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Postgraduate Taught

MSc Immunology

Please note: The below is for 2025 entries. Click here for 2024 entries.
UCAS code
Duration 1 year full time
Entry year September 2025
Campus

Streatham Campus and St Luke’s Campus

Discipline Biosciences
Contact
Typical offer

View full entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 in a relevant biological science/biomedical degree.

Contextual offers

Overview

  • 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.
Apply for Sept 2025 entry

Apply online

View 2024 Entry

Fast Track (current Exeter students)

Open days and visiting us

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Contact

Programme Director: Professor William Horsnell

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

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Top 20 in the UK for world-leading research in Biological Sciences

REF 2021, based on 4-star research

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90% of our Biological Sciences research is internationally excellent

Based on research rated 4* and 3* in the Research Excellence Framework 2021

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Advance laboratory skills with specialist techniques training

Research icon: a mortarboard and a cog

Substantial research project within one of our active research teams

Trophy icon

Top 20 in the UK for world-leading research in Biological Sciences

REF 2021, based on 4-star research

Microscope icon

90% of our Biological Sciences research is internationally excellent

Based on research rated 4* and 3* in the Research Excellence Framework 2021

Lab Flask icon

Advance laboratory skills with specialist techniques training

Research icon: a mortarboard and a cog

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. 

Entry requirements for international students

Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.

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Entry requirements for international students

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

Course content

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 we outline here 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.

Stage 1: 180 credits of compulsory modules

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
BIOM509 Professional Skills 15
BIOM515 Cellular Basis of Immunity 15
BIOM109 Practical Immunology 30
BIOM110 Immunology of Infection 15
HPDM193 Advanced Immunopathology 15
BIOM111 Research Project 90

Fees

2025/26 entry

UK fees per year: 

£14,900 full-time

International fees per year: 

£30,900 full-time

Please contact the programme director (w.horsnell@exeter.ac.uk) for information on funding opportunities available.

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.

For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

*Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.

Teaching and research

How will I learn?

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. 

Facilities

The University of Exeter has world class platforms to undertake high impact immunology research. This includes the Exeter Centre for Cytomics, the Exeter Sequencing Facility, the Centre for Medical Mycology, the Bioimaging Centre and being home to an NIHR Biomedical Research Centre

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Careers

Employer-valued skills

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.

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