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Duration

One year, full-time

Application Deadline

30 June

Location

St George's, University of London

UK, EU and non-EU (international)

citizens may apply

Start dates

September 2024

About this course

St George’s has enjoyed an outstanding track record of research and innovation in infectious disease ever since the ‘father of vaccinology’ Edward Jenner, based here, created the world’s first vaccine (against smallpox). More recently, our research has included a focus on tuberculosis, malaria, HIV in low and middle-income countries and Covid-19.

In 2020, the global pandemic highlighted the profound and lasting impact that a devastating infectious disease can have on the human population. Research to understand how diseases like Covid-19 are contracted and spread, and what drugs and vaccines are useful in treating or preventing them, is vital to reduce suffering and try to control or eradicate the disease.

This MRes in Biomedical Science (Infection and Immunity) pathway provides you with research training in fundamental aspects of bacterial and viral pathogenesis, with an emphasis on molecular approaches to understanding infection.

Course highlights

Established in 1752, St George’s, University of London is the UK’s specialist health university, and we are the only UK university to share our campus with a major teaching hospital, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which is both on the clinical frontline for a diverse local community and a centre of excellence for specialist conditions.

When you study this course with us you will have:

  • access to specialist expertise in clinical, epidemiological and laboratory research within both the University and the hospital.
  • the opportunity to spend up to 9 months on a research project working directly alongside high-calibre leading researchers, respected within their fields.
  • access to a dedicated Image Resource Facility which features a range of imaging analysis options which enable you to image histology samples, cells and molecules of all varieties, and model organisms using light, fluorescent and  electron microscopy systems.
  • access to excellent biomedical research facilities to help you develop strong research knowledge and skills, including tissue culture, handling of clinical specimen, flow cytometry, gene cloning and protein techniques, microbiological techniques and animal experimentation, among many others.
  • the chance to learn numerous, valuable transferrable skills including critical appraisal, problem-solving, research techniques, accessing technology for fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF), utilising large data, numeracy, and presenting skills.

Want to know more?

Find out more about postgraduate study at St George’s, University of London by registering for our introductory email series.

“I enjoyed the opportunity to really develop my laboratory skills here with an amazing and supportive group. I was able to focus on what I enjoyed most, and working with an excellent supervisor has really helped me develop my skills and passion for virology.”

- Tiara Talukder

Apply now

Entry criteria

To be considered for this course, you will need to:

  • meet the entry criteria
  • write a personal statement
  • provide two suitable references

Undergraduate degree or equivalent

You should have or be expected to achieve, a minimum of a second class degree (2:2). For healthcare graduates, a pass is required. All degrees must be awarded before 1 August on the year of entry.

We welcome applications from individuals from a range of backgrounds, including humanities, science and healthcare.

We may invite you to interview if are unable to make a decision directly from your application. If you are invited for an interview you will be asked to write a short paper (no more than half a page) on a subject associated with biomedical research.

Alternative professional qualifications, or previous related experience, may be considered and we encourage you to apply.

International qualifications

We accept equivalent qualifications gained in other countries and use UKNARIC to assess. Please see our International Student Support pages for more information.

If you have any questions, you can contact us at pgenquiries@sgul.ac.uk

English Language

This is a Group 2 course.

Full details can be found on our English Language requirements webpages.

Personal statement and references

You will be asked to outline your reasons for applying for the course in a brief personal statement on the application form. You will also need to provide two satisfactory references.

Go to the Apply tab for more information.

Join the Frontiers in Human Health summer school

The Frontiers in Human Health summer school offers you the opportunity to explore past, present and future approaches to tackling some of the world’s major health challenges.

Course structure

There are three core modules:

  • Research Methods (15 credits)
  • Statistics/Practical Data Analysis (15 credits)
  • Research Project Planning and Management (15 credits)

These are common to all pathways, and most of teaching will take place in the autumn term.

The specialist modules (30 credits) are specific to each of the five pathways and will run from September till February. The journal clubs (critical appraisal of papers) led by students themselves with guidance from the tutors will run from October until March. The Research Project module will start in October and runs until July/August. Students will present a poster in July and submit a final dissertation in August.

