Delivery format
In person
Free CPD for applicants holding an offer
Understanding Immune Checkpoint Blockade: A Pillar of Modern Cancer Treatment - available for offer holders free of charge.
Course overview
Delve into the complexities of the immune system and explore innovative treatment modalities. Delivered by leading academics in the field, the programme offers comprehensive coverage of the latest Immunology developments and fully-funded attendance at prestigious immunology events.
Immerse yourself in exciting laboratory projects alongside world-class researchers, shaping your expertise and propelling your career in this dynamic and impactful field.
As an individual who came from working in industry for three years after my Undergraduate degree, I have found the course extremely interesting and the support from the staff has made it easy to integrate back into education. The course has provided me with an in depth understanding of cutting-edge techniques that are relevant to current research, as well as knowledge of the design of novel therapeutics in the up-and-coming field of Immunotherapy. It is an exciting time to study Immunology and Immunotherapy at the University of Birmingham.
Course Structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. 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.
The term begins with a module on the basic concepts in immunology and a laboratory research methods module which includes discussion of cutting-edge research publications. The term finishes with a more in depth look at immunological processes and how unwanted or defective immune responses can result in cancer, autoimmunity and transplant rejection.
Course highlights
What makes this course different?
Benefit from fully-funded attendance of either the British Society Of Immunology Annual Congress or the BSI Immunology Winter School.
- Opportunity to undertake an extensive laboratory research project in a wide variety of topics across immunology and immunotherapy
- Learn from world-leading academics, practitioners and researchers, who will challenge and encourage you to become an independent and self-motivated learner
- Enhance professional skills and employability
The College of Medicine and Health is a major international centre for research and education, with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and an excellent range of key technologies.
Delivered by world leaders at the forefront of immunology and immunotherapy research, each with an internationally renowned research group.
Gain an in-depth up-to-date knowledge of this rapidly advancing field.
Each student will be a fully integrated member of one of the large number of research teams in a wide variety of topics across both immunology and immunotherapy.
Course delivery
You’ll be joining the academic elite and will have the privilege of learning from world-leading experts, as well as your peers. This programme is delivered via teaching from Monday to Friday approximately 9.00am-5.00pm, with only a few hours of direct face-to-face contact each day to allow time for independent learning. From the outset you'll be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner. Our Immunology and Immunotherapy degree includes a wide variety of learning and teaching:
- Lectures – Elevate your learning with captivating lectures that cover key programme information.
- Small group teaching sessions - Expert guidance and lively discussions will empower you to thrive academically and professionally.
- Seminars – Consolidate what you’ve learnt through thought-provoking discussions.
- Laboratory/Supervised Computer Cluster – These sessions involve some hands-on practical tuition in basic bench science as well as data analysis using specialist software.
- Taught modules - Modules are assessed through a variety of means, including extended essays (up to 4,000 words), preparation of a research proposal, preparing and conducting a short presentation on a defined topic related to the module content, and unseen written examinations.
- Dissertation - substantial body of work containing some new findings or thoughts. It is envisaged that this will be 10,000 words in length. You will be able to choose from a suite of projects before starting your project in Term three.
Module information
The content of the programme is broadly divided into two components: the taught modules and the independent research project (dissertation). Each taught module comprises 15 - 40 hours of face-to-face taught classroom-based learning plus self-directed learning and an in-course assessed assignment and exam.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Immunology | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Immunotherapy 1 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Immunotherapy 2 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Inflammation and Cell Migration | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Research Skills in Immunology | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Molecular Mechanisms in Immune Cell Differentiation and Function | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Research Project in Immunology and Immunotherapy | 60 | Semester 2 |
| Tumour, Autoimmunity and Transplant Immunology | 20 | Semester 1 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
Life science or biomedical science degree normally classified at 2:1 or above or equivalent. Examples of typical undergraduate degrees are Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Science and Laboratory Science, however other life sciences degree will be considered.
For international students there is an English language requirement to have an IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component).
You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:
- by holding an English language qualification to the right level
- by taking and successfully completing one of our English courses for international students
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 31 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non-tier 4 applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
Graduates of MSc Immunology and Immunotherapy will gain a comprehensive up-to-date knowledge of this advancing field. This programme will equip you with the skills required to either pursue a PhD in these areas or advance your career prospects in the biomedical, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industrial sectors.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
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Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.