PG Certificate in Medical and Molecular Virology

Course unit details
 

• Introduction to Medical and Molecular Virology (15 credits)
• Viruses and Disease 1 (15 credits)
• Viruses and Disease 2 (15 credits)
• Viruses and Disease 3 (15 credits)
• Viruses and Disease 4 (15 credits)
• Research Skills in Practice (30 credits)
• Research Project and Dissertation (90 credits)
   

Our first unit introduces the concepts and tools used in medical and molecular virology and how they are applied. The next three units cover the various infections, diseases and syndromes caused by viruses. You will learn how to identify, diagnose, treat and prevent such infections and about the immense global impact of viruses.
 

The second part of the course gives you the practical skills needed to undertake research in virology and then allows you to apply this learning to a real-life laboratory or in-silico based research problem in virology under the supervision of an academic or clinical virologist.
 

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
 

Title

• Introductory Medical and Molecular Virology
• Viruses and Disease 1
• Viruses and Disease 2
• Viruses and Disease 3
• Research skills in Practice (short version)
• Research Project

Academic entry qualification overview

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 6.0 in all components

• TOEFL: 90 internet-based (with 20 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 5.5 in each component) plus enrolment and attendance on the 6-week Pre-sessional course (PS6).

• Minimum 5.5 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. 

• PGCert (full-time)
  
  UK students (per annum): £5,000
  
  International, including EU, students (per annum): £11,000

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.