The core modules provide advanced training in the practice of biomedical research across a broad range of laboratory and computer-based biomedical science, while the specialist module prepares you to conduct high-calibre in-depth research in your chosen research field.

Unlike many other courses, our Research Project offers a chance to spend up to 9 months working as part of an active research team. This may provide an opportunity to work with clinical samples or staff on our hospital sites. For example, one past research project tested a novel vaccine candidate against tuberculosis, a global health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Another project examined a specific house dust mite allergen which has been linked to triggering asthma, while yet another project focused on the development of antibody immunotherapy against chikungunya virus.

Modules

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Research methods (15 credits)

This module looks at a wide range of quantitative and qualitative research study designs and approaches, their advantages and disadvantages. We focus on good research practice, designing studies using tools and approaches to minimise bias and maximise scientific rigour.

Statistics or Practical Data Analysis (15 credits)

You are introduced to modern data analysis techniques and statistical approaches so that you can critically analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data and make inferences from the results when undertaking your research project.

Emphasis is placed on the language and logic of statistical investigation, and not on formulae or calculations, building your confidence in interpreting and discussing the methods and statistics in biomedical, healthcare and clinical research and other scientific literature.

Research project planning and management (15 credits)

This module prepares you for conducting and managing a research project and includes ethical, legal, safety and time management aspects of research. You will learn how to identify and appropriately address any ethical and legal issues in your project, as well as safety issues when working with hazardous substances, organisms or equipment. This will also include lectures on writing up scientific work.

Infection and immunity (30 credits)

This pathway module covers the broad area of infectious disease. It will demonstrate how an understanding of the pathogenesis of infection and virulence mechanisms drives vaccine development, antibiotic treatment and immunotherapy. You will learn cellular and molecular responses to infection, including innate and adoptive immune responses, and responses that are deleterious. You will investigate how new sequencing technologies and ‘omics’ methodologies are providing novel insights into the human microbiota, susceptibility to infection, tracking of infectious disease, and mechanisms underlying resistance to antibiotics.

While studying this module, you will learn how to appraise and critically evaluate scientific papers, through a series of journal club sessions and presentations. Appraisal of scientific literature is essential in guiding your own research strategies and objectives, as well as peer reviewing other researchers’ works in your specialist area, for example, reviewing manuscripts submitted for publication in scientific journals.

Research project (105 credits)

This is the main module of our MRes course. Dissertation projects will involve the assembly, analysis and interpretation of substantial research data, primarily lab generated, although some projects may involve metanalyses of theoretical data. You will have the freedom to choose from a wide-ranging list of projects, and to work in a vibrant research environment with world-renowned researchers. You may also work with their PhD students or postdoctoral scientists within the collaborative research group to gain insight and experience over the course of your project.

Teaching and learning

At St George’s, you will benefit from working as part of a small, close-knit team. Students, clinicians and researchers work happily and effectively together, and you will be welcomed into our small specialist research community, with all the advantages that brings for personal input and development. 

During the first term you will meet potential supervisors to familiarise yourself with the research activity within each pathway and to identify an appropriate project. Project titles and areas for research will be identified by module leaders and will relate to the pathway selected. Broadly speaking, your topic should be within the fields of biomedical sciences, healthcare, or health services and use appropriate scientific methods. You will choose your research project and start with laboratory work from mid-October, completing your research by the following August.

Teaching for core modules is concentrated in the autumn term, while teaching for specialist modules takes place over the year. Throughout this time, you will either be attending lectures or laboratory sessions on most days of the week.

Teaching is delivered through a variety of methods, such as lectures, course-specific seminars and small group sessions. You will also participate in self-directed study and wider reading, as well as individual and group practical sessions. The self-directed component of your course includes the in-depth study of an area of interest, developing research and presentation skills, and gaining insight into possible careers.

Our expertise

For over two centuries, St George’s has been at the forefront of developing new and innovative solutions to enhance the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease. We enjoy a global reputation as experts in population health, infection and immunity, and molecular and clinical sciences thanks to our four world-class research institutes – Molecular and Clinical Science, Population Health Research, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education and Infection and Immunity.

