Program Overview
The Master of Science in Medical Virology at The University of Manchester is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at The University of Manchester. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in interdisciplinary studies, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 12 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in interdisciplinary studies.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at The University of Manchester.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Interdisciplinary Studies.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 12 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Careers
Career opportunities
You will graduate with the skills and knowledge required for a career as a modern virologist. You will be well placed to pursue a career as a diagnostic laboratory scientist or manager, or as a scientist in industry or academia in medical and/or molecular virology, or in any of a number of biotechnology fields relevant to virology. These include: gene therapy (where recombinant viruses are the mainstay of the technology); molecular biology, particularly next generation sequencing and new virus discovery; vaccinology; antiviral development; epidemiological and public health control. For medically qualified applicants, the course will benefit those wishing to specialise in virology or infectious diseases, or pursue a clinical academic route in this or related subjects. The course is also an excellent stepping stone to PhD research in virology or a related subject.
Program Curriculum
Course overview
Understand viruses, the diseases they cause, and how to diagnose, control and prevent infections. Cover topically relevant viruses such as novel coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2, Influenza, Monkeypox and non A-E hepatitis. Get hands on practical experience of traditional virology techniques and novel molecular virology methods. Learn from experienced academic and clinical virologists. Study at a university ranked 8th in the UK and among the top 35 in the world for medicine (QS 2025).
Open days
The University holds regular open days, where you will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about our facilities and courses. On this day, you will find out more about the course and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have. For more information, see Open days .
Contact details School/Faculty Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Contact name Postgraduate Admissions Team Telephone 0161 529 4539 Email pgtaught.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk Website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/biosciences/masters/ School/Faculty overview Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas. Molecular Biology Biosciences Medicine
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
We require a First or Upper Second class degree in a relevant biomedical/biosciences subject, or an equivalent overseas qualification. Non-standard applicants for the course will be considered on an individual basis. This course is also available for intercalating medical students, both from The University of Manchester and other UK universities, upon completion of their third year. For St Andrews students, this includes the three-year course, plus the following one or two years spent in Manchester.
English language
International applicants from non-majority English speaking countries must demonstrate English proficiency through a secure and approved testing system. We ask for English language proof if you are from non-majority English speaking countries (a list of majority English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Home Office, can be found on the GOV.UK website ). Specifically, we require a minimum of: IELTS : 6.5 overall with 6.5 in all components TOEFL: 90 internet-based with 22 in all components We may also accept evidence of a confirmed place on a University Pre-sessional English language course, if your current IELTS scores are: Minimum 6.0 overall (with 6.0 in each component) plus enrolment and attendance on the 6-week pre-sessional course (PS6). Minimum 6.0 overall (with 5.5 in each component) plus enrolment and attendance on the 10-week pre-sessional course (PS10). Please note, we must approve this before you apply for the English course. See further information about requirements for your country . If you wish to be considered for a pre-sessional course, please contact us .
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.
Relevant work experience
Relevant work experience from applicants with non-standard entry qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 21,500/year (international)
Fees and funding
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2026, the tuition fees are as follows: MSc (full-time) UK students (per annum): £16,800 International, including EU, students (per annum): £38,900 MSc (part-time) UK students (per annum): £8,400 International, including EU, students (per annum): £19,450 PGCert (full-time) UK students (per annum): £6,700 International, including EU, students (per annum): £15,500 PGCert (part-time) UK students (per annum): £3,350 International, including EU, students (per annum): £7,750
The fees quoted above are fully inclusive of tuition, administration and computational costs. Fees for entry are subject to yearly review. The University reserves the right to increase your tuition fee by up to 7% each year for courses lasting more than one year, including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our educational and wider student experience. Postgraduate fees information . Always contact the admissions team if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance. International student CAS deposit Self-funded international applicants are required to pay a deposit of £2500 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. Some applicants will be required to pay a higher deposit. More information on tuition fee deposits .
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
For the latest scholarship and bursary information please visit the fees and funding page . International scholarships Scholarships for international students are available through the Global Futures scheme. Visit the scholarship page to find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2026, the tuition fees are as follows: MSc (full-time) UK students (per annum): £16,800 International, including EU, students (per annum): £38,900 MSc (part-time) UK students (per annum): £8,400 International, including EU, students (per annum): £19,450 PGCert (full-time) UK students (per annum): £6,700 International, including EU, students (per annum): £15,500 PGCert (part-time) UK students (per annum): £3,350 International, including EU, students (per annum): £7,750
The fees quoted above are fully inclusive of tuition, administration and computational costs. Fees for entry are subject to yearly review. The University reserves the right to increase your tuition fee by up to 7% each year for courses lasting more than one year, including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our educational and wider student experience. Postgraduate fees information . Always contact the admissions team if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance. International student CAS deposit Self-funded international applicants are required to pay a deposit of £2500 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. Some applicants will be required to pay a higher deposit. More information on tuition fee deposits .
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
For the latest scholarship and bursary information please visit the fees and funding page . International scholarships Scholarships for international students are available through the Global Futures scheme. Visit the scholarship page to find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
About The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester
Botswana, Botswana
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Start Date 2017-09-18
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)