MSc in Integrated Immunology
Exploring the multifaceted subject of modern immunology in depth, this course is designed for bioscience and medical graduates.
Full time
- Upcoming application deadline for 2027-28 entry:
- 12:00 midday UK time on Tuesday 1 December 2026
- Expected length
- 12 months
- Expected start date
- October 2027
- English language level
- Higher level required
Part time
- Upcoming application deadline for 2027-28 entry:
- 12:00 midday UK time on Tuesday 1 December 2026
- Expected length
- 2 years
- Expected start date
- October 2027
- English language level
- Higher level required
Application deadlines
Final application deadline for entry in 2027-28
After the final application deadline has passed, this course may remain open or reopen if places are available.
MSc in Integrated Immunology
About the course
Immunology is an interesting, complex and dynamic subject, the applications of which have changed society. The discoveries and inventions of immunologists have led to worldwide successes in vaccination, immunotherapy, transplantation and immunodiagnostics.
The aim of this taught MSc is to provide a comprehensive education, high-quality research training and the professional skills required for a career in modern immunology. Graduates are expected to become part of the global network of immunologists within academic research, biotech and related industry, medicine or healthcare professions.
Oxford has one of the highest concentrations of research-active immunologists in the world. Students on this MSc course are therefore uniquely placed to benefit from this wealth of expertise.
Teaching is delivered across a series of linked topic themes to ensure holistic coverage of modern immunology. By the end of the course you will be able to demonstrate your understanding of how the fundamental principles of immunology integrate with the clinical aspects of immune-driven disease and with other disciplines including cell and molecular biology, genetics and microbiology.
Course structure
The course is composed of two taught Units, followed by a third practical Unit of an extended research project conducted in a University of Oxford research group. Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to think about immunology as a highly dynamic subject. You will learn synoptically to develop an integrated view of the immune system as we currently understand it. The course is not modular and all Units in the course are compulsory. This MSc is not a beginners' course in immunology; prior knowledge of the subject and a high and sustained level of academic engagement is required.
You will be taught by leading academics and researchers in immunology throughout the two taught Units of the course. You will hear from a wide range of different lecturers and tutors, drawn from the University of Oxford, the Oxford Immunology Network (OIN), Oxford University Hospitals and external institutions.
Opportunity is available throughout the course for continuing professional development activity, including in building scientific and transferrable skills.
Full-time study
The full-time course is delivered in Oxford over the three terms of the Oxford academic year (Michaelmas, Hilary and Trinity) and part of the Long Vacation (the period between the end of the Trinity term and the beginning of Michaelmas term each year).
Taught Units are delivered in Michaelmas and Hilary terms. Each of these two 11-week taught terms consist of nine weeks of classroom-based teaching, time for revision and an examination taking place in the final week.
An average teaching week comprises approximately seven lectures, each lecture being 60 to 90 minutes in duration. In addition, throughout the term there are workshops, small-group discussion and problem-based learning sessions, which may be led by tutors, or by students. Teaching is typically delivered in our classroom in Headington, Oxford.
Continuing professional development (CPD) is supported by training and teaching in presentation and IT skills, statistics, ethics, scientific methodologies, careers and special seminars. CPD sessions take place during both taught terms.
In Trinity term and part of the Long Vacation you will undertake an original, supervised research project to gain a working understanding of research techniques in immunology or a related area. Projects are sourced from a wide range of supervisors across the Oxford Immunology Network. Projects are immunologically relevant across a breadth of topics and research methods, and are largely unique to the student researcher. The projects available to students therefore vary from year to year. In some circumstances, students may be permitted to arrange their own MSc research project. Research supervisors provide regular support and guidance during the course of the research project. You will normally be expected to work on your project full-time during core working hours, or as agreed with your supervisor.
For the duration of the course, as a full-time student, you will be expected to treat your studies as a full-time occupation of at least 40-hours per week.
Part-time study
The part-time, online course is two years in duration and is designed to support you with flexible part-time study. This course is aimed at those who wish to study the exciting subject of immunology at a world-class institution, but who are not able to relocate to Oxford to study full-time. This is an intensive course where you will cover fundamental and applied immunology over the course of a year, ahead of transitioning into your research project in year two. You should devote a minimum of 15 hours per week to the course and need to be certain that you can factor this into your professional and personal life.
As a part-time student, you will be taught online, with a one-week residential held in Oxford, typically in September.
Written, recorded and interactive materials are accessible asynchronously, allowing you to study at a time that suits you.
During the first year of the course, you will work through the course's bespoke online programme via Oxford’s Virtual Learning Environment, Canvas. This is structured in a way that encourages you to work through the materials week-by-week, allowing you to maintain the best pace for studying what is an increasingly complex and dynamic subject.
The taught topic themes each last between two and four weeks. In an average teaching week, students usually watch three to four pre-recorded lectures and complete related reading and asynchronous interactive activities. Each topic theme includes one or two synchronous ‘live’ online small group discussions, collaborative activities or problem-based learning sessions, which are led by tutors or students.
These sessions will typically take place at fortnightly intervals during the taught Units of the course. Pre-recorded lectures are given by speakers drawn from the University of Oxford, the Oxford Immunology Network (OIN), Oxford University Hospitals and external institutions.
A one-week residential for part-time students is held in Oxford after the end of the taught Units, typically in September. This will include special seminars and other academic activities, social events, opportunities for professional networking and time to explore your college and the wonderful city of Oxford.
In the second year, you will undertake an original, supervised, desk-based, remote research project to gain a working understanding of research techniques in immunology or a related area. Research supervisors provide support and guidance during the course of the project, and students are normally expected to work on their projects part-time during the week, or as agreed with their supervisor. You will work with staff affiliated to a research department or institute across the Medical Sciences Division.
Core components
You will complete two taught Units, each divided into learning themes, covering linked topics in immunology. You will then undertake a research project during Unit 3.
Course details
Entry requirements
For entry in 2027-28