Antimicrobial Resistance MSc/PGCert
Study level: Postgraduate
These courses aim to produce, skilled practitioners, researchers, and change-makers to lead the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and influence strategies in infection control to improve patient outcomes and global health.
Year of entry
Location
Coventry University (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
1 year full-time
4 months full-time (PGCert)
20 months full-time with professional experience
Course code
HLST286 (MSc)
HLST287 (MSc with prof experience)
HLST288 (PGCert)
Start date
September 2023
May 2024
Course overview
These courses aim to produce, skilled practitioners, researchers, and change-makers to lead the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and influence strategies in infection control to improve patient outcomes and global health.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that failure to address AMR means that by 2050 the global burden may reach 350 million deaths a year. Consequently, there is an urgent need for specific training and development of healthcare postgraduates and professionals in how to tackle AMR to prevent cross-infection and outbreaks, monitor AMR and increase public awareness.
These courses aim to:
- Develop your in-depth awareness and training in: global infection prevention and control practice and antimicrobial stewardship; antimicrobial resistance mechanisms; novel antimicrobial developments; and research into how AMR arises and spreads.
- Offer rigorous training and practice in the research, analytical, evaluative and presentation skills valued in an independent professional laboratory scientist specialising in the epidemiology and analysis of antimicrobial resistance.
- Allow you to develop creativity, leadership and management and to practise and enhance a range of transferrable skills to enhance employability, including: communication skills; independence; digital competence; teamworking; organisation; time-management; problem-solving; evaluation and implementation of infection control and antimicrobial stewardship strategies; professionalism; reflective practice; global perspective; leadership; conflict resolution; adaptability; interpersonal skills.

Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects
Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities
QS Stars University Ratings
Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)
QS Best Student Cities Index 2023Why you should study this course
These courses provide the relevant knowledge and skills to enable further focus and career progression within the field of AMR. As a result, they are aimed at both UK and overseas bioscience graduates wishing to continue their studies, specialising in AMR mechanisms, policies and procedures, research, and influencing public behaviour, and at practising healthcare professionals wishing to specialise in AMR management.
You’ll be taught by an experienced teaching team, some of which have worked in NHS laboratories as scientists or doctors (staff may be subject to change). They can bring their professional and research expertise into their teaching through case studies as the basis for problem-based learning activities.
There is a focus on developing laboratory and other scientific skills, giving you the opportunity to learn key microbiological and molecular experimental techniques and develop essential experimental, data handling and reporting skills. Our multi-million pound Alison Gingell Building features a suite of analytical and biological laboratories where you can gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge industry techniques. Other scientific skills, such as literature research, information technology, bioinformatics, data processing and the use of statistics are integrated into the course.
The Antimicrobial Resistance with Professional Experience MSc2 is an extended programme that provides you with the option to apply for a 6-8 month professional experience with an external organisation or participate in supervised campus-based roles. While all students are assured of a professional experience placement which may be campus-based, the range of opportunities available varies from year to year. Some are also competitive and selective, so it is not possible to guarantee a specific professional experience. Students on Antimicrobial Resistance MSc with Professional Experience are assisted to apply for, and secure, professional experience opportunities during their first two semesters of study by our Talent Team and the course director2.
A standalone Postgraduate Certificate Antimicrobial Resistance in Healthcare is also offered. This provides an academic understanding of antimicrobial resistance, infection prevention and control, and antimicrobial stewardship. It is intended to offer this certificate in person and online to suit a range of student and healthcare professional needs. Those who successfully complete the Postgraduate Certificate may then top-up to the MSc course at a later date.
As part of this course you will undertake a professional development module which is currently accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)1. Upon successful completion of the module, you will gain the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost. Influencing change will be key to the future success of combatting antimicrobial resistance and so an understanding of how to lead and implement strategic change will be highly valuable for future career development.
Accreditations

Chartered Management Institute
The course includes the Leading Strategic Change through Creativity and Innovation module1. This module is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Students who successfully complete the module and meet the CMI learning outcomes will gain a Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice. Further details can be found on the Professional Development module homepage.
Our Award-winning Green Superlab
With space for over 250 students and packed full of industry-standard equipment, the Coventry University Superlab is an amazing place to learn, experiment and discover. Find out what we’re doing in our Superlab to make it greener and reduce our waste and carbon emissions.
Antimicrobial resistance is a global health threat causing economic and social burdens in our communities. In this context, there is a global need for professional figures to tackle this issue.
Our new postgraduate courses in antimicrobial resistance aim to support potential students from different backgrounds, such as UK-domiciled and international graduates and mid-career health professionals who wish to extend and deepen their expertise in the antimicrobial resistance and infection control spheres.
I look forward to seeing you all on our campus and joining our fantastic community and course.

