Immunology, BSc

by mark allen | Nov 20, 2019 | Undergraduate

Course Overview

Overview

This degree will offer you the opportunity to explore how our body defends itself as well as the role that the immune system plays in the debilitating autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, the growing incidence of asthma and allergy and the development of cancer. We look at how the immune system can be exploited for novel therapies including vaccines and how it is important in transplant survival and blood transfusion.

You will gain a broad, in depth, understanding of Immunology at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. Our research-led approach, which covers the latest advances in Immunology, provides you with the skills and knowledge for a wide range of careers in Immunology and more generally in medical science.

5 year MSci degree

This degree offers you the opportunity to undertake a year’s placement in an industrial, commercial or research environment and graduate after five years with an MSci (an undergraduate Masters degree) instead of a BSc.

AT A GLANCE

LEARNING MODE	On Campus Learning
DEGREE QUALIFICATION	BSc
DURATION	48 months
STUDY MODE	Full Time

What You'll Study

A degree in Immunology is taught via a selection of compulsory and optional courses to enhance your learning and prepare you for a future career or further study. In each year you will take courses adding up to 120 credits. Depending on the number of compulsory and optional courses offered by your degree, you can also choose other eligible courses which fit your timetable.

How You'll Study

You will be taught using a variety of methods and styles and we continually seek to make the teaching engaging, exciting and responsive to the latest research in your subject area. The research we carry out in the School directly informs and guides our teaching, particularly in the final Honours year. Our commitment to teaching is recognised by the range of Northampton University Student-led Teaching Awards given to staff from our School.

As a student, your learning is supported by Northampton , our virtual learning environment from which you can access the lecture Powerpoint slides, online practice tests, links to related reading, and tutorial support material.

We make innovative use of ‘educational voting’ handsets in class, remote control ‘clickers’ that allow each and every student to electronically respond in class by anonymous vote to questions posed by the lecturer.

Your academic development is supported from year 1 through to year 4 by an assigned personal tutor, who acts as adviser and mentor throughout your University career.

In year 1 courses are taken in Medical Sciences and Chemistry for Life Sciences plus additional courses selected from science and other areas.

Compulsory Courses

Introduction to Medical Sciences (NT1001) – 15 Credit Points
The Cell (NT1501) – 15 Credit Points
Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1 (NT1020) – 15 Credit Points
Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2 (NT1512) – 15 Credit Points
Professional Skills Part 1 (NT1001)

Optional Courses

Select 60 credit points from courses of choice.

In year 2 courses introduce Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Bacteria and Parasites and Cell Biology. Year 2 curriculum includes two courses devoted to development of Foundation and Research Skills in the Life Sciences.

Compulsory Courses

Molecular Biology of the Gene (NT20M3) – 15 Credit Points
Genes and Evolution (NT2017) – 15 Credit Points
Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences (NT2001) – 15 Credit Points
Microbes, Infection and Immunity (NT25M5) – 15 Credit Points
Research Skills for Medical Sciences (NT2501) – 15 Credit Points

Optional Courses

Select 45 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 3 covers the fundamentals of Immunology, including Immune Regulation, Tolerance and an introduction to new ideas and advances in our understanding of the immune system. The latest technologies available for immunological analysis both in clinical and research settings will also be covered.

Compulsory Courses

Molecular Biology of the Cell (NT3006) – 30 Credit Points
Fundamentals of Immunology (NT3501) – 30 Credit Points
Applied Immunology: Human Health (NT3502) – 15 Credit Points

Optional Courses

Select one of the following courses:

Biology and Control of Infectious Diseases (NT3808)
Mechanisms of Disease and Principles of Chemotherapy (NT3802)

Plus select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Biology and Control of Infectious Diseases (NT3808) – 15 Credit Points
Mechanisms of Disease and Principles of Chemotherapy (NT3802) – 15 Credit Points

The Honours year extends and explores molecular and cellular aspects of Immunology. An important feature is the ten-week research project, carried out in research laboratories at the University or in local research institutes.

Compulsory Courses

Advanced Immunology (NT4005) – 30 Credit Points
Honours Immunology – Option 1 (NT4007) – 15 Credit Points
Honours Immunology – Option 2 (NT4307) – 15 Credit Points
Immunology Honours Research Project (NT4505) – 60 Credit Points

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Immunology?

Our teaching is underpinned by world leading research groups particularly in immunohematology and the immunology of Fungal Infection.
This is a wide-ranging programme that includes training in both specialist and generic employment-related skills.
Excellent staff, passionate about high quality teaching (91% of our students were satisfied they received strong academic support), using modern, up-to-date teaching facilities.
Modern teaching facilities and laboratories which will enhance your learning and provide you with an opportunity to experience working in a research focussed laboratory environment.
The University is ranked 9th in the World and 5th in Europe for its international research collaboration in Biomedical and Health Sciences (Leiden Ranking 2015).
Immunology research here has led to major improvements in treatment for the debilitating autoimmune eye disease uveitis.
The Wellcome Trust medical research foundation has funded a £5.1 million Strategic award in Medical Mycology and Fungal Immunology to members of the Northampton University’s Fungal Group. It represents the single largest award in the mycology-immunology field.

Careers

Many of our graduates follow their undergraduate degree with a postgraduate programme or with PhD research in a wide range of research laboratories. Others move directly into positions in hospital research, diagnostic laboratories and research institutes. Other major employers of Immunology graduates include the scientific civil service, pharmaceutical, food, fermentation and biotechnology industries.

An Immunology degree is also a starting point for a career outside science in management, intellectual property, publishing, teaching or a wide range of other professions.

Our degree programmes are built to enhance your employability and three flagship options give our degrees a distinctively different flavour from many others. All our degrees offer:

A 10-week full time research project in the final year which will provide you with valuable experience of working in a medical science research environment
The option of an industrial placement year and graduation with an undergraduate MSci
Highly relevant and sought after experience in bio-business aimed at giving you an understanding of the commercialisation of scientific ideas and an opportunity to learn about the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries

Entry requirements

SQA Highers

Standard: AABB*

Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.

Minimum: BBB*

Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.

Adjusted: BB*

Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

A LEVELS

Standard: BBB*

Minimum: BBC*

Adjusted: CCC*

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

International Baccalaureate

32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL*.

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

Irish Leaving Certificate

5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 OR AAABB*, obtained in a single sitting. (B must be at B2 or above)

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

English Language Requirements

To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Northampton University it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL – 6.0 with: Listening – 5.5; Reading – 5.5; Speaking – 5.5; Writing – 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL – 78 with: Listening – 17; Reading – 18; Speaking – 20; Writing – 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL – 54 with: Listening – 51; Reading – 51; Speaking – 51; Writing – 54

Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:

OVERALL – 169 with: Listening – 162; Reading – 162; Speaking – 162; Writing – 169

How to apply

This programm by online learning has start dates in September and January of each academic year.

We recommend that you apply as early as possible; this is particularly important for applicants who may need to allow sufficient time to take an English language test

Documentation required

Applications are made online via the University Application Service, EUCLID.

Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you have included the following documentation with your application:

Degree certificates showing award of degree.
Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes.
A reference in support or your application. The reference should be academic and dated no earlier than one year from the start of study on the LLM programme.
Evidence of English language proficiency, if required.

If you are currently studying for your degree or you are not in a possession of an English test result you may still apply to the programme. Please note that it is your responsibility to submit the necessary documents.

After you apply

After your application has been submitted you will be able to track its progress through the University’s applicant hub.

Application processing times will vary however the admissions team will endeavour to process your application within four to six weeks of submission. Please note that missing documentation will delay the application process.

You will be informed as soon as possible of the decision taken. Three outcomes are possible:

You may be offered a place unconditionally
You may be offered a conditional place, which means that you must fulfil certain conditions that will be specified in the offer letter. Where a conditional offer is made, it is your responsibility to inform the College Postgraduate Office when you have fulfilled the requirements set out.
Your application may be unsuccessful. If your application has not been successful, you can request feedback from us or refer to our guidance for unsuccessful applicants, which explains some of the common reasons we why we reach this decision.
View the University’s guidance for unsuccessful applicants

Terms and conditions of admissions

The University’s terms and conditions form part of your contract with the University, and you should read them, and our data protection policy, carefully before applying.

Northampton University admissions terms and conditions

Immunology and Pharmacology, BSc

by mark allen | Nov 18, 2019 | Undergraduate

Course Overview

Overview

There is a rapidly increasing number of immune system molecules now used to treat, or used as targets in the treatment of, a wide range of disease. The joint Immunology and Pharmacology degree has been developed to meet the need for understanding of both these subjects in drug development.

There is a rapidly increasing number of immune system molecules now used to treat, or used as targets in the treatment of, a wide range of disease.

Immunology is the study of how the body defends itself against pathogenic microorganisms and cancer but is also fundamental to debilitating autoimmune diseases, asthma and allergies. Pharmacology is concerned with the discovery, characterisation and toxicology of drugs that are used either as medicines or as experimental tools for advancing our understanding of the body in health and disease. It also addresses drug toxicity and the processes by which drugs are absorbed, metabolised and excreted. We look at how the immune system can be exploited for novel therapies including vaccines.

Students will gain a broad, in depth, understanding of both subjects at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. Our research-led approach, which covers the latest advances provides graduates with the skills and knowledge for a wide range of careers in immunology and pharmacology and more generally in medical science.

5 year MSci degree

AT A GLANCE

LEARNING MODE	On Campus Learning
DEGREE QUALIFICATION	BSc
DURATION	48 months
STUDY MODE	Full Time

What You'll Study

A degree in Immunology and Pharmacology is taught via a selection of compulsory and optional courses to enhance your learning and prepare you for a future career or further study. In each year you will take courses adding up to 120 credits. Depending on the number of compulsory and optional courses offered by your degree, you can also choose other eligible courses which fit your timetable.

How You'll Study

As a student, your learning is supported by MyNorthampton, our virtual learning environment from which you can access the lecture Powerpoint slides, online practice tests, links to related reading, and tutorial support material.

Your academic development is supported from year 1 through to year 4 by an assigned personal tutor, who acts as adviser and mentor throughout your University career.

Year 1 courses include Medical Sciences and Chemistry for Life Sciences plus additional courses selected from science and other areas.

Compulsory Courses

Introduction to Medical Sciences (NT1001) – 15 Credit Points
Introduction to the Science of Sport, Exercise and Health (NT1002) – 15 Credit Points
Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1 (NT1020) – 15 Credit Points
The Cell (NT1501) – 15 Credit Points
Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2 (NT1512) – 15 Credit Points
Professional Skills Part 1 (NT1001)

Optional Courses

Select a further 45 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 2 courses introduce Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Genetics and cell biology. The year 2 curriculum includes two courses devoted to development of Foundation and Research Skills in the Life Sciences.

Compulsory Courses

Genes and Evolution (NT2017) – 15 Credit Points
Physiology of Human Cells (NT20B2) – 15 Credit Points
Molecular Biology of the Gene (NT20M3)
Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences (NT2001) – 15 Credit Points
Physiology of Human Organ Systems (NT25B2) – 15 Credit Points
Microbes, Infection and Immunity (NT25M5) – 15 Credit Points
Energy for Life (NT25M7) – 15 Credit Points
Research Skills for Medical Sciences (NT2501) – 15 Credit Points

In year 3 courses include biochemical pharmacology and toxicology and mechanisms of disease and principles of chemotherapy.

Compulsory Courses

Biochemical Pharmacology and Toxicology (NT3004) – 30 Credit Points
Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology (NT3501) – 15 Credit Points
Mechanisms of Disease and Principles of Chemotherapy (NT3802) – 15 Credit Points
Fundamentals of Immunology (NT3501) – 30 Credit Points

Optional Courses

Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.

In your Honours year the focus of taught courses is on special aspects of immunology and pharmacology. An important feature is the ten-week research project, carried out in research laboratories at the University or in local research institutes.

