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Biomedical Research (Bacterial Pathogenesis and Infection)
Training in the fundamental aspects of bacterial pathogenesis for a career in biomedical research.
Receive training in fundamental aspects of bacterial pathogenesis for a career in biomedical research
Discover the latest developments in bacterial pathogenesis and apply technologically advanced approaches to biomedical research questions
Develop your research expertise on two five-month research projects
Course key facts
Qualification
MRes
Duration
1 year
Start date
September 2025
Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£20,600 Home
£45,000 Overseas
Delivered by
Location
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South Kensington
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Course overview
Develop skills towards a career in biomedical research before specialising in bacterial pathogenesis and infection on this Master's course.
On this stream of the MRes in Biomedical Research, you'll build an appreciation of molecular approaches to understanding infection, immunity and antibiotic susceptibility at the host-pathogen interface.
Your training will explore both theoretical and practical elements of biomedical sciences, with teaching delivered through lectures and technical workshops.
Two research projects provide an opportunity to explore developments in bacterial pathogenesis and apply technologically-advanced approaches to biomedical research questions.
Choose your stream
You have the option of choosing our general biomedical research stream, or one of seven specialisms. All of our biomedical research streams have the same course structure and each stream has its own tailored set of projects alongside a core programme of lectures, seminars and practical classes.
You should consider which stream is right for you according to your career aims and background. If an offer of admission is made, it will correspond to a specific stream. Switching streams is not possible once you have commenced your studies.
- General Biomedical Research
- Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care
- Bacterial Pathogenesis and Infection (this stream)
- Data Science
- Epidemiology, Evolution and Control of Infectious Diseases
- Microbiome in Health and Disease
- Molecular Basis of Human Disease
- Respiratory and Cardiovascular Science
Is this stream for you?
This stream is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in bacterial pathogenesis and infection research, whether it be in academia, industry or government. To date, the vast majority of our graduates have gone on to study for a PhD.
This stream specialises in bacterial infection biology and is based within the Centre for Molecular Bacteriology & Infection (CMBI), which was renamed as the Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology (CBRB) in Sep 2022. Please visit the CBRB website to find out more about group leaders and their research. Several other groups with interest in these topics also offer projects on the BPI stream.
This stream is delivered by the Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction in collaboration with the Department of Infectious Disease.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You’ll take all of these core modules.
Core modules
Compose a grant proposal, appropriate for submission to an academic funding body.
This will correspond to your research project(s).
Throughout the academic year, you will have the opportunity to carry out two independent projects. We offer a wide range of projects which cover different research areas.
You can choose your projects based on the nature of the projects, your personal preference and future career intentions.
Throughout the academic year, the students will have the opportunity to carry out two independent projects. We offer a wide range of projects which cover different research areas. The students can choose their projects based on the nature of the projects, their personal preference and future career intentions. Previously offered examples of research projects are listed below:
- Investigating the importance of microvesicle-delivered FADD on epithelial cell function during ventilator induced lung injury
- Evaluation of a novel medical device to prevent epidural hyperthermia
- Evidence Synthesis to Inform Neuropathic Pain Mangement
- Modelling labour contraction pain through Electrical muscle stimulation
- The role of the nuclear enzyme mitogen- and stress-activated kinase 1 in noxious heat sensitivity of primary sensory neutrons
- Mechanisms of monocyte de-activation by neutrophil extracellular vesicles in sepsis
- Modulation of neutrophil extracellular vesicle pro-inflammatory activity by complement
- The effects of blocking MSK1 on tissue inflammation and wound healing
- Neutrophil extracellular trap production in severe febrile illness in children
- Preclinical investigation of brain injury due to carbon monoxide poisoning
See a full list of example Biomedical research projects on the Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction web pages.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning methods
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Demonstrations and seminars
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Workshops
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Computing labs
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Journal clubs
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Virtual learning environment
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Tutorials
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Lab-based learning
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Facility Tours
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Lectures
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Debates
Balance of assessment
Key
- Grant writing exercise
- Research projects
- 10% Grant writing exercise
- 90% Research projects
Assessment methods
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Laboratory-based research
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Computer-based research
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Oral presentation
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Poster presentation
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Research reports
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Oral assessment
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply online
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.
In our application system My Imperial, you will need to choose Biomedical Research (MRes 1YFT) in the Programme selection search. After this, you will be asked to choose the stream you wish to be considered for.
The Department's Biomedical Research Admissions FAQ provides more details about applying for the course.
BPI stream leads (Avinash Shenoy & Teresa Thurston) interview candidates for a spot on the stream.
You will be notified if you have been shortlisted for an interview after your application has been processed.
Online interviews are typically conducted in January, March and May of each year; apply early to secure a spot as we accept approximately 8-10 students on the stream.
During the interview you will have the opportunity to describe your past projects, research and placement experiences and tell us more about your interest in bacterial pathogenesis.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas or research courses, such as PhDs and EngDs.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
Fees and funding
Home fee
2025 entry
£20,600
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For courses starting on or after 1 August 2024, the maximum amount is £12,471.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
We offer a range of scholarships for students to support you through your studies.
See what opportunities you may be eligible for on our dedicated Scholarships search tool.
Overseas fee
2025 entry
£45,000
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For courses starting on or after 1 August 2024, the maximum amount is £12,471.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Scholarships
The Dean’s Master’s Scholarships
Value per award
- £10,000
Who it's for
- All students applying to study a Faculty of Medicine Master’s course
The Dr Jean Alero Thomas Scholarships
Value per award
- Partial or full tuition fee at the Home rate
Who it's for
- All students applying to study a Faculty of Medicine lab-based Master’s course
Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction Bursaries
Value per award
- £2,000 (full-time) or £1,000 per year (part-time, two-years)
Who it's for
- Offer holders for the department's MSc/MRes courses
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
Strengthen your career prospects as aspiring Anaesthetists and Intensive Care physicians.
Cultivate a robust network within an inclusive Division, fostering valuable connections with academics and clinicians.
Participate in Departmental Research symposia, offering exposure, critical appraisal skills, expert engagement, and staying updated in the field.
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Develop key academic skills to support your progress to PhD or medical school.
Develop essential soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability, crucial for success in professional healthcare environments.
Get support with grant applications and publication of research findings, enriching academic and professional portfolios.
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Participate in Departmental Research symposia, offering exposure, critical appraisal skills, expert engagement, and staying updated in the field.
Further links
Contact the department
Email: biomedical.researchmres@imperial.ac.uk
Course Director: Professor Tim Ebbels
Course Deputy Director: Dr Elizabeth Want
Stream Organiser: Aran Singanayagam
Stream Organiser: Xiujun Yu
Visit the Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction website.
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Our students
Meet Biomedical Research students and see what they have to say about their studies.
You can also read more about our student achievements, including funding, publications and academic prizes.
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Register your interest
Stay up to date on news, events, scholarship opportunities and information related to this course.
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Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
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Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications