Advanced Microscopy with Artificial Intelligence IntM
This international masters (MICROSCOM) is the first programme worldwide to cover the full lifecycle of computational microscopy, allowing students to combine technical expertise with real-life microscopy uses. As an international masters it offers you the chance to study in three European countries. Semesters focus on Microscopy Principles, Methods and Techniques; AI-Based Image Processing Techniques and Computational Tools; Customised Optical Systems and Software Integration before undertaking your project in the Life Science or Physical Sciences track.
- Academic contact: Richard Bowman Richard.Bowman@glasgow.ac.uk
- Teaching start: September
- International (multiple locations)
- IntM: 24 months full-time
Why this programme
- Develop and use cutting-edge microscopy hardware, software, and analysis techniques for application in the life sciences and beyond.
- Design, construct and apply optical systems for advanced microscopy applications, integrating automation and control techniques to optimise imaging performance
- You will be immersed in an interdisciplinary environment, with study tracks for students from both life science and physical science backgrounds, hosted by academic departments including life sciences, engineering, and physics.
- You will be part of an international community of microscopy experts by undertaking an optional internship with one of our associate partner institutions.
- Apply computational imaging and analysis techniques to enhance microscopy data quality and resolution, utilising tools such as PSF engineering and phase retrieval for accurate and detailed image reconstruction
- Enjoy the option to study a second European language. All students will spend semesters in Dublin, Ciudad Real and Glasgow.
- The MICROSCOM international masters has been designed with two tracks – life sciences to develop expert microscopy users and physical sciences, to develop advanced computational microscopy techniques.
Programme structure
The MICROSCOM programme offers graduates from a broad spectrum of academic disciplines, such as biology, physics, computer science, electrical engineering, chemistry, mathematics, the opportunity to develop skills in advanced microscopy. The programme has two study tracks:
- one for students with a physical sciences background (physics, engineering, computer science) hereafter called PS and
- one for students with a life science degree (LS).
Both tracks will cover the same core material at the same institutions but will have different courses to fill gaps in previous training, and to stretch students in the final semester.
The programme will be delivered in three European universities: starting in September, with the first semester of the academic year in University College Dublin for a grounding in microscopy techniques and life sciences applications. For the second semester students will move to the University of Castilla La Mancha, Spain and focus on advanced analysis and AI. After a summer including a short placement and optional summer school, students will spend the third semester in Glasgow where they will build and automate custom optical systems, complete interdisciplinary team projects, and review cutting-edge literature. The final component is a dissertation project over a six-month period at our worldwide network of Associate Partner companies and labs.
Mobility is at the heart of the international programme, and over the course of the two-year programme, each student will spend one semester in each of the three partner Universities. This is supported by language tuition and the opportunity for students who take Spanish to put what they learn into real-life practice during the semester in Ciudad Real.
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Semester 1: University College Dublin
Core courses
- Biological Imaging (10 credits)
- Nanooptics and Biophotonics (10 credits)
- Ultrastructural Microscopy Imaging (10 credits)
- Current Trends in Bioimaging (10 credits)
- Python for Life Sciences (LS track only) (10 credits)
- Cell Biology of Disease (PS track only) (10 credits)
Optional courses
- High Content Screening Microscopy (10 credits)
- Atomic Force Microscopy (10 credits)
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Semester 2: Universidad de Castilla – La Mancha
Core courses
- Visual perception & Image Processing (10 credits)
- Machine Learning (10 credits)
- Deep Learning (10 credits)
- Data Analysis & Governance in Microscopy Imaging (10 credits)
- Image Processing Tools in Microscopy (LS track only) (10 credits)
- Advanced Programming Tools for AI (PS track only) (10 credits)
Optional courses
- Video Processing in Microscopy (10 credits)
- Cutting-edge Deep Learning Methods for Image Processing (10 credits)
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Semester 3: University of Glasgow
Core courses
- Experimental Optics & Microscopy (10 credits)
- Automation & Microscopy (10 credits)
- Research Skills (10 credits)
- Group Project: Smart Microscopy (10 credits)
- Advanced Techniques in Microscopy (10 credits)
- Computational Imaging Microscopy (10 credits)
Optional courses
- Lasers (10 credits)
- Microelectronics in Consumer Products 4 (10 credits)
- Nano and Atomic Scale Imaging 1 (10 credits)
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Semester 4: Extended placement
You will spend your final semester and part of the summer at an Associate Partner (or one of the three Universities, within a research lab) working on an extended project, assessed via a dissertation. (60 credits)
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Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours
to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw
or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.
Career prospects
The steady growth of the microscopy market indicates a promising trend for employment opportunities in the sector. Increasing demand for advanced microscopy technologies is expected to drive companies to expand their workforce across research,
development, manufacturing, sales and support services. Moreover, the integration of microscopy into fields like life sciences, nanotechnology and materials science further boosts job creation in related industries, expanding the demand for highly skilled professionals. In this context, a master's programme like MICROSCOM unlocks diverse job opportunities across key sectors, including:
- Industry: Roles in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, nanotechnology, among others, such as imaging specialists, AI developers and instrumentation engineers.
- Academia and Research: Positions as researchers or lecturers specializing in advanced microscopy, contributing to the development of next-generation imaging systems and managing microscopy facilities.
- Healthcare and Diagnostics: Careers in medical imaging companies and hospitals, focusing on automated diagnostic tools and AI-driven imaging software.
- Startups: Opportunities in entrepreneurial ventures developing low-cost, accessible microscopy systems and AI-powered image analysis software solutions.
- Public Sector: Positions in environmental agencies or international organisations using microscopy and AI for sustainable development and ecological research.
Entry requirements
English language requirements
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Common equivalent English language qualifications accepted for entry to this programme:
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
Tests taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 23; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 65 overall with no subtest less than Reading 60; Listening 60; Speaking 65; Writing 60
- Online PTE not accepted for entry
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall with no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford English Test
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic/ Academic Online
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 65
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Integrated Skills in English II
- Two subtests at 96 or higher, and two subtests at 80 or higher
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Kaplan Test of English
- Any two subtests at 480 or higher, and any two subtests at 450 or higher
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of their final year at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 and 3+1 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final year of study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS);
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University;
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
More information on our Pre-sessional courses.
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- ST Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form
International students
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