Program Overview

MSci Immunology

The MSci Immunology is a five-year Integrated Masters degree with entry into either Year 1 with Highers or Year 2 with Advanced Highers or A Levels. Immunology is the study of how the body defends itself against disease. It helps us understand how the immune system is tricked into attacking its own tissue, leading to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or allergy.

Why this course?

Our MSci Immunology degree is suitable for those who want to specialise in a single biomedical science. It’s particularly relevant if you want to pursue a research career. In Years 1 to 4, you’ll follow the same curriculum as one of the joint Honours biomedical sciences degree. In Year 5, you’ll focus on developing generic and subject-based research skills and knowledge. A significant part of this course is project-based.

What you’ll study

• In Year 1, you’ll study modules in Cells and their Molecules, Organisms and Disease and Bio-organic Chemistry.
• In Year 2, you’ll gain an introduction to each of the four disciplines: Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology and Pharmacology.
• In Years 3 and 4, you’ll specialise in Immunology.
• In Year 5, you’ll carry out a research project and specialise in one subject.

Course content

• Year 1:
  • Being a Biomolecular Scientist 1 - 40 credits
  • Cells & their Molecules - 20 credits
  • Organisms & Disease - 20 credits
  • Bio-Organic Chemistry - 20 credits
• Year 2:
  • Being a Biomolecular Scientist 2 - 40 credits
  • Introduction to Immunology - 20 credits
  • Introduction to Biochemistry - 20 credits
  • Introduction to Microbiology - 20 credits
  • Introduction to Pharmacology - 20 credits
• Year 3:
  • Being a Biomolecular Scientist 3 - 40 credits
  • Fundamental Immunology - 20 credits
  • Biomedical Immunology - 20 credits
• Year 4:
  • Being a Biomolecular Scientist 4 - 40 credits
  • Clinical Immunology - 20 credits
  • Advanced Immunology - 20 credits
• Year 5:
  • Immunology Project and Thesis - 80 credits
  • Research Topics in Immunology - 20 credits

Assessment

Knowledge and understanding are assessed by written exams, essays, presentations and computer-aided learning (CAL) exercises and quizzes. Competence is assessed through practical tests, practical write-ups, project reports and CAL exercises and quizzes. Communication skills are assessed through essays and oral presentations. Project work is assessed from project reports and oral presentations.

Learning & teaching

You’ll gain knowledge and understanding through lectures, including review-type lectures, practical classes, tutorials and computer-aided learning. To allow you to prepare, class hand-outs are available in advance from Myplace. Hand-outs will also be supported by guided reading and tasks such as essays, oral and tutorial/workshop presentations.

Entry requirements

• Highers:
  • Standard entry requirements: AAAB/AABBC (Chemistry B, Biology/Human Biology B, Maths and English National 5 B)
  • Minimum entry requirements: AABB /AABCC (Biology B, Chemistry B, Maths and English National 5 B)
• Advanced Highers:
  • Year 2 entry: AB (Chemistry B, Biology/Human Biology B, plus Year 1 above)
• A Levels:
  • Standard entry requirements: BBB (Chemistry and Biology, GCSE Maths 6/B, GCSE English Language 6/B or English Literature 6/B)
  • Year 2 entry: ABB (Chemistry and Biology, GCSE Maths 6/B, GCSE English Language 6/B or English Literature 6/B)
• International Baccalaureate:
  • Standard entry requirements: 30 (Chemistry HL5, Biology HL5 . Maths SL5 and English SL5)
  • Year 2 entry: 32 (Chemistry and Biology, one at HL6, the other at HL5. Maths SL5 and English SL5)
• HNC/HND:
  • Year 1 entry: HNC, Graded Unit A/HND, Graded Units BB
  • Year 2 entry: HND, Graded Units AB
  • Year 3 entry: HND, Graded Units AA
• International students: View the entry requirements for your country.

Fees & funding

• Scotland: £1,820
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £9,535
• Republic of Ireland: If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status.
• International: £27,800
• University preparation programme fees: International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.
• Additional costs: Lab coats and safety goggles: approximately £25

Careers

With our MSci Immunology degree, you could be involved in the development of drugs, food processing, protecting the environment, fighting disease or even slowing down the ageing process. Our graduates find jobs in the pharmaceutical, biotech and agrochemical industries, hospitals and public service laboratories, environmental centres, analytical and forensic science labs, universities, the scientific civil service and teaching at all levels. Many students also continue on to postgraduate studies and research. The transferable skills you gain from this course will not only prepare you for a career in science but also in areas such as finance, management, marketing, sales, business and media. Immunologists start on NHS Band 6 salaries which are around £26,041 to £34,867. Consultant immunologists can earn up to £98,000.