Study at the cutting edge of biomedical science with an MSc in Immunology, a field essential for breakthroughs on innovative treatments (including vaccines) for hard-to-treat diseases such as cancer.
Develop an advanced understanding of immunology along with key essential technical skills through hands-on lab work and a significant research project within one of our active research teams.
Learn from experts in the field based in our world leading Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology and The Exeter Centre of Excellence for Diabetes Research (EXCEED).
Gain the skills and training necessary for a successful career in industry or further academic study.
Top 20 in the UK for world-leading research in Biological Sciences
REF 2021, based on 4-star research
90% of our Biological Sciences research is internationally excellent
Based on research rated 4* and 3* in the Research Excellence Framework 2021
Advance laboratory skills with specialist techniques training
Substantial research project within one of our active research teams
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:1 in a relevant biological science/biomedical degree that has provided instruction in some of the following: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Immunology, Microbiology or Molecular Biology.
While we normally only accept students who meet this criterion, if you have a mid-2:2 or relevant work experience, we will consider your application.
Helping you to apply
We are looking for motivated graduates with a passion to understand and investigate the immune system. A previous background in immunology is not essential, but desirable. However, an undergraduate degree in a related discipline is essential.
Immunology is a vital field in biomedical science that underpins protection from infection. It is applied to generate powerful treatments (such as vaccines against infection) and to innovative therapies for diseases like cancer (e.g. through monoclonal antibody therapy). While the immune response is essential to control infection, inappropriate immunity contributes to many pathologies such as autoimmunity and allergies. Therefore, immunology is crucial to develop new treatments against a range of current and future health challenges.
In the first two terms of the MSc you'll deepen your understanding of immunology through advanced taught courses in immunology (Cellular Basis of Immunology, Immunology of Infection and Advanced Immunopathology) as well as a practical laboratory training module. You will also undertake training in the more generic skills essential to scientific research (Professional Skills). This will build your essential research and professional competencies. In your final term, you'll join one of our active research teams to undertake a significant research project. Here you will apply what you've learnt to tackle a novel research question.
The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
180 credits of compulsory modules.
Compulsory modules
Code
Module
Credits
Compulsory 1
Practical Immunology
30
Immunology of Infection
15
Research Project
90
Professional Skills
15
Cellular Basis of Immunity
15
Advanced Immunopathology
15
BIOM109: Practical Immunology
You will be trained in advanced immunological laboratory skills in conjunction with key research facilities in HLS. This will be delivered through lectures, laboratory tours and, most importantly, wet and dry practicals focusing on your data acquisition and analysis, respectively.
We would expect you to have an undergraduate background in a relevant biological subject. Such a background will provide the essential foundational knowledge needed to complete this course.
This module aims to ensure you are trained in the appropriate immunological laboratory skills to prepare you for your research project. It will provide you with important skills of analysis of experimental data and report writing to both to a scientific audience and potential employer.
Immunology of infection will provide expert led insight into the diversity of host immune responses to different types and contexts of infection. Here you will cover the latest understanding in immunity to viral, bacterial, fungal and parasite infection and exposure. Additionally, you will be introduced to the concept of co-infection and co-morbidity. You will be taught by active UK and overseas based researchers addressing both fundamental and clinical aspects of this field of immunology. Your face-to-face teaching will be complemented by tasks that will require you to assess and understand current literature and technical advances that are advancing this field.
We would expect you to have an undergraduate background in a relevant biological subject. Such a background will provide the foundational knowledge needed to complete this course.
This module aims to ensure you have an understanding of the molecular and cellular immunological basis of infection control and infection induced pathology. It will provide you with the essential knowledge to allow you to understand and interpret the significance of both published findings and your own experimental and clinical readouts.
In term 2 (part time) and term 3 full time you will undertake a significant research project. Here you will embed in an active research group to undertake a novel body of research. Projects will be either laboratory or data based. For laboratory-based projects you will carry out technical work to generate and acquire new data in research laboratories. For data-based studies you will be provided with unanalysed data and will process and interpret this. In each scenario you will be given the opportunity to generate novel data of publication quality.
You will be guided in your independent learning by our scientists/clinicians from the University of Exeter.
This module aims to ensure you are trained in appropriate practical and intellectual skills (acquired in your prior training on this course) to analysis and interpret immunology associated data.
This will include drafting project plans, undertaking laboratory work (if appropriate), analysing data and writing up and presenting data to professional standard.
In this module you will be trained in relevant skills for postgraduate study. Oral communication skills will be enhanced by video recording of student oral presentations and written communication skills will be enriched through specialised science communication lectures. You will also get experience in writing conference abstracts and reports for non-scientists as well as scientific literature. You will receive training in experimental design and statistical methods for data analysis, as well as health and safety training. Bespoke career guidance and feedback will be provided by the University Careers Zone staff.
This module aims to ensure that you are trained in the appropriate methodological skills to undertake work at Masters level, and to ensure that early in the programme you are equipped with the range of transferable and personal skills necessary for the programme generally and more widely for careers in industry, government agencies and academia. Accordingly, you are introduced to skills involving: statistics and experimental design, communication skills (both oral and written, for specialist and wider audiences), discussion of and recognition of plagiarism, time and project management, health and safety, use of information networks and databases for e-science purposes, career and employment skills. Critically, the module also aims to provide a basis for the advanced research skills which are developed in research project modules.
In this module you will explore the science of immunology, and how the major cellular and humoral (soluble) components of the innate and adaptive immune systems work together to deliver immunity to infectious diseases. You will develop an understanding of how monoclonal antibodies are generated and engineered in vitro for use in the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases, and the various ways antibodies are used as research tools in the Life Sciences. Lecture content is supported by animations and movies that illustrate key concepts of immunity including cellular interactions during the inflammatory response, and the role of cytokines and chemokines as chemical messengers.
