Travis Kerr United States of America
Immunology & Immunotherapy, MSc
Introduction
Designed to develop your knowledge and experience of immunology and the cutting edge field of immunotherapy, the MSc in Immunology & Immunotherapy will foster the development of your practical and analytical research skills and enhance your employability and career prospects.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
This MSc in Immunology & Immunotherapy will lead you through a wide ranging curriculum illustrating the relevance of immunology to the maintenance of health and the development of the latest immunotherapies for diseases such as cancer. It includes courses on basic and advanced immunology and immunotherapy, genes and immunity, biologic therapies, applied statistics, bioinformatics and host-pathogen interactions in infection. The programme will provide you with:
- An understanding of the general principles of immunology
- Experience and understanding of current and future immunotherapies in cancer and autoimmune disease
- An ability to apply knowledge in academic and health contexts
- Opportunities to learn from world renowned researchers
The MSc is ideal for students and scientists who want to improve their career prospects, fill skills gaps and further their hands-on immunology research experience in an era of rapidly increasing immunotherapeutic options.
What You'll Study
- Stage 1
-
Compulsory Courses
- Basic Skills - Induction (MT5010)
- Applied Statistics (PU5017)
-
15 Credit Points
This course in Applied Statistics focuses on the application of statistical techniques in postgraduate research for health professionals, with a particular emphasis on the correct interpretation of statistical analyses results. The course will NOT focus on the statistical theory underlying the subject. An important component of the course is the use of a statistical package (IBM SPSS), which can be used to implement all the methods taught on this course.
- Bioinformatics (MB5021)
-
15 Credit Points
A course containing a series of lectures describing 'latest-methods and discoveries' in areas of bioinformatics and functional genomics including transcriptomics, proteomics, and DNA sequence analysis.Contains a series of in-depth workshops that teach the principles and practice of next generation sequence analysis, transcriptomics, proteomics and sequence similarity analysis.
- Profiles of Immunology (MB5028)
-
15 Credit Points
Today, the profound influence of novel immunotherapies to treat cancers, autoimmune disease, infection and even to maintain transplant survival strategies means that a good understanding of basic immunology is valuable in many aspects of Biomedical Science. This course provides background knowledge of the innate and adaptive immune system and how that understanding is being used in a range of disease scenarios to provide new therapeutic options for patients.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
-
This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
Optional Courses
Select ONE of the following courses:
- Molecular Genetics (MB5025)
-
15 Credit Points
The course provides a detailed exploration of the structure and function of genes at the molecular and biochemical level. It covers the analysis of genome activity from the 3D structure of chromosomes through to RNA and DNA-protein interactions. The course will provide you with a thorough understanding of the approaches and molecular biology techniques used in modern molecular genetics research and its applications in gene editing and gene therapies.
- Current Microbiology (MC5009)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will provide students with microbiology knowledge for further advanced studies and will provide training in microbiological laboratory techniques. At the end of this course students will have an understanding of microbes associated with health and disease (including bacteria, fungi and viruses), academic and practical understanding of laboratory techniques required for the culture, identification and characterisation of microbes, and increased confidence in reading and critiquing primary research literature.
Please note that some of the material on this course may describe animal research and/or may discuss disease outbreaks.
- Stage 2
-
Compulsory Courses
- Host - Pathogen Interactions (MB5516)
-
15 Credit Points
Why do some microorganisms cause disease, yet others don’t? This course explores host-pathogen interactions from bacterial, fungal, parasite, viral and host perspectives in a lecture series, examining virulence factors, host defences and immune responses.
Students develop a detailed knowledge of one specific host-pathogen interaction through self-directed study and working as a group to review a specific disease selected by the students. In addition, students will enhance their ability to work within teams and will develop their skill in academic writing, creating a group-written review article.
Course workshops discuss experimental design for analysis of host-pathogen interactions, virulence and evaluation of novel drug treatments.
The course materials will enable students to develop and refine their understanding of the roles of host and pathogen in infectious disease.
Please note that some of the material on this course may describe animal research and/or may discuss disease outbreaks.
- Biologic Drug Discovery (BT5509)
-
15 Credit Points
Biologic therapies represent one of the most important and novel areas of drug discovery in the 21st century. The aim of this course is to provide an insight into the success of protein, peptide or antibody based biologic therapies and to examine how this exciting new area will develop over the next decade.
- Genes and Immunity (MB5526)
-
15 Credit Points
The genetic basis of self/non-self discrimination underlies all immune responses and can influence disease susceptibility at the level of both individual and populations. This course addresses this topic through lectures from research active experts in the main areas covered.
The course involves students delivering a media presentation on a course-related topic.
- Evaluating and Communicating Research (MB5529)
-
15 Credit Points
The aim of this course is to develop understanding of hypothesis-led research and to provide an opportunity to study advanced science concepts and critically evaluate research led by an experienced member of academic staff.
- Stage 3
-
Compulsory Courses
Select ONE of the following:
- Masters Research Project (Laboratory) (MB5904)
-
60 Credit Points
This course offers students the opportunity to complete a substantial piece of data-driven, empirical work within their field of study under the supervision of an experienced researcher.