Compulsory Courses

Current Research in Immunology (NT4006) – 30 Credit Points
Molecular Pharmacology (NT4005) – 15 Credit Points
Immunology or Pharmacology Project (NT4504) – 60 Credit Points

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Immunology and Pharmacology?

Why Pharmacology

You will receive cutting edge, applicable training and practical experience in classical pharmacology, toxicology and cell and molecular pharmacology.
The people involved in your teaching are at the forefront of pharmacology research and some may also be involved with successful spin-out companies.
Pharmacology teaching at the University was graded ‘Excellent’ in the last Teaching Quality Assessment.
Pharmacologists at the Northampton University have been involved in fundamental scientific discoveries such as morphine-like and cannabis-like substances in the brain.
The University has been recognised by the British Pharmacological Society as a site of special scientific interest based on its achievements in pharmacology.
You will receive training in both specialist and employment-related skills.
Excellent staff and teaching facilities; 92% of our students were satisfied with teaching on courses in the School of Medical Sciences, and 91.8% of our students were satisfied that staff made the subject interesting (2014 National Student Survey)
The University is one of the top 10 UK Universities for spin-out company formation.
Award winning research on opioids and cannabinoids was carried out by world-renowned Professors Kosterlitz and Pertwee at the University.

Careers

The Immunology and Pharmacology degree offers good prospects for research careers in academia, industry, the scientific civil service and hospitals. It can be used as an entry qualification for certain postgraduate courses, including MSc Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology, Endocrinology, Nutrition or IT. Alternatively, it may lead onto careers such as marketing, publishing or teaching.

Our degree programmes are built to enhance your employability and three flagship options give our degrees a distinctively different flavour from many others. All our degrees offer:

A 10-week full time research project in the final year which will provide you with valuable experience of working in a medical science research environment
The option of an industrial placement year and graduation with an undergraduate MSci
Highly relevant and sought after experience in bio-business aimed at giving you an understanding of the commercialisation of scientific ideas and an opportunity to learn about the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries

Entry requirements

SQA Highers

Standard: AABB*

Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.

Minimum: BBB*

Adjusted: BB*

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

A LEVELS

Standard: BBB*

Minimum: BBC*

Adjusted: CCC*

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

International Baccalaureate

32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL*.

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

Irish Leaving Certificate

5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 OR AAABB*, obtained in a single sitting. (B must be at B2 or above)

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

English Language Requirements

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL – 6.0 with: Listening – 5.5; Reading – 5.5; Speaking – 5.5; Writing – 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL – 78 with: Listening – 17; Reading – 18; Speaking – 20; Writing – 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL – 54 with: Listening – 51; Reading – 51; Speaking – 51; Writing – 54

Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:

OVERALL – 169 with: Listening – 162; Reading – 162; Speaking – 162; Writing – 169

How to apply

This programm by online learning has start dates in September and January of each academic year.

We recommend that you apply as early as possible; this is particularly important for applicants who may need to allow sufficient time to take an English language test

Documentation required

Applications are made online via the University Application Service, EUCLID.

Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you have included the following documentation with your application:

Degree certificates showing award of degree.
Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes.
A reference in support or your application. The reference should be academic and dated no earlier than one year from the start of study on the LLM programme.
Evidence of English language proficiency, if required.

After you apply

After your application has been submitted you will be able to track its progress through the University’s applicant hub.

You will be informed as soon as possible of the decision taken. Three outcomes are possible:

You may be offered a place unconditionally
You may be offered a conditional place, which means that you must fulfil certain conditions that will be specified in the offer letter. Where a conditional offer is made, it is your responsibility to inform the College Postgraduate Office when you have fulfilled the requirements set out.
Your application may be unsuccessful. If your application has not been successful, you can request feedback from us or refer to our guidance for unsuccessful applicants, which explains some of the common reasons we why we reach this decision.
View the University’s guidance for unsuccessful applicants

Terms and conditions of admissions

The University’s terms and conditions form part of your contract with the University, and you should read them, and our data protection policy, carefully before applying.