This module aims to introduce you to the science of immunology. Key components of the immune system are explored in the context of infectious diseases (viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections) and allergy, and current research topics used to illustrate how monoclonal antibodies are generated and engineered for use in the detection and treatment of diseases in medicine, and their deployment in the Life Sciences. Much of the content is research-led, based on the research expertise of the contributors.
Our immune system has iteratively evolved into a highly regulated and sophisticated system that can identify and eliminate almost any microbe and aberrant self. An imbalance in this regulation can lead to unwanted immune responses causing a diverse range of immune-mediated pathologies, that affect increasing numbers of people and lead to societal burden. In Advanced Immunopathology you will gain in-depth knowledge of selected immune-mediated pathologies by critically appraising the related aetiology, pathophysiology (at molecular and cellular level) and exploring therapeutic approaches to modify unwanted immune response.
We would expect you to have an undergraduate background in a relevant biological subject. Such a background will provide the foundational knowledge needed to complete this course.
Study of the immune system and related immune-mediated pathologies is a fascinating, complex and fast-moving research field with great potential for clinical translation. Ongoing research provides us with an ever-clearer insight into the aetiology and pathophysiology. These advances allowed development of and research on therapies that target specific immune pathways to modulate unwanted immune responses.
Please contact the programme director (w.horsnell@exeter.ac.uk) for information on funding opportunities available.
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer the University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship, a scholarship for University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship worth 20% of the cost of your first year tuition fees.
You’ll engage in a blend of lectures, seminars and hands-on laboratory work. Group discussions and independent study will deepen your understanding and critical thinking skills. These activities will prepare you for a research project in your final term.
Research project
You’ll join an active research group to undertake a significant project, with options for either laboratory-based or data-based work. Laboratory projects will involve generating and acquiring new data, while data-based projects require processing and interpreting existing data.
The project will provide experience in data generation, analysis, interpretation and science communication through a scientific journal write-up and a presentation of results. During your research project, you will be supported by your research supervisor and other members of the research group to ensure you produce your best work.
All projects will be addressing a genuine knowledge gap in our understanding of immunity.
Assessment
Your learning will be assessed through a range of methods including your examinations, reports, presentations and essays. A core component of assessment will be your research project, which constitutes 90 credits.
Head of the Exeter Centre for Cytomics (EXCC) at the University of Exeter
William Horsnell
Professor
I am an immunologist with over 20 years of experience studying host immunity to infectious and non-infectious diseases. I have undertaken my research in South Africa, Kenya, Togo, France, Norway and the UK. This has allowed me to gain a breadth of experience in training students from a diverse range of backgrounds. With my fantastic colleagues at Exeter we look forward to welcoming here. We are confident you will find our understanding of immunology and the world class research platforms we will provide you with access to as ideal for you to begin your journey in advanced immunology.
I am a Professor in Paediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist and a Co-Director of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter. My research profile has a strong translational focus and specific areas of interest include antifungal resistance, antifungal stewardship, and host-fungus interactions.
Head of the Exeter Centre for Cytomics (EXCC) at the University of Exeter
I have spent over two decades in the exciting field of cytometry, driven by a passion for advancing scientific discovery and exploring new technological frontiers. Flow cytometry is a powerful tool that helps us uncover the complexities of cellular systems, offering invaluable insights into immune responses and disease mechanisms. My passion lies in harnessing these technologies to push the boundaries of what we know in biology, which began during my PhD at the University of Duisburg-Essen (Germany).
Today, as the Head of the Exeter Centre for Cytomics (EXCC), I lead a dynamic team focused on cutting-edge cytometry research and education. At EXCC, we specialise in innovative single-cell cytomics approaches, critical for advancing immunology and life sciences. We are dedicated to introducing these advancements to students, giving them a solid understanding of the latest cytometry tools and technologies in the field. By combining high-resolution cytomics data analysis with biological insights, we aim to foster the next generation of scientists in immunology and life sciences, empowering them to make meaningful contributions to the field.
Our MSc Immunology course is designed to equip you with a range of skills highly valued by employers. You will gain a deep understanding of the science and techniques needed to undertake research in immunology.
You will enhance your ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly and effectively, both in written reports and oral presentations. Essential skills such as advocacy, public engagement and research integrity are central to the course, ensuring you are equipped to excel in various professional settings.
Additionally, you will acquire advanced training in generic technical, data management and problem-solving skills.
Career paths
Upon graduation, you will have the skills and knowledge needed to explore various career options. Whether you continue your academic journey with a PhD or transition directly into industry, this course provides a strong foundation for your future. The combination of practical experience and advanced expertise you gain will prepare you for a range of roles. Graduates may find themselves contributing to cutting-edge developments in pharmaceutical companies, working as clinical scientists, or translating complex scientific discoveries into accessible information.
Career support
As a University of Exeter student, you will also have access to the Career Zone. Whatever stage you’re at, the Career Zone can help you prepare for life after university, offering quality assistance and advice throughout your course, and after graduation.
The majority of students are based at our Streatham Campus in Exeter. The campus is one of the most beautiful in the country and offers a unique environment in which to study, with lakes, parkland, woodland and gardens as well as modern and historical buildings.
Located on the eastern edge of the city centre, St Luke's is home to Sport and Health Sciences, the Medical School, the Academy of Nursing, the Department of Allied Health Professions, and PGCE students.
Our Penryn Campus is located near Falmouth in Cornwall. It is consistently ranked highly for satisfaction: students report having a highly personal experience that is intellectually stretching but great fun, providing plenty of opportunities to quickly get to know everyone.