In recent months, clinicians and researchers from across the University and Hospital have been leading urgent public health studies and trials into Covid-19 as part of the Oxford Vaccine trial and testing different treatments as part of the national recovery trial. St George’s is also leading on studies to develop rapid antibody tests for the disease and understand whether pregnant mothers can pass coronavirus onto their babies in the womb.

Our Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit (ADREU) has been actively involved in the development, regulatory approval and implementation of rapid diagnostics for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), a worldwide public health concern, with the ever-growing threat from AMR impacting on treatment and disease management. Professor Paul Heath and Professor Mike Sharland are currently working on global projects to tackle the threat of AMR, including a study focused on newborn babies, since their immune system is not yet fully developed, and therefore they are particularly vulnerable to infection.

Assessment methods

Assessments are designed to help you with preparation for your dissertation. They help you review published work critically, use appropriate experimental design, and analyse experimental data. They also enable you to develop scientific writing and presentation skills.

All modules are assessed through written assignments or an oral presentation, with the exception of the statistics module which is assessed via examination. Following the research project, you will be asked to present a poster on your research.

Careers

Originally established in 2007, our Biomedical Science Pathways have been growing in strength and reputation ever since, and provide excellent preparation for either a PhD and research within an academic or industrial setting, or a career in the biomedical and medical sector.

Alternatively, on completion, you could pursue a career in the biomedical and medical sector in roles where some research background is required but not necessarily at PhD level. This may include job opportunities as research support staff, technicians, medical laboratory assistants, specialist services provision, equipment operators and laboratory management.

This course is also effective in accelerating the development of your career in healthcare and NHS. 

Careers support for alumni

Graduates from St George’s have access to support from the careers service for two years after graduation. Find out more.

Facilities

St George’s University of London is the UK’s only university dedicated to medical and health sciences education, training and research. We share our site with a major London teaching hospital which is both on the clinical frontline for a diverse local community and a centre of excellence for specialist research. You’ll study in a clinical and academic research setting with like-minded individuals, mixing with the many different healthcare professionals you will go on to work alongside throughout your career. We also have the latest research equipment and resources including state-of-the-art advanced bio-imaging technology and cutting-edge laboratory facilities. 

We have a range of specialist health and academic facilities to support your learning, listed below. 

Laboratories

Our teaching laboratories are fully fitted with equipment for biological, chemistry, biomedical, molecular biology and pharmacy practicals. This includes microscopes, spectrophotometers, DMA amplifiers, organ baths and specialist glassware. We also have audio visual equipment installed, so that microscope images can be projected on to large screens. Furthermore, the students will have on their disposal tissue culture facilities, flow cytometry, use of pathogen containment facilities and well animal research facilities.

Imaging Resource Facility (IRF)

First established in 1979, the IRF has developed to encompass Light Microscopy, Electron Microscopy, and sample preparation for both, all housed in a single department providing a range of imaging analysis options and the expertise to compliment them. Users of the IRF have the ability to image histology samples, cells and molecules of all varieties, and model organisms such as zebrafish using any of the light microscope, slide scanning, or electron microscope systems we maintain, supported by experienced staff at all stages of analysis.

Anatomy Suite

The Anatomy Suite is where present and future healthcare professionals and scientists in the hospital and University learn or expand on their anatomy knowledge directly from the human body, through access to high quality anatomy resources. These include plastinated (preserved) specimens, osteological materials, anatomical models and digital/imaging resources such as Anatomage tables and Complete Anatomy.

Pathology museum

Our on-site Museum of Human Diseases houses a collection of over 2,000 pathological specimens, including a number of original specimens donated by Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie in 1843. This space is used for small group tutorials by students across all of our courses as an educational tool to help you understand the mechanisms of disease.

Library and learning technology

Our modern health sciences library offers a wide range of books, e-books, academic journals and other resources to support you. You will also have access to online resources, such as the Canvas virtual learning environment

and our Hunter discovery service to help you find the information you need. The library is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and comprises silent, quiet and group learning areas, as well as four group discussion rooms.