Topics available will be varied but within the domain of their field of study. Alongside supervisors, students will identify a suitable topic area, describe an appropriate study design and implement an empirical study to be completed within a laboratory setting. Students will be involved alongside the supervisors in the process of defining the research question, and developing the research plan and, where appropriate, obtaining regulatory approvals. This course is for laboratory-based projects (if you are intending to undertake a project in non-laboratory setting you should register on PU5913)
- Masters Research Project (PU5922)
-
60 Credit Points
This course offers students the opportunity to complete a substantial piece of data-driven, empirical work within their field of study under the supervision of an experienced researcher.
Topics available will be varied but within the domain of their field of study. Alongside supervisors, students will identify a suitable topic area, describe an appropriate study design and implement an empirical study to be completed within a laboratory setting. Students will be involved alongside the supervisors in the process of defining the research question, and developing the research plan and, where appropriate, obtaining regulatory approvals. This course is for non-laboratory based projects (if you are intending to undertake a project in a scientific laboratory setting you should register on MB5913)
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | £26,250 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| UK | £12,200 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year |
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships
Self-funded international students enrolling on Postgraduate Taught (PGT) programmes for January 2025 will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about these Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
From September 2025 all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
The programme is taught through a flexible mix of lectures and small group tutorials, practical classes, computer workshops and research tutorials.
To enhance presentation skills, students are asked to prepare a topic focused research poster in the workshop components of Profiles of Immunology and Genes and Immunity.
There is also an expectation of self-learning, where you will engage with current research literature to enhance your knowledge gained and discussed in taught sessions.
All lecture material is available on MyAberdeen, the University’s Virtual Learning Environment. The programme also involves an extended, hands-on laboratory-based research project, supervised by experienced and research-active academic staff.
Much of the teaching on this course is participatory and students are expected to consolidate all taught content by completing related tasks and activities and engaging in independent study in their own time.
Learning Methods
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lab Work
- Lectures
- Peer Learning
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
Taught courses are assessed by a combination of written assignments, reports and by examinations. Candidates will present the results of their research project in an oral presentation and as a thesis and may be required to attend an oral examination with the external examiner. Candidates must pass all courses at an appropriate standard for the award of the MSc degree.
Why Study Immunology & Immunotherapy?
- You will be taught by world leading immunology and bioscience researchers and have an opportunity to contribute to cutting edge research during your project.
- The programme is designed to provide you with a strong grounding in immunology to offer insight and experience into how immunotherapy can be used to treat a range of diseases including cancer and autoimmune disease.
- Embedded within an active and dynamic research culture, you will have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills required to enhance your employability and further your career as an immunologist.
- Hands-on experience with modern technologies including state-of-the-art confocal microscopy, electron microscopy and Imagestream flow cytometry is available as part of the research project Hands on training in Flow Cytometry analysis is provided as part of the research project component.
- You will benefit from skills training to help with scientific writing, analytical skills, CV writing, interview skills and reading scientific literature.
- Our small class sizes give you the opportunity to participate in class discussions and to have good access to the teaching staff.
- The Foresterhill Health Campus is one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe which includes a large teaching hospital, Medical School and the Institute of Medical Sciences, all on one campus.
- Several immunotherapy based spin-out companies have developed from the University of Aberdeen including NovaBiotics Ltd. and Scotia Biologics.
What Our Students Say
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
A second class Honours degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent qualification in Immunology or other biological science degree is required for entry onto this programme.
Please check the In My Country pages to find out if your degree is equivalent.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated pages.
January 2025 September 2025Careers
The MSc Immunology and Immunotherapy Programme will provide you with the academic, analytical and practical research skills to assist you in many careers.
Many of our graduates choose to continue in research careers and begin PhDs or become research scientists (research assistants or technicians). Our scientists have obtained posts in Universities, industry, biotechnology and hospital diagnostic and pathology laboratories.
More generally, immunologists can use their training in education, working in schools, colleges of further education and in Universities. Further opportunities are available to apply immunology and immunotherapy training in scientific publishing, patent offices working on biological patents, in science outreach and contributing to the public understanding of health issues.
What our Alumni Say
Rahul Khanolkar
Our Experts
The programme will be delivered by an experienced, multidisciplinary team of internationally renowned experts in immunology and immunotherapy.
- Other Experts
- Dr Donna MacCallum, The University of Aberdeen
- Professor Ian Stansfield, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Shona Fielding, The University of Aberdeen
- Professor Robert Barker, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Heather Wilson, The University of Aberdeen
- Programme Coordinators
- Dr Frank Ward, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Isabel Crane, The University of Aberdeen
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
The Institute of Medical Sciences
Focused on developing future effective therapies, the Institute of Medical Sciences houses nearly 400 researchers and support staff working on cutting-edge biomedical subjects aimed at understanding the human body's response to infection and disease.
Foresterhill Health Campus
The Foresterhill Health Campus is one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe which includes the Medical School, large teaching hospital, the Institute of Medical Sciences and the Rowett Institute.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX