| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time 2 years part time |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Biosciences |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | BSc or MSc degree in a relevant Biological Science |
|---|---|
Overview
- Both clinical and non-clinical applicants are welcomed
- You will be studying within the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology – a world-leading research centre that is helping to tackle the major global threats to human health caused by fungal diseases
- The course covers aspects of medical mycology, immunity, the molecular basis of infection, and the genomics of infectious disease
- Participants will undertake a 6-month project, selecting their topic from peer-reviewed projects on fungal pathogen biology or host-pathogen interactions. (Note that MRC Centre-funded students on our MRes-PhD Programme do two 3-month projects instead.)
- Graduates of this programme might expect to pursue a career in academic, clinical or commercial research
Opportunity to gain one of four Medical Research Council funded places
Undertake unique research projects supervised by experts in the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology
90% of our Biological Sciences research is internationally excellent
Based on research rated 4* and 3* in the Research Excellence Framework 2021
Top 20 in the UK for world-leading research in Biological Sciences
REF 2021, based on 4-star research
Opportunity to gain one of four Medical Research Council funded places
Undertake unique research projects supervised by experts in the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology
90% of our Biological Sciences research is internationally excellent
Based on research rated 4* and 3* in the Research Excellence Framework 2021
Top 20 in the UK for world-leading research in Biological Sciences
REF 2021, based on 4-star research
Entry requirements
BSc or MSc degree in a relevant Biological Science degree (e.g. Microbiology, Biochemistry or another Biomedical Science), and Medical and Dental graduates with a minimum of 12 months postgraduate clinical experience (completion of UK Medical or Dental Foundation Year 1 competencies). Applicants with significant professional experience in medical mycology or fungal biology will also be considered.
Applicants must also provide one strong academic reference.
How to apply
Please apply online using the button at the top of this page. In the application process you will be asked to upload the documents listed below. Please note our preferred format is PDF, each file named with your surname and the name of the document, e.g. “Smith – CV.pdf”, “Smith – Cover Letter.pdf”, “Smith – Transcript.pdf”.
Application documents required:
- CV
- Personal statement sharing your future ambitions and describing how this MRes programme will enable you to achieve those ambitions
- Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained. This should be an interim transcript if you are still studying.
- If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your current proficiency in English.
- One academic reference.
Entry requirements for international students
Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
The MRes in Medical Mycology and Fungal Immunology will provide you with an extensive foundation of knowledge and key skills to help you progress towards a PhD in this field or a related research area, or to develop a clinical career in mycology or infection biology.
The programme will provide you with:
- A thorough understanding of the general principles of medical mycology and fungal immunology
- An ability to apply knowledge in academic and health contexts
- Opportunities to learn from world-renowned researchers in medical mycology
We will also help you to develop a range of transferrable skills including self- learning, critical evaluation, analytical skills and applied statistics, IT-based approaches, and scientific writing, whilst exposing you to cutting edge research techniques.
You will undertake a state-of-the-art, six-month research project in Medical Mycology investigating an interesting aspect of pathogenic fungi and/or fungal immunology. (Note that MRC Centre-funded students on our MRes-PhD Programme do two 3-month projects instead.)
Projects are relevant to the main research priorities of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, and are supervised by leading experts in their respective fields. You will be given the opportunity to choose from a selection of projects that have passed peer review.
Please note that the module list below may be subject to change.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOM534 | Medical Mycology | 15 |
| BIOM538 | Extended Medical Mycology Project [see note a above] | 120 |
| BIOM536 | Project 1 - Medical Mycology [see note a above] | 60 |
| BIOM537 | Project 2 - Fungal Immunology [see note a above] | 60 |
| BIOM567 | Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease | 15 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BioS MRes MM&FI opt 2023-4 [See note b above] | ||
You must select either BIOM515 and BIOM525. If you have taken either or both of the equivalent modules before, then you must select 30 credits from BIOM701Z, BIOM702Z or BIOM703Z. |
||
| BIOM515 | Cellular Basis of Immunity | 15 |
| BIOM525 | Molecular Basis of Infection | 15 |
| BIOM701Z | Medically Important Fungi | 15 |
| BIOM702Z | Fungal Diseases | 15 |
| BIOM703Z | Diagnosis and Antifungal Therapy | 15 |
As Training Director for our MRC Centre, I encourage you to apply for our unique MRes Programme in Medical Mycology and Fungal Immunology, which is taught by my fantastic colleagues in the Centre. As an MRes student you will become an integral member of our Centre, joining our highly supportive and collegiate scientific family.
We study pathogenic Candida, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus and Pneumocystis species that impose such a heavy health burden globally, and we investigate the antifungal immune defences that normally protect us against these infections. You can find out more about our research on the Centre website.
Read more from Professor Mark Ramsdale
Professor Mark Ramsdale
Training Director for the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology
Fees
2025/26 entry
UK fees per year:
£22,300 full-time; £11,200 part-time
International fees per year:
£33,750 full-time; £16,900 part-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
*Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Teaching and research
How you'll learn
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Workshops
- Residential reading party
- Hands-on research projects
- Independent study
Learning from experts
The course will be run by academics residing within the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology including:
- Professor Gordon Brown - Centre Director
- Professor Al Brown - Deputy Director (training)
- Professor Elaine Bignell - Deputy Director (research)
- Professor Adilia Warris - Deputy Director (clinical)
- Professor Neil Gow - Principal Investigator
- Professor Chris Thornton - Principal Investigator
- Professor Tom Harrison - Principal Investigator
- Dr Alex Brand - Principal Investigator
- Dr Carolina Coelho - Principal Investigator
- Dr Rhys Farrer - Principal Investigator
- Dr Duncan Wilson - Principal Investigator
- Dr Steve Bates - Principal Investigator
- Dr Mark Ramsdale - Principal Investigator
- Dr Liliane Mukaremera - Principal Investigator
- Dr Peter Cook - Principal Investigator
- Dr Liz Ballou - Principal Investigator
Tutorial support
You will be allocated a personal tutor who will provide advice and support throughout your studies. There is also a postgraduate tutor available to help with further guidance and advice. In addition, the Programme Director will offer every student a meeting each term to review academic progress.
Assessment
Assessment will involve a range of activities including end-of-module essays, oral presentations, posters and project write-ups.
Careers
Employer-valued skills this course develops
We will help you to develop a range of transferrable skills including self-learning, critical evaluation, analytical skills and applied statistics, IT-based approaches, and scientific writing, whilst exposing you to cutting-edge research techniques.
Career paths
Graduates of this programme might expect to pursue a career in academic, commercial or clinical research, ideally in the field of medical mycology.
Further study
Further study is a popular option for many of the graduates from our postgraduate programmes. Many graduates go on to undertake a PhD in medical mycology, fungal immunology or a related research area.
Careers services
Our careers teams at the Career Zone can help guide you through a wealth of information to match your skills and interests to a career that will suit you. Our staff work with regional, national and international employers to develop new work placement, project and graduate opportunities.