Northampton University admissions terms and conditions

Genetics (Immunology), BSc

by mark allen | Nov 16, 2019 | Undergraduate

Course Overview

Overview

Genetics is the study of the inherited differences between individuals, whereas Immunology is the study of how the body defends itself against the huge variety of pathogenic microorganisms it may encounter.

Genetics allows us to understand normal events such as development, growth and ageing in terms of the underlying molecular machinery of the cell. This includes the development and functioning of the Immune system which protects us from pathogens. It helps explain what goes wrong in disease and, for example, in Immunology why we may develop debilitating autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

In this degree programme we combine Genetics and Immunology, aiming to instil a broad base of knowledge at molecular, cellular and organismal levels. Additionally, students will gain an in depth understanding of selected aspects of Genetics and Immunology which will reflect the research expertise and strengths within the School, and will be instructed in the many applications of these subjects.

5 year MSci degree

AT A GLANCE

LEARNING MODE	On Campus Learning
DEGREE QUALIFICATION	BSc
DURATION	48 months
STUDY MODE	Full Time

What You'll Study

A degree in Genetics (Immunology) is taught via a selection of compulsory and optional courses to enhance your learning and prepare you for a future career or further study. In each year you will take courses adding up to 120 credits. Depending on the number of compulsory and optional courses offered by your degree, you can also choose other eligible courses which fit your timetable.

In year 1 you will take courses in Medical Sciences and Chemistry for Life Sciences plus additional courses selected from science and other areas.

Compulsory Courses

Introduction to Medical Sciences (NT1001) – 15 Credit Points
The Cell (NT1501) – 15 Credit Points
Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1 (NT1020) – 15 Credit Points
Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2 (NT1512) – 15 Credit Points
Professional Skills Part 1 (NT1001)

Optional Courses

Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice.

In year 2 the basic principles of gene action and immunology are explored including Genes and Evolution and Microbes, Infection & Immunity. You also have a choice of other science courses.

Compulsory Courses

Genes and Evolution (NT2017) – 15 Credit Points
Molecular Biology of the Gene (NT203)
Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences (NT2001) – 15 Credit Points
Energy for Life (NT257) – 15 Credit Points
Microbes, Infection and Immunity (NT255) – 15 Credit Points
Research Skills for Medical Sciences (NT2501) – 15 Credit Points

Optional Courses

Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.

In year 3 courses will focus on genetics, immunology and cell biology.

Compulsory Courses

Molecular Biology of the Cell (NT3006) – 30 Credit Points
Genetics (NT3502) – 30 Credit Points
Fundamentals of Immunology (NT3501) – 30 Credit Points

Optional Courses

Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.

The Honours year aims to explore in depth, specific aspects of genetics and immunology. An important feature is the ten-week research project, carried out in research laboratories at the University or in local research institutes.

Compulsory Courses

Honours Genetics – Option 1 (NT4010) – 15 Credit Points
Honours Advanced Molecular Biology (NT4050) – 30 Credit Points
Genetics (Immunology) Honours Research Project (NT4501) – 60 Credit Points
Honours Immunology – Option 2 (NT4307) – 15 Credit Points

How You'll Study

As a student, your learning is supported by My Northampton , our virtual learning environment from which you can access the lecture Powerpoint slides, online practice tests, links to related reading, and tutorial support material.

Your academic development is supported from year 1 through to year 4 by an assigned personal tutor, who acts as adviser and mentor throughout your University career.

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Genetics (Immunology)?

Genetics has been revolutionised by the application of new genome sequencing technologies. You will benefit from the investment made in this technology from the formation of the Centre for Genome Enabled Biology and Medicine at the University, with the opportunities that it creates in the fields of genome analysis and bioinformatics training.
Our teaching is underpinned by world leading research groups for example in Immunohaematology and the Immunology of Fungal Infection
Throughout the programme there is a strong emphasis on medical and human genetics as well as Immunology.
Training is provided in both specialist and employment-related skills.
Excellent staff and teaching facilities; 92% of our students were satisfied with teaching on courses in the School of Medical Sciences, and 91.8% of our students were satisfied that staff made the subject interesting (2014 National Student Survey).
Innovative and flexible teaching allowing you, the student, to follow special interests.
You will have opportunities for gaining (paid) experience in industry.

