sub-test less than 24
- CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): A minimum
- CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): B minimum
- PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 68; minimum 60 in writing
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:
FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's Language Centre offers a range of Pre-Sessional Courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching; see Links.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact the Recruitment and International Office: Elaine.Shortt@glasgow.ac.uk
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]
my academic qualifications are below the requirements?
Glasgow International College offers Foundation courses to upgrade your academic qualifications.
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.
For further information about English language, please contact the Language Centre.
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details. If you’re from outside the EU, please see International students for more information.
Scholarships
We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding over the last year.
For a full list of scholarships including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see:

