Molecular Microbiology
Master molecular microbiology and infectious disease with hands-on research, expert mentorship and industry-ready skills.
You can choose to study this course part-time, and start in September or January. The course durations vary slightly: 2 years (September starts) or 28 months (January starts). Course content and modules remain the same.
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Deepen your expertise in molecular microbiology with a strong focus on medical applications, infectious disease, and antimicrobial resistance. This research-led course will equip you with the advanced lab skills and scientific knowledge needed to tackle health challenges.
You’ll study with internationally recognised researchers and complete an independent project in an authentic microbiology lab setting. Gain experience in molecular diagnostics, the development of novel treatments, and the translation of lab research into clinical and commercial solutions.
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Senior Lecturer Dr Grisha Pirianov introduces our Master's courses in Advanced Biomedical Science, Applied Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Molecular Microbiology.
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Study in Cambridge, a renowned centre for life sciences research and development
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Work in tissue culture and molecular labs, and a category 2 SuperLab
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Specialise in infectious disease, antimicrobial resistance, and molecular diagnostics
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Get experience of translating lab research into clinical and commercial solutions
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Learn microbiology techniques from internationally-recognised researchers
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Graduate ready for PhD study or high-impact roles in healthcare, biotech, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
You'll gain expert laboratory skills in molecular genetics and bioinformatics relating to human infectious diseases and original research. You'll also develop key transferable and employability skills like critical thinking, scientific writing, teamwork, and presentation, boosting your employability in both science and wider industries.
You can choose to study full-time, part-time, or take advantage of our unique two-year full-time option, which includes professional experience modules in the second year. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in a real-life industry setting and further enhance your employability.
Teaching and modules
Explore the field of medical diagnostics, focusing on current techniques and issues such as antimicrobial resistance, drug delivery, and translational medicine. Through lectures, seminars and critical discussions you’ll develop a strong knowledge base and critical appraisal skills, with flexibility to tailor topics to your interests.
You'll deepen your understanding of microbial pathogenicity, studying how microbes cause disease, their virulence mechanisms, and antibiotic resistance, supported by lab sessions, case studies and presentations that prepare you for careers in pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
You’ll gain practical laboratory experience in molecular biology, microbiology, and bioinformatics, learning essential techniques such as DNA and protein analysis, cell culture, and data interpretation.
Your year culminates in a major independent research project, developing your ability to design experiments, analyse data, and communicate your findings to scientific and wider audiences.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Contemporary Medical Diagnostics (30 credits)
- Microbial Pathogenicity
- Laboratory Techniques in Applied Bioscience (30 credits)
- Professional and Ethical Practice (15 credits)
- Research Methods and Preparation (15 credits)
- Masters Research Project (60 credits)
You can choose to study with us over two years (full-time), and take Professional Experience modules in Year 2, with a Preparation for Professional Experience module in Year 1. You'll complete your Postgraduate Major Project in Year 2.
- Professional Experience Biosciences Project 1 (60 credits) *
- Professional Experience Biosciences Project 2 (60 credits) *
- Professional Placement 1 (Life Sciences) (60 credits) *
- Professional Placement 2 (Life Sciences) (60 credits) *
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Dr Grisha PirianovSenior Lecturer
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Professor Havovi ChichgerProfessor in Biomedical Science
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Dr Clett ErridgeSenior Lecturer
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Dr Caray A WalkerSenior Lecturer
Facilities
Enjoy a range of facilities designed to support your studies and career development.
Our Science Centre features four floors of labs and teaching space, with facilities for specialist tissue culture and microbiology laboratories and a modern, 300-seat lecture theatre.
You'll have extensive library and IT resources, and careers support through our Employability Service. After you graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.
You can also access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.