PhD Immunology: The University of Manchester

Course description

PhD programmes are based on individual research projects that last 3 or 4 years, working with a specific academic supervisor (principle investigators). Applicants are specifically matched with a principle investigator based on their research interests and background.

Appropriate control of the immune system is essential for a number of reasons. In the context of infectious disease and cancer, it is important to generate immune responses to counter these threats. Excessive immune responses against infectious agents, however, can themselves be a cause of pathology. Other causes of immune mediated pathology are immune responses against self, which lead to autoimmunity, or against harmless antigens, which lead to allergy or hypersensitivity. It is therefore important to understand how the immune system is regulated. CD4 T cells are considered primary co-ordinators of adaptive immune responses, with dendritic cells and cytokines playing crucial roles in determining CD4 T cell function. Understanding the interactions of these elements will not only help in the development of approaches to manipulate the immune system to induce the appropriate responses against infectious agents and tumours, but also to prevent inappropriate responses against self and harmless chemicals.

Career opportunities

In terms of career progression, the majority of their postgraduate students remain in research, while others move into related areas such as education, information technology, consultancy and management, helped by the  comprehensive skills training they gain during their programme of study.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview:

The standard entry requirement for PhD study is a First or Upper Second class honours degree, or the overseas equivalent, in a relevant subject. In certain circumstances, a Lower Second class honours degree supplemented by a Masters degree, or appropriate relevant work experience, may be acceptable.

English language:

For PhD applicants whose first language is not English an IELTS score of 6.5, TOEFL 577 (paper based), TOEFL 233 (computer based) or TOEFL 90 (internet based) is required as a minimum.