Taught course

Antimicrobial Resistance

Institution
University of Sheffield · Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Qualifications
MSc

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in molecular biology or a related subject (e.g. biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology, microbiology).

We also accept medical students who wish to intercalate their studies.

We may also consider your application if you do not meet the standard academic requirements but you have relevant professional experience. An interview will be required in this case.

An existing foundation of microbiology or molecular knowledge will be useful for this course so you can get the most benefit from the teaching of our specialists from day one. We would therefore ask you to upload a short supporting statement of 500-700 words with your application. This should:

  • Explain your background and your previous study or experience in this field.
  • Explain your interest in studying Antimicrobial Resistance from a multidisciplinary perspective

Months of entry

September

Course content

This course gives you a real-world insight into the approaches used to tackle the global threat of antimicrobial resistance and prepares you for an exciting career in this area. You'll receive hands-on training from scientists, clinicians and biotechnology industry experts.

Course description

Designed in collaboration with the NHS, throughout your course, you’ll learn about the latest clinical practice in the fast-moving area of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) ready for an exciting career in public health, policy making, or academia.

You’ll receive training in the main aspects of AMR, including microbe pathogenesis and resistance mechanisms, treatment regulations, national and international policies, public health, agricultural and environmental factors and potential new therapies and treatments.

To broaden your knowledge and gain an understanding of AMR, you’ll be taught by a wide range of academics at the forefront of the subject, from social science, engineering, clinical academics, microbiologists and other scientists. Guest lectures from experts in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, including GSK, and public health policy from Public Health England, will also introduce you to the different approaches that are being used to overcome this global threat. These lectures cover topics such as how infection outbreaks are managed in real life and how new treatments are taken through to clinical trials.

You’ll get hands-on in the lab during modules led by our scientists and clinicians, where you'll gain a good understanding of host-pathogen interaction. You’ll also receive training in science communication so you can explain AMR to a variety of audiences.

The biggest part of the course will be your Research Project in Antimicrobial Resistance. You’ll spend three months researching an area of your choice that matches your future career aspirations and may include microbiology and host-pathogen interactions, public health or drug discovery and new therapies. Some students may have the opportunity to complete their research project with the NHS or with the local Public Health England centre (Yorkshire and Humber) where you'll focus on epidemiology of AMR and diagnostics.

Example research projects include:

  • A new mechanism for AMR? In patient heteroresistance to fluconazole in cryptococcosis and the role of macrophages
  • Targeting the lung immune response in treating AMR infection in chronic lung disease
  • Targeting neutrophils to improve the immune response to antimicrobial resistant infection
  • Combatting the mechanisms underlying antimicrobial-resistant typhoid fever with senolytic drugs
  • To kill and cure: Understanding antibiotic action to enhance activity
  • Investigation of antimicrobial resistance and other virulence determinants in Cutibacterium acnes causing prosthetic joint infections.

Please see our University website for the most up-to-date course information: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses

Information for international students

English language requirements

Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.

For more information about entry requirements for international students, please visit https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/applying/postgraduate-taught

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MSc
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Postgraduate Admissions Tutor
Email
biosciences-pgt@sheffield.ac.uk
Phone
+44 114 222 2341