IT facilities

We have five computer suites housing 260 workstations. Three of these suites are accessible 24 hours a day. It’s easy to find a free space with our handy real-time computer locator. We also have 75 self-service laptops available. Free Wi-Fi covers the whole campus, including all accommodation. You can use these resources to access your course materials, discussion boards and feedback through Canvas.

Student support

Whether you are an existing healthcare professional, returning to education after a break or joining us after graduating from an undergraduate degree, we want to ensure your experience is positive from the outset. At St George’s, you’ll be welcomed by a multicultural student and staff body of different ages, ethnicities, nationalities and backgrounds, all with one thing in common – an interest in healthcare, science and medicine.

Students frequently tell us they greatly appreciate the diversity of our student and staff body, as well as the patients who access healthcare services in the borough of Tooting. The University attracts a substantial number – over two-thirds – of ‘mature’ students, aged 21 or over when they start; many have family and caring responsibilities.

We offer a full range of academic support and student services across all institutes, departments and faculties, some of which are listed below. We take pride in offering a transformative educational experience underpinned by cooperation and collaboration between staff and students.

If you require reasonable adjustments or disability services you can find information on our disability information for students pages. For any further information please contact the disability adviser.  

Personal academic tutor

On arrival, you will be allocated a personal tutor – someone with whom you can have regular contact, who you ask questions and discuss problems with, both academic and personal. The main purpose of a personal tutor is to monitor your progress, pick up and help you resolve any problems, whether academic or welfare related. Even if they don’t have the answer they will point you in the right direction towards the best people to deal with specific problems.

Induction programme

The main goal of induction is to make sure that you are set up for your studies and start to feel part of the University and our community. As well as course-specific activities, we run an online ‘Get Started’ module which provides lots of information about social and enrichment activities, student safety, wellbeing and learning support, including study skills, a library induction and guidance about our careers and employability services. Additional information is provided for international students.

Student Life Centre

Our Student Centre team can help you with every aspect of student life: finances, accommodation, exams and assessment, academic procedures, admissions, international queries, disability and wellbeing, even finding your way around – whatever it takes to make you feel at home. Each course has a designated contact within the student centre to link to and your personal tutor can signpost you to relevant support, including a confidential counselling service.

Careers service

Our careers service works to support current students and recent graduates to find and maintain the career of their dreams. We work with careers tutors from each course area to ensure that careers activities specific to your programmes and future profession come to you.

How to apply

Before beginning your application please check the entry criteria of the course you wish to study to ensure you meet the required standards.

Applications must be submitted through our online application system, which you can access below. 

Access our online application system

Select the relevant application link and create an account: 

  1. Once you've created an account, complete the application form and upload any relevant documents. You can save a partly completed form and return to it later. Please make sure you complete all sections. Please make sure that the information you provide is accurate, including the options you select in menus.

  2. Add pgadmissions@sgul.ac.uk to your address book to ensure you do not miss any important emails from us.

  3. When you have checked that your application is complete and accurate, click ‘submit’.

You can track your application through your online account.

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Guidance for completing your references

When completing your application, you will be asked to provide contact details of two referees. Please ensure these details are accurate. As soon as you have submitted your application, your referees will be contacted by the university asking them to upload a reference to your online application.

One must be a recent academic reference. The other should be either a second academic reference or a professional/employer reference. They should cover your suitability for the course and your academic ability.

Your referees should know you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. We do not accept references from family, friends, partners, ex-partners or yourself.

We will send reminder emails to your referees but it is your responsibility to ensure that contact details are correct and referees are available to submit a reference. References should be uploaded within two weeks of making your application.

Fees and funding

In this tab you will find the financial information for this course of study, including details of financial support.

Tuition fees

2024 UK (home): £15,750

2024 International (including EU): £27,300

We do not expect students to incur any extra costs over and above those that we have advertised on the course page. To get the most from your studies, you will need your personal computer or laptop and an internet connection in your home. Find out more about technology requirements.

Funding

We have a range of funding opportunities available for students. You may be eligible for the following.

Postgraduate scholarships

We offer a number of scholarships for outstanding students wishing to study a postgraduate course with us.

Apply now

Duration

One year, full-time

Application Deadline

30 June

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