Careers

Northampton University Genetics graduates have adopted a variety of research careers in biological and biomedical sciences, in both University and Industry.

Many of our graduates follow their degree with PhD research. Others move into positions in hospital research, diagnostic laboratories and research institutes. Some of our graduates have gone on to train for careers in Genetic Counselling, Biomedical Ethics and Forensic sciences.

Major employers of Genetics graduates include the scientific civil service, pharmaceutical, food, fermentation and related industries.

Students in Genetics and related disciplines at Northampton have taken part in the iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) Competition, which is held at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA. iGEM is a competition that gives undergraduates experience of the exciting field of synthetic biology. Past UoA teams have won gold medals.

Our degree programmes are built to enhance your employability and three flagship options are offered:

A 10-week full time research project in the final year which will provide you with valuable experience of working in a medical science research environment
The option of an industrial placement year and graduation with an undergraduate MSci
Highly relevant and sought after experience in bio-business aimed at giving you an understanding of the commercialisation of scientific ideas and an opportunity to learn about the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries

Entry requirements

SQA Highers

Standard: AABB*

Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.

Minimum: BBB*

Adjusted: BB*

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

A LEVELS

Standard: BBB*

Minimum: BBC*

Adjusted: CCC*

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

International Baccalaureate

32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL*.

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

Irish Leaving Certificate

5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 OR AAABB*, obtained in a single sitting. (B must be at B2 or above)

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

English Language Requirements

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL – 6.0 with: Listening – 5.5; Reading – 5.5; Speaking – 5.5; Writing – 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL – 78 with: Listening – 17; Reading – 18; Speaking – 20; Writing – 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL – 54 with: Listening – 51; Reading – 51; Speaking – 51; Writing – 54

Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:

OVERALL – 169 with: Listening – 162; Reading – 162; Speaking – 162; Writing – 169

How to apply

This programm by online learning has start dates in September and January of each academic year.

We recommend that you apply as early as possible; this is particularly important for applicants who may need to allow sufficient time to take an English language test

Documentation required

Applications are made online via the University Application Service, EUCLID.

Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you have included the following documentation with your application:

Degree certificates showing award of degree.
Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes.
A reference in support or your application. The reference should be academic and dated no earlier than one year from the start of study on the LLM programme.
Evidence of English language proficiency, if required.

After you apply

After your application has been submitted you will be able to track its progress through the University’s applicant hub.

You will be informed as soon as possible of the decision taken. Three outcomes are possible:

You may be offered a place unconditionally
You may be offered a conditional place, which means that you must fulfil certain conditions that will be specified in the offer letter. Where a conditional offer is made, it is your responsibility to inform the College Postgraduate Office when you have fulfilled the requirements set out.
Your application may be unsuccessful. If your application has not been successful, you can request feedback from us or refer to our guidance for unsuccessful applicants, which explains some of the common reasons we why we reach this decision.
View the University’s guidance for unsuccessful applicants

Terms and conditions of admissions

The University’s terms and conditions form part of your contract with the University, and you should read them, and our data protection policy, carefully before applying.

Northampton University admissions terms and conditions

Immunology

by mark allen | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

Postgraduate Certificate

ECTS: 30 credits
Duration: 3 months full-time
(standalone course)

MSc

ECTS: 90 credits
Duration: 1 year full-time
(including PG Cert)

Overview

The PG Certificate in Immunology will provide you with the theoretical principles of Innate and Adaptive Immunity, a unique chance to plan, design and conduct your own Mini-Research Project in our teaching laboratories as well as the opportunity to attend an Immunology conference and conduct an in-depth team presentation of one immunology topic of choice.

The MSc in Immunology will build from the PG Certificate by taking you on a journey to investigate immunity in health and disease. To accompany you on this journey are our leaders in the field with whom you will subsequently have the opportunity to conduct a 7 months laboratory-based research project.

