Ranking
1st
choice for graduate employers
Free CPD
Understanding Immune Checkpoint Blockade: A Pillar of Modern Cancer Treatment - available for potential applicants free of charge.
Course overview
Delve into the complexities of the immune system and explore innovative treatment modalities. Delivered by leading academics in the field, the programme offers comprehensive coverage of the latest Immunology developments and fully-funded attendance at prestigious immunology events.
Immerse yourself in exciting laboratory projects alongside world-class researchers, shaping your expertise and propelling your career in this dynamic and impactful field.
Course Structure
As an individual who came from working in industry for three years after my Undergraduate degree, I have found the course extremely interesting and the support from the staff has made it easy to integrate back into education. The course has provided me with an in depth understanding of cutting-edge techniques that are relevant to current research, as well as knowledge of the design of novel therapeutics in the up-and-coming field of Immunotherapy. It is an exciting time to study Immunology and Immunotherapy at the University of Birmingham.
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each semester. This is based on a full time Masters course.
The term begins with a module on the basic concepts in immunology and a laboratory research methods module which includes discussion of cutting-edge research publications. The term finishes with a more in depth look at immunological processes and how unwanted or defective immune responses can result in cancer, autoimmunity and transplant rejection.
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Course highlights
What makes this course different?
Benefit from fully-funded attendance of either the British Society Of Immunology Annual Congress or the BSI Immunology Winter School.
- Opportunity to undertake an extensive laboratory research project in a wide variety of topics across immunology and immunotherapy
- Learn from world-leading academics, practitioners and researchers, who will challenge and encourage you to become an independent and self-motivated learner
- Enhance professional skills and employability
The University of Birmingham is also ranked as the first choice for leading graduate employers in the UK.
The College of Medicine and Health is a major international centre for research and education, with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and an excellent range of key technologies.
Delivered by world leaders at the forefront of immunology and immunotherapy research, each with an internationally renowned research group.
Gain an in-depth up-to-date knowledge of this rapidly advancing field.
Each student will be a fully integrated member of one of the large number of research teams in a wide variety of topics across both immunology and immunotherapy.
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course delivery
You’ll be joining the academic elite and will have the privilege of learning from world-leading experts, as well as your peers. This programme is delivered via teaching from Monday to Friday approximately 9.00am-5.00pm, with only a few hours of direct face-to-face contact each day to allow time for independent learning. From the outset you'll be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner. Our Immunology and Immunotherapy degree includes a wide variety of learning and teaching:
- Lectures – Elevate your learning with captivating lectures that cover key programme information.
- Small group teaching sessions - Expert guidance and lively discussions will empower you to thrive academically and professionally.
- Seminars – Consolidate what you’ve learnt through thought-provoking discussions.
- Laboratory/Supervised Computer Cluster – These sessions involve some hands-on practical tuition in basic bench science as well as data analysis using specialist software.
- Taught modules - Modules are assessed through a variety of means, including extended essays (up to 4,000 words), preparation of a research proposal, preparing and conducting a short presentation on a defined topic related to the module content, and unseen written examinations.
- Dissertation - substantial body of work containing some new findings or thoughts. It is envisaged that this will be 10,000 words in length. You will be able to choose from a suite of projects before starting your project in Term three.
Lecture
Seminar
Laboratory
Module information
The content of the programme is broadly divided into two components: the taught modules and the independent research project (dissertation). Each taught module comprises 15 - 40 hours of face-to-face taught classroom-based learning plus self-directed learning and an in-course assessed assignment and exam.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Immunology | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Immunotherapy 1 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Immunotherapy 2 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Inflammation and Cell Migration | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Research Skills in Immunology | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Molecular Mechanisms in Immune Cell Differentiation and Function | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Research Project in Immunology and Immunotherapy | 60 | Semester 2 |
| Tumour, Autoimmunity and Transplant Immunology | 20 | Semester 1 |
Teaching staff
Nick Jones
Senior Lecturer
Staff profile for Dr Nick Jones, Senior Lecturer, Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham.
William Jenkinson
Senior Lecturer
Staff profile for Dr William Jenkinson, Senior Lecturer, Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medicine and Health, the University of Birmingham.
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
Life science or biomedical science degree normally classified at 2:1 or above or equivalent. Examples of typical undergraduate degrees are Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Science and Laboratory Science, however other life sciences degree will be considered.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
- £10,900
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
Graduates of MSc Immunology and Immunotherapy will gain a comprehensive up-to-date knowledge of this advancing field. This programme will equip you with the skills required to either pursue a PhD in these areas or advance your career prospects in the biomedical, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industrial sectors.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
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Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
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