What you'll study
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
How you'll learn
Teaching and learning will incorporate lectures, workshops, tutorials, presentations, and problem-based learning projects. Authentic assessments will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate skills that have real-world application. Teaching and assessment will include innovative approaches such as the use of communication technologies and public awareness strategies to provide skills in influencing behaviour and change. You will also undertake group work simulating the real-life experience of people working in the AMR field, enhancing your employability.
Practical laboratory experience is a substantial component of the course, facilitated by our state-of-the-art laboratory equipped with high-specification equipment. You will develop your competence and independence in the laboratory, from initial taught sessions through to your own independent research investigation, guided by academic and technical staff. Teaching and learning is supported by digital platforms and alternative teaching methods which are research-led including lab meetings and presentations.
Teaching contact hours
As a full-time student, you can expect to have approximately 12 hours per week of contact teaching. In addition, you will be expected to engage with approximately 4 hours per week of directed study and approximately 12 hours per week of self-directed study, plus preparation of assignments.
The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2022/2023 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Assessment
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods including:
- Critical reflection
- Critical review
- Group work
- Laboratory competency
- Laboratory reports
- Media artifacts
- Oral pitch
- Portfolio-based assessments
- Presentations
- Project proposal
- Project report
- Public awareness campaign
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows monitoring of student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
2023/24 tuition fees.
Student | Full-time | Part-time |
---|---|---|
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man | £3733 (PGCert) | £11,200 (MSc) | £21,250 (MSc with prof. experience) per year | Not available |
EU | £3733 (PGCert) | £11,200 (MSc) | £21,250 (MSc with prof. experience) per year with EU support bursary** £6200(PGCert) | £18,600 (MSc) | £21,250 (MSc with prof. experience) per year without EU support bursary** |
Not available |
International | £6200(PGCert) | £18,600 (MSc) | £21,250 (MSc with prof. experience) per year | Not available |
For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page.
We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.
The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:
- Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
- Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).
*Irish student fees
The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.
**EU support bursary
Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in-line with that of UK students. Students studying a Degree with a Foundation Year with us are not eligible for the bursary.
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How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.
If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.
Facilities
The course will be delivered at the Coventry University campus, predominantly in the Alison Gingell building. Students opting to take the MSc Antimicrobial Resistance with Professional experience will undertake a professional placement2, which may be in an industry-standard laboratory on campus or at an external organisation.
- The Alison Gingell Building contains a state-of-the-art SuperLab. The lab's facilities include equipment for traditional microbiological investigations, high-specification molecular biology and microscopy4.
Careers and opportunities
On successful completion of their course a student will be able to:
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of a number of aspects of antimicrobials, antimicrobial resistance, infection prevention and control policies and procedures, and antimicrobial stewardship, and apply knowledge to problem-based scenarios, in a global context.
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of key global pathogens that are driving the surge in antimicrobial-resistant illness around the world.
- Critically analyse and synthesise scientific information in the subject area of antimicrobials and antimicrobial stewardship and articulate and communicate this effectively, through written, oral, and digital formats to influence behaviour and drive change amongst a diverse and global audience.
- Work effectively within a team and demonstrate professional, organisational, conflict resolution, interpersonal, creative and leadership skills.
- Demonstrate an independent approach to learning, reflect on their own practice and take responsibility for personal development.
In addition, a graduate of the Antimicrobial Resistance MSc or MSc with Professional Experience will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of, and competently undertake laboratory work using, a wide range of conventional and molecular microbiology techniques, and analyse the resulting data appropriately.
- Critically evaluate the principles of developing and proposing strategy for leading strategic change.
- Devise, carry out and report an independent hypothesis-driven antimicrobials/ antimicrobial resistance-based research project, with due regard to health and safety and ethical requirements, and show originality in their application of knowledge to interpret these results.
In addition, a graduate of the Antimicrobial Resistance with Professional Experience MSc will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively into a work environment, exhibiting professional conduct and behaviours and reflect on the learning experience.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university’s Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
Where our graduates work
On successful completion of these courses, you will have the relevant knowledge and skills to enable further focus and career progression within the field of AMR. It is anticipated that graduates of these courses will find employment in a wide range of careers, particularly related to AMR research and innovation in healthcare, industry and academia, antimicrobial stewardship, clinical infection prevention and control, government and international policy development, and as public influencers improving the sustainability of our antimicrobial use.
Further study
We have a range of PhD options available for graduates. These options change annually therefore relevant options will be made available during the course.
How to apply
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UK students
To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online.
For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form.
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International students
Full-time international students applying to start in September should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
How to applyFor further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degree view our International hub.
You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.
Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.
Chat with our admissions team.
Complete our contact form.
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Disclaimers
Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.
1Accreditations
The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.
2UK and international opportunities
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.
3Tuition fees
The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.
For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.
4Facilities
Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Student Contract
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2023/24 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
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