MSc in Integrated Immunology
The MSc in Integrated Immunology explores immunology in breadth and depth and is intended for science and medical postgraduates. It is available either full-time, in-person, or part-time, online.
Closed to applications for entry in 2026-27. Register to receive an email when applications open (for entry in 2027-28).
Closed to applications for entry in 2026-27. Register to receive an email when applications open (for entry in 2027-28).
- Expected length:
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- Full time: 12 months
- Part time: 2 years
- Expected start date:
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- Full time:
- Part time:
- English language level:
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- Higher level required
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
This MSc course is not modular in structure; all elements are compulsory. The course is composed of two taught components followed by an extended research project, hosted by a University of Oxford research group.
You will be taught by leading academics in immunology throughout the two taught components of the course. You will hear from a wide range of different lecturers, 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 components are delivered in Michaelmas and Hilary terms. Each of these two 11-week taught terms consist of nine weeks of classroom-based teaching, one week for revision and one week for examination.
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.
Continuing professional development (CPD) is supported by training 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. Research supervisors provide regular support and guidance during the course of the research project, and you will normally be expected to work on your project during core working hours during the week, 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 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 and in-person. This is an intensive course where you will cover graduate level fundamental and applied immunology over the course of a year, ahead of transitioning into your research project. The MSc is not a beginners' course in immune function and requires a high and sustained level of academic engagement. You will need to 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. The part-time, online course is two years in duration and is designed to support you with flexible part-time study.
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 components 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. Self-directed study is required alongside structured teaching.
A one-week residential for part-time students is held in Oxford after the end of the taught components, 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 (Unit 3) 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 top-ranked research department or institute across the Medical Sciences Division.
Core components
You will complete two taught elements and submit a research project.
Course details
Entry requirements
For entry in 2026-27