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Global Infectious Diseases at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

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2025 - 20262026 - 2027
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Course summary

This MRes Global Infectious Diseases is designed to equip you with up-to-date knowledge and extensive practical experience in microbiology, with a focus on molecular and medical aspects. Its strong focus on laboratory work provides you with hands-on training in advanced laboratory skills and computational methods. Why choose this course?

  • You will have the opportunity to carry out a novel research project in a research-active environment and be taught by experts in the field.
  • You will gain a wide range of highly valued wet lab, computational and data analysis skills, alongside the subject-specific expertise you need to develop an academic or professional career as a researcher into global infectious diseases.
  • You will join a unique cohort learning alongside students from all age groups and a variety of science-based disciplines, academic and professional backgrounds who bring their own experience and insights to the course.
What you will learn This course prepares you to work in a wide range of jobs across the biosciences sector. You will learn in detail about the molecular basis of all life, and how to study microbes, proteins, DNA and small biomolecules using a range of experimental and computational methods. How you will learn The focus of this MRes is on you learning how to conduct scientific research and then applying it to your own original research project on a topic area of your choice. You will also take two taught modules during the autumn and spring terms which will be delivered via a mixture of theory classes and practical classes in the laboratory or a workstation room. You can choose to study this course full- or part-time, with classes taking place in the evening. Part-time students may carry out their research project over the two years. Highlights
  • Birkbeck offers you state-of-the-art instrumental and computing facilities.
  • We are part of the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology (ISMB), a joint initiative with University College London.
  • Birkbeck's natural science research is helping to identify fundamental biological and physical structures and fight disease.
  • In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), in a joint submission with UCL, Biological Sciences at Birkbeck were ranked 11th in the UK, with a research environment supporting world-leading and internationally excellent research.
  • You will join an existing research group under the guidance of a research supervisor.
Careers and employability On successfully graduating from this MRes Global Infectious Diseases you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:
  • working safely, efficiently and independently in a biological laboratory setting using a range of equipment and instrumentation
  • problem solving
  • scientific reporting
  • time organisation and completing projects to deadlines
  • analytical skills, including a sound understanding of commonly used statistics.
Studying this course will prepare you for PhD-level study in life sciences, or for roles in the healthcare or education sector and in a range of fields and professions including:
  • research scientist in a university or industry life sciences setting
  • scientific sales
  • science writer or a role in scientific communication.
Graduates from this course have gained employment at organisations including:
  • NHS
  • Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
  • Croissance Clinical Research
  • OncoStem Diagnostics
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Take-home examinations, one-hour unseen examinations, essays, dissertation.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in a relevant science discipline. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £6225 Year 1
Northern Ireland £6225 Year 1
Scotland £6225 Year 1
Wales £6225 Year 1
International £10170 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Global Infectious Diseases at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS