Microbiology and Infection MSc
About This Programme
The MSc Microbiology and Infection at the University of Birmingham Dubai builds specialist knowledge of molecular microbiology through hands-on work in dedicated laboratories, for the growing demand for microbiology specialists driven by antibiotic resistance, the rise of superbugs and the global threat of tuberculosis. Students study bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections and their diagnosis and treatment in healthcare. It runs for 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time. The degree is set within the context of the Institute of Microbiology and Infection at the University's UK campus, which brings together the UK's largest grouping of microbiologists working at the cutting edge of research. Teaching moves from host-pathogen interactions, clinical microbiology and safe laboratory practice, to antibiotic targets, resistance and the omics technologies that have transformed understanding of pathogens, to a research project with a leading research group.
Course Highlights
- Hands-on laboratory experience with a range of microorganisms.
- Teaching from expert researchers, linked to the University's Institute of Microbiology and Infection, the UK's largest grouping of microbiologists.
- Research projects with leading research groups, on topics such as antimicrobial resistance and bacterial pathogens.
- Flexible study, with evening and weekend classes, on an award-winning, state-of-the-art campus.
- Birmingham is ranked 68th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, as stated on the course page.
What You'll Study
The degree combines lectures, workshops and laboratory teaching, with evening and weekend classes that suit working professionals as well as full-time students: teaching usually runs on one or two weekday evenings and at weekends, the day varying by module, and each module is block-taught over three weeks. Assessment includes essays, assessed laboratory notebooks, reports and group work, with formative assessments that prepare students for the summative ones and build skills that transfer to employment.
Term 1: September to January
Eleven weeks. Host-pathogen interactions and the clinical side of medical microbiology, with quantitative, analytical and critical skills and safe laboratory handling of microorganisms.
- LM Core Concepts and Skills in Microbiology20 credits
- LM Host-Pathogen Interactions20 credits
- LM Medical Microbiology (Practice and Applications)20 credits
Term 2: January to May
Eleven weeks. The microbial surface and its links to antibiotic targets, global antibiotic use and the emergence of resistance, and how genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metagenomics have advanced understanding of microbial pathogens, through lectures and workshops.
- LM Antimicrobials and Resistance20 credits
- LM Microbial Physiology and Virulence20 credits
- LM Omics of Pathogens20 credits
Term 3: May to August
Eleven weeks. A research project; recent Dubai projects have included anti-plasmid compounds to reduce antimicrobial resistance, mechanisms of cell envelope lipid biosynthesis in Mycobacteria, the role of the cyclic AMP receptor protein in a bacterial pathogen, and the effect of the host environment on antimicrobial susceptibility.
- LM Research Project (M&I)60 credits
Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet both the University's general entry requirements and the course's own criteria. Each application is reviewed by the course's Admissions Tutor, who decides whether to make an offer.
Careers
Graduates are strong candidates for health-related posts in hospital and public health laboratories, in industry such as biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, and in regulatory or quality assurance roles in the public sector or industry. The MSc is also good preparation for academic research or a PhD. The Careers Network Dubai offers information, advice and guidance to identify options, build skills and reach opportunities.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and listed as Active on the Commission for Academic Accreditation register as the Master of Science in Microbiology and Infection.
Programme Details
Award
Master of Science (MSc)
Start Date
September 2026 (applications closed; September 2027 details to follow)
Typical Offer
2:2 Honours degree in life or medical sciences, physics or chemistry
Duration
12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
Qualification
Masters
Subject Area
Health Sciences
Campus
Dubai
Study Pattern
Full time, Part time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 155,483/yr
AED 155,483 a year full-time or AED 77,742 a year part-time, for September 2026 entry. The fee covers tuition, examinations and graduation and is charged for each year of study, so part-time students pay it in both years; it can be paid in full or in instalments, and it does not include visa or living costs. Applications for September 2026 entry to this programme are closed, and details for September 2027 entry will be published later. Applications are made online through the University of Birmingham Dubai Admissions portal, with no application fee; postgraduate applicants upload transcripts for study completed so far, their degree certificate if available, and a CV. Decisions are usually made within 10 working days of all documents arriving. A non-returnable AED 5,000 deposit, deducted from tuition, is paid on accepting an offer. Scholarships of up to 30% are assessed from the application itself, with no separate form, and full-time students can apply for a student visa sponsored by the University.