Integrated Immunology

The University of Oxford is a world leader in Immunology. This course, jointly owned by the Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine and the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, is a one-year, full-time course comprising of two taught terms followed by a 14 week laboratory based research project within a University of Oxford laboratory. The first taught term focuses on the fundamental science of immunology, with the second explores the clinical and applied aspects of immunology.

The academic year is divided into three terms. The first two terms are taught terms, while the third term is spent on a research project which leads to a dissertation. This project will take place within a University of Oxford laboratory.

The first term

Students study the fundamental science of immunology. These include immunogenetics, molecular, cellular and in vivo (whole animal, including human) immunology. These areas are integrated with relevant areas of related sciences e.g. genetics, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology.

The second term

Students study clinical and applied aspects of immunology. These include infection and immunity, immunodeficiencies, autoimmunity and hypersensitivity, cancer and immunomodulation including drugs, transplantation and vaccinology. These areas are integrated with relevant areas of clinical sciences e.g. virology, bacteriology, mycology and parasitology, organ-based pathologies (e.g. examples from neurology, rheumatology, and gastroenterology), and clinical oncology.

Teaching strategies include lectures, class-directed learning, tutorials and problem based learning sessions (groupwork-based workshops). Continuing professional development classes (including presentation and I.T. skills, statistics, ethics and clinical trial methodologies) take place throughout both taught terms.

The third term

Students undertake an original, supervised research project to gain an understanding of research techniques in immunology or a related area. This is achieved by means of a supervised project. The research supervisor provides regular supervision and guidance during the course of the research project.

The Times Higher Education Supplement's league-table style analysis

ranks the quality of the research. In this analysis, Oxford is ranked highest in the country in the area of infection and immunity, in terms of research. This means that you will be doing your third term project in a top-ranked research department, and that you will be taught by leading academics in immunology throughout the first two terms of the MSc.

In addition, each student is assigned a mentor (a former student working or studying in Oxford) for the duration of the Diploma or MSc. degree.

The subject matter covered under fundamental immunology for the MSc in Integrated Immunology fulfils in its entirety the fundamental immunology component of the JRCPTB (Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board) Immunology curriculum.

1. Academic ability

Proven and potential academic excellence

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum in a physiological, biological or other relevant science.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.7, a first-class degree or equivalent international qualifications.

An appropriate medical qualification equivalent to MB (MD for overseas students) is also a suitable background for applicants.

2. English language requirement

Higher level

3. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

• Three references (letters of recommendation)
• Official transcript(s) of previous university-level degrees
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement: Up to 1,500 words

• Clarendon Scholarships. This unique scheme offers around 140 new, fully-funded scholarships each year to academically outstanding graduate students, as well as providing a lively and stimulating community of scholars.
• Hill Foundation Scholarships. The Hill Foundation Scholarships fund Russian students to study for full-time graduate courses in any subject at Oxford. The Hill Foundation is a charity which aims to create a community of Oxford scholars and alumni who will work to improve Russian life and culture.The scholarship will cover 100% of University and college fees and a grant for living costs (of at least £14,296). Awards are made for the full duration of your fee liability for the agreed course.