Ranking
59th
for Life Sciences and Medicine
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to get their thoughts on our courses, state-of-the-art campus, and life in Dubai.
Microbiology and Infection (Dubai) MSc
- CampusDubai
- Start dateSeptember 2026Duration12 months full-time, 24 months part-time
- AwardMaster of Science
- Entry requirements2:1 Honours degree (or above) in Life or Medical Sciences, Physics or Chemistry.
- Fees (UK/Ireland)September 2026: AED 155,483 per year (full-time) / AED 77,742 per year (part-time)
Course overview
Learn from a community of experts as you tackle today’s microbiology and infection challenges for a safer tomorrow. Benefit from hands-on learning in our dedicated laboratories and build specialist knowledge of molecular microbiology.
Advancements in infectious diseases, like growing antibiotic resistance and the rise of ‘superbugs’, along with the global threat of tuberculosis, highlights the urgent and ongoing demand for specialists in microbiology. Develop knowledge of key aspects of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections to tackle the challenge of microbial infections in healthcare, including their diagnosis and treatment.
Choosing this course has been one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made! It offers a mix of theory and practical learning. The academic staff are not only experts but also passionate mentors who know how to make complex topics interesting and engaging.
Course structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each semester. This is based on a full time Masters course.
Term 1
Term 1
September – January (11 weeks)
In term 1, you will learn key concepts in understanding host-pathogen interactions as well as covering the clinical components of medical microbiology. You will develop key quantitative, analytical and critical analysis skills and learn the important aspects of working in the laboratory to handle microorganisms safely.
Term 2
Term 2
January – May (11 weeks)
In term 2, you will be introduced to key elements present at the microbial surface and relate these in part to antibiotic targets. You will dive into analysing the current challenge of global antibiotic usage to understand the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Through a series of lectures and workshops you will explore how genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metagenomics have advanced our understanding of microbial pathogens.
Term 3
Term 3
May - August (11 weeks)
In your final term, you will work on your Research Project. Here are some recent examples of projects completed by our MSc Microbiology and Infections students in Dubai;
- Anti-plasmid compounds to reduce AMR.
- Mechanisms of Cell Envelope lipid biosynthesis in Mycobacteria.
- Role of the cyclic AMP receptor protein in a bacterial pathogen.
- The impact of the host environment on antimicrobial susceptibility.
This programme is accredited by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Course highlights
Join a leading research community as you tackle microbiology and infection challenges. This degree is set within the context of the Institute of Microbiology and Infection which forms part of the University of Birmingham UK campus.
Bringing together experts in the field who work at the cutting-edge of microbiology research, you will join the UK’s largest grouping of microbiologists. Experience working with a range of microorganisms with hands-on laboratory experience as you learn in our award-winning state-of-the-art campus - the perfect learning environment.
- Gain hands-on laboratory experience
- Learn from expert researchers
- Join the UK’s largest grouping of microbiologists
- Flexible study options available
- Award-winning state-of-the-art campus. The perfect learning environment.
- 59th
in the World for Life Sciences and Medicine
QS World Rankings 2025/6
Course delivery
Our MSc Microbiology and Infection degree combines a variety of learning and teaching methods including evening and weekend classes, designed to accommodate working professionals as well as those who choose to study full-time.
Lecture
Laboratory
Projects
Workshop
- Taught modules – a combination of lectures, workshops and laboratory teaching.
- Assessments – these will include essays, assessed laboratory notebooks, reports, and group work.
- Research project – leading research groups offer opportunities for innovative and challenging research projects
This degree has varied assessment methods designed to ensure that your studies help you to develop essential skills that are transferrable to future employment. Formative assessments are incorporated into the course so that you feel well prepared for the summative ones
Our timetable is designed to deliver teaching on one or two weekday evenings and on weekends (day varies per module).
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
The course comprises of a series of taught core modules and a research project. Each module is block taught over 3 weeks.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Antimicrobials and Resistance | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Core Concepts and Skills in Microbiology | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Host-Pathogen Interactions | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Medical Microbiology (Practice and Applications) | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Microbial Physiology and Virulence | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Omics of Pathogens | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Research Project (M&I) | 60 | Both |
Entry requirements
To secure your place at the University of Birmingham Dubai, you must meet both our general entry requirements and the specific criteria for your chosen course. Your application will be carefully reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will determine if you will receive an offer.
- A 2:1 Honours Degree
(or above) in Life or Medical Sciences, Physics or Chemistry.
Prior experience in laboratory-based research, for example, through an undergraduate research project or internship, is preferred.
English language requirements
In order to undertake a programme of study here at the University, you will need to demonstrate that you have a good level of written and spoken English. You can demonstrate your level of English with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or alternative qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation.
- AED 155,483
Full-time (September 2026) per year
- AED 77,742
Part-time (September 2026) per year
Scholarships
Birmingham attracts the best and brightest students from across the globe. For students with the potential to thrive here, we have a number of scholarships available at our Dubai campus.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Career opportunities
MSc Microbiology and Infection opens up a world of career opportunities. You will become an excellent candidate for health-related positions including hospital and public health laboratories, industry (biotechnology, pharmaceutical and other sectors) and regulatory or quality assurance functions in the public sector or industry.
This MSc is also excellent preparation to work in an academic research setting, or studying for a PhD as the next step on a research-based career path.
Careers Network
In a competitive global market, you need to be ready for work before you graduate. At the University of Birmingham Dubai, our careers services will help you plan and achieve your ambitions. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network Dubai information, advice, and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life at our Dubai campus.
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus, with its iconic buildings overlooking stunning parkland and friendly community, will quickly make you feel at home in the UAE's second city. Expect plenty of exciting activities to get involved in outside of your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to the University of Birmingham Dubai to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation partners allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.
Living in Dubai
Enrich your life with endless attractions, entertainment and lifestyle opportunities. In just over 50 years, Dubai has transformed itself from a tiny settlement to a glistening city and world-class destination. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus is where our diverse community comes together, providing a home for up to 3,000 students to learn, relax, and socialise.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our Dubai campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.