Medical and Diagnostic Virology: The University of Manchester

Course description

This Virology based Masters Programme is a sister programme to the well established and highly successful MSc Medical and Molecular Microbiology. Virology is an area of microbiology that is increasingly recognized as a separate, though highly related, discipline, and this programme offers the opportunity to gain specialist knowledge and training in this exciting and dynamic area. The aim of this programme is to produce graduates with a detailed understanding of the current issues and concepts in clinical virology, and to equip them with the academic and practical skills necessary to make independent, informed judgements in relation to these issues.

A particular strength of this programme is the close association between the university and NHS/Health Protection Agency virology laboratories. The programme has been designed with input from experienced clinical virologists, who also do a significant amount of the teaching. As these virologists work in the discipline on a day-to-day basis dealing with current clinical issues, they are in an excellent position to pass on these skills to the next generation of clinical and medical virologists.

Module details

The programme involves the following course units:

• General and Molecular Virology
• Medical and Diagnostic Virology
• Viruses and the Host
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Clinical Virology I and II
• Public Health and Epidemiology
• Laboratory Management and Research Methods
• Dissertation (MSc only)

Career opportunities

This is a new programme but it is anticipated that the graduates will progress to careers as biomedical scientists or clinical scientists with virology as their specialty. There is likely to be opportunity for some students to continue their studies to PhD level in the Department after completing the programme and progress to academic or industrial research careers.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview: A good degree (minimum 2:1) in a biological/medical discipline or in a related field of study from a recognised university, or an equivalent qualification.

English language: Students whose first language is not English require a minimum of IELTS 6.5, or TOEFL 575 paper based or 230 computer based.