Program Overview

Among the many lessons learned from the global COVID-19 pandemic, we now recognise there was a critical shortfall of highly trained research scientists and technical experts with experience in immunology, infection and chronic disease. As the global impact of the pandemic recedes, we find ourselves facing new challenges. Instead of a single global threat, these new challenges are increasingly local and may be linked to climate change, migration or regional socio-economic conditions. Within this complex environment, people with life sciences research experience or healthcare delivery skills are in high demand. This is especially evident in the growing number of patients suffering from infectious disease accompanied by pre-existing chronic conditions. 

The University of Leicester meets this need for highly skilled research scientists with a comprehensive range of taught graduate education. We deliver exciting, fast-paced training by internationally recognised experts in immunology, infectious disease and chronic inflammatory conditions. Our intention is to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to support populations whose healthcare or research needs vary by global region.

Our MSc in Immunity, Infection and Chronic Disease delivers detailed treatment of infections and diseases from the perspective of the human immune response. It provides training in the latest theoretical and technical advances which can be readily applied to tackling the problems of infectious disease or chronic health conditions. This course will prepare you for further education, for work in commercial fields in life sciences, or as a foundation for advancing in your already established profession.

Our pedagogic approach emphasises critical analysis of literature, experimental design and hypothesis testing with exposure to a wide variety of analytic techniques. We provide you with the opportunity to participate in novel research, to make discoveries and to persuade your colleagues that your scientific arguments are sound. During your research dissertation placements, you will apply your critical analysis skills and hone your capacity to communicate your scientific results.  

Previous graduates from this MSc course have successfully applied these laboratory-based skills learned in Leicester to tackle formidable challenges, including clinical management of intractable infections like tuberculosis, hospital and diagnostic service management, and other leadership roles within their communities. Our graduates can provide essential on-the-ground expertise. This is especially important as misinformation competes with fact- and evidence-based science. You will be well-positioned to act as trusted experts who can influence communities, hospitals and social networks.