University of Nottingham

What you'll study

This programme combines taught modules with a substantial laboratory research project. Core teaching covers cellular and molecular immunology, host–pathogen interactions, immune regulation, and the principles and practice of immunotherapeutics such as monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and cellular therapies. Practical training emphasises contemporary laboratory techniques, experimental design and data analysis used in immunology research and product development.

• Core topics: innate and adaptive immunity; antigen presentation and T/B cell biology; immunological tolerance and autoimmunity; cytokine signalling and immunometabolism.
• Translational and therapeutic modules: principles of vaccine design, antibody engineering, cell therapies (including CAR-T concepts), immuno-oncology, and immunodiagnostics.
• Methods and skills: flow cytometry, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, cell culture and primary cell isolation, next-generation sequencing approaches for immunology, bioinformatics and statistical analysis relevant to immunological datasets.
• Research project: an extended laboratory-based dissertation supervised by academic staff, allowing you to work on an original research question within a research group in the School of Life Sciences or affiliated research centres.
• Optional topics and transferable skills: modules may include infection and host–pathogen biology, molecular vaccinology, regulatory aspects of biologics, scientific communication, and research ethics.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a UK upper second-class (2:1) honours degree, or an equivalent qualification, in a relevant biological or biomedical subject such as immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biomedical science, or related disciplines. Applicants with a lower second-class (2:2) degree may be considered where they can demonstrate relevant research experience or professional experience in a laboratory setting.

International applicants should meet the University’s English language requirements; commonly accepted evidence includes recognised qualifications such as IELTS or equivalent. Specific module preparation or prior laboratory experience in immunology-related techniques will strengthen an application. Candidates may be asked to provide academic references and a personal statement outlining research interests.

Career prospects

Graduates gain the technical and conceptual skills sought by employers across academia, industry and the health sector. Typical career paths include research scientist roles in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, vaccine development, biologics and antibody discovery, clinical trials and translational research, diagnostic development, and positions in regulatory affairs or quality assurance.

Other opportunities include progression to PhD study, roles in scientific communication, medical affairs, or policy, and work with contract research organisations (CROs), contract manufacturing organisations (CMOs) and public health agencies. The programme’s strong laboratory component and research project provide direct evidence of laboratory competence that is valuable to employers.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham offers research-led teaching within its School of Life Sciences, with access to well-equipped laboratories and core facilities relevant to immunology research, including flow cytometry and sequencing platforms. The School’s research groups work across basic immunology and translational projects, providing opportunities to join active research teams for your dissertation project.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary links with clinical and industry partners, enabling exposure to translational pipelines and opportunities for collaborative projects. The University also supports career development through its graduate training provision, links with regional and national life-science employers, and a research environment that emphasises reproducible experimental practice and ethical conduct.