In addition to preparing you to become a researcher in Immunology (main professional outcome) by helping you strengthen your knowledge, creativity and critical thinking skills, the programme will also give you a chance to develop your communication and team working skills.

Study programme

The Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) lasts three months and is made up of the first three core modules (first term) of the MSc.

The MSc builds on the PG Cert with an additional module in Immunology in Health and Disease, and a substantial seven-month research project in one of our hosting laboratories.

You can apply to either the PG Cert or MSc in the first instance. If you choose the PG Cert, you can apply to complete the MSc with a starting date of January the following academic year.

Careers

The Immunology programme provides excellent training if you are intending to pursue a career in scientific research (academia, industry, communication). A high proportion of our graduates The Immunology programme provides excellent training if you are intending to pursue a career in scientific research (academia, industry, communication). A high proportion of our graduates proceeds to PhD study, or, if medically qualified, to clinical practice or research.

As well as scientific training, the MSc programme will expand your repertoire of transferable skills, allowing you to also enter a variety of non-scientific careers including finance, management and various types of consultancy.

Structure

Modules shown are for the current academic year, and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

Core modules

You study the three core modules below:

Principles of Immunology

The module will cover the principles of innate and adaptive immunity and therefore provide you with a solid understanding of immune players and interactions in a healthy environment. In addition, the module will provide you with an introduction to some practical laboratory and professional skills which will support your learning during the rest of the programme.

Experimental Immunology

The module is a Mini-Research Project during which you will work in pairs and experience a hands-on approach to experimental work, taking ownership of your mini project. In a set scientific frame, you will define your starting scientific hypothesis, design and execute your experimental plan, analyse and critique your own data and troubleshoot some of your experiments.

Immunology in Practice

You will attend the annual British Society of Immunology (BSI) conference (or winter school) during and after which you will work in small teams to investigate and report in–depth on a chosen topic of interest. In the unlikely event of the conference or winter school not taking place, you will be provided with current Northampton research topics in Immunology to investigate in your teams.

Core modules

Principles of Immunology

Experimental Immunology

Immunology in Practice

Immunology in Health and Disease

The module will take you on a journey amongst the topics of immunological research done at Northampton College. These include the immune response to bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, inflammation, immunology in autoimmune diseases as well as cancer immunology, but topics are subject to slightly change every year, depending on the most up to date research done in our laboratories.

Immunology Research Project

During this final module of the MSc, you will join a research team to conduct an experimental project. Provided by our staff, or found by yourself, the projects will be directly related to their subject of expertise and will allow you to experience life in a laboratory as well as use the scientific method to investigate in-depth an immunological question.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Over the course of the programme, you will be taught using many approaches which are as much as possible reflective of the way the scientific community works and interacts.

The taught part of the programme will require you to study independently prior to our face to face sessions and in teams. These will be in the form of:

small group tutorials
keynote lectures
data interpretation sessions
journal club
workshops
group work sessions
lectures

In addition, you will have the opportunity to attend a conference (registration fees, accommodation and transport covered by the programme) during which you will get insight into the forefront of the discipline from the conference speakers. Finally, during your laboratory-based project, you will learn from interacting on a daily basis with researchers, presenting in lab meetings, attending seminars, observing others and receiving feedback on your work.

Assessment methods

Summative assessments will be in the form of:

computer-based closed-book examinations
oral individual and group presentations
conference written proceedings
posters
scientific papers
research project thesis and viva
research plan
laboratory meetings
coursework assessments.

Assessments will take place during and at the end of each module.

Entry requirements

We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

Minimum academic requirement

Our minimum requirement is a 2.2 degree in an appropriate biological science subject (e.g. Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, medicine, dentistry or veterinary science).

International qualifications

We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

English language requirement (all applicants)

All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

How to apply

You can submit one application form per year of entry, and usually choose up to two courses.

Choosing your course

This course is divided into two progressional levels of study:

PG Certificate (PG Cert)
MSc

Each level of study has its own separate entry point; you can apply to either level in the first instance.

Making an application

All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.