MSc in Integrated Immunology (Full-time)

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.  We expect that our graduates will 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.

Structure and content

The MSc is a 12-month, full-time course comprising two 11-week taught terms followed by a 16-week research project within a University of Oxford research group.

This MSc course is not modular in structure; all elements are compulsory for all students.

Unit 1 is covered in the first term. This focuses on the fundamental science of immunology, while Unit 2 explores the applied, clinical and therapeutic aspects of immunology.

In the third term you will undertake Unit 3: a project in a top-ranked research department or institute. MSc projects are provided by internationally-recognised research groups across the Medical Sciences Division.

Unit 1 Scientific Principles of Immunology taught themes:

• Fundamentals in immunology
• Innate immunity and inflammation
• Antigen presentation and recognition
• Adaptive immunity
• Evolution of human immunity

Unit 2 Clinical and Applied Principles of Immunology taught themes:

• Infection & immunity
• Failure of immunity
• Aberrant or unwanted immunity
• Cancer immunology
• Manipulation of immunity

Unit 3 Experimental Principles of Immunology:

• Research project

Teaching and learning

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 integrates with the clinical aspects of immune-driven disease and with other disciplines including cell and molecular biology, genetics and microbiology.

You will be taught by leading academics in immunology throughout the first two terms of the course. You will hear from a wide range of different lecturers, drawn from the University of Oxford Immunology Network, Oxford University Hospitals or external institutions.

Each of the two 11-week taught terms consist of nine weeks of classroom-based teaching, one for revision and one for examination.

An average teaching week comprises approximately seven lectures, each lecture being 60 to 90 minutes in duration. In addition, there are small-group discussion and problem-based learning sessions, which may be led by tutors, or by students.

Continuing professional development classes, including on presentation and IT skills, statistics, ethics, scientific methodologies, careers and special seminars take place during both taught terms.

Self-directed study is required alongside structured teaching.

In the third term 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, you will be expected to treat your studies as a full-time occupation of at least 40-hours per week.

Attendance

Resources to support your study

As part of the Bodleian Libraries, you will have access to the Bodleian Health Care Libraries, and access to further reading materials recommended by lecturers will be available either online or in print.

All resources, including lecture presentations and recommended further reading as well as material for problem-based learning sessions and/or small-group discussion classes, are made available through Canvas, the virtual learning environment for which you will receive training at the beginning of the course.

During your research projects, you will become a member of the hosting research laboratory and you will be given access to its facilities and resources.

There are social events, arranged ad hoc usually by the students. Formal arrangements that are attended by the Course Director and Course Administrator usually include a welcome drinks reception and the final dinner with the course team, examiners, mentors and course committee members.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences. It is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences.

Usually it is the Course Director who will be your primary supervisor throughout the course. They typically have close contact with the class during the first two terms, and you will have the opportunity to meet with them to discuss your progress. In the third term day-to-day supervision is devolved to the project supervisor; however the Course Director remains available to meet with students where possible.

Assessment

At the end of each taught term, you will take a computer-based examination to test core knowledge. Further elements of the overall assessment are a critical essay in the first term, a set of clinical case commentaries in Unit 2, and a research dissertation in the third term, and a final viva voce examination. Detailed assessment instructions and marking criteria will be provided at the beginning of each term.

Graduate destinations

The MSc in Integrated Immunology (Full-time) has run continuously since 2004. Over those years, about half of our alumni from the MSc have gone on to graduate research degrees, with a number of those taking up DPhil positions in Oxford.

Approximately a third of alumni from the MSc have continued to medical school, including Oxford, or progressed to higher specialist medical training. Others have taken up positions in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology or corporate sectors as senior scientists, policy advisors, analysts and managers.

College preference

The following colleges accept students on the MSc in Integrated Immunology (Full-time):