Advance your expertise in Infection and Immunity and learn to evaluate the biological mechanisms that shape disease, protection, and recovery.
Why study postgraduate Immunity and Infection?
Understanding how infection and immune response influence health is essential to preventing disease and improving outcomes across populations.
Postgraduate Infection and Immunity focus on the biological processes that underpin how pathogens cause disease and how immune systems respond at molecular, cellular, and system levels. You’ll examine bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, and explore topics such as emerging infections, antimicrobial resistance, vaccine development, and immune mediated conditions.
This subject encourages you to engage deeply with current scientific thinking, recognise uncertainty, and understand how evidence informs health decisions.
You’ll gain the depth of knowledge needed to navigate complex biological systems and contribute meaningfully to science and health related fields.
Career opportunities
Postgraduate Infection and Immunity opens pathways into a wide range of science and health focused careers in New Zealand and internationally. Possible career pathways include:
- Biomedical or laboratory scientist
- Researcher in infection, immunology, or related life sciences
- Public health or biosecurity roles
- Clinical research or diagnostics support
- Science policy, communication, or advisory roles
What it’s like to study at this level
Postgraduate study in Infection and Immunity is focused on independent research and deep engagement with current scientific questions.
If you’re enrolled in the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences with Honours, your programme will centre on preparing and submitting a thesis that presents the results of a supervised investigation. Alongside this, you will complete any required assignments or examinations that support your research.
For those pursuing a Master of Biomedical Sciences, the emphasis is on undertaking original research under supervision, culminating in a thesis that embodies your findings.
Throughout your study, you’ll develop skills in experimental design, critical analysis, and scientific communication. You’ll work closely with academic supervisors, engage with advanced coursework where relevant, and collaborate with peers in an environment that supports intellectual growth, independence, and confidence in contributing to the field.
This is for you if ...
To study postgraduate Infection and Immunity, you’ll need a strong biomedical sciences background.
For the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences with Honours, applicants must have completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (or an equivalent qualification) with at least a B+ average in relevant 300-level papers, including a total of 90 points at 300-level. You will also need to have passed at least 216 points at 200-level or above.
For the Master of Biomedical Sciences, applicants typically require an Honours degree or a Postgraduate Diploma in a biomedical subject that includes a research report, thesis, or dissertation covering at least one quarter of the programme.
Alternative qualifications or experience may also be considered.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Infection and Immunity as an undergraduate at Otago.
Where infection science meets immune defence
Infection and Immunity is grounded in research that explores how infectious agents and immune systems interact across a range of contexts.
The subject brings together perspectives from microbiology, immunology, and related biomedical sciences to address questions of disease causation, immune protection, and response failure.
You’ll engage with a research culture that values curiosity, evidence, and rigorous analysis, and that focuses on understanding infection and immunity as dynamic and evolving systems. This depth of disciplinary focus helps prepare you to contribute confidently to infection and immunity related research, policy, and practice.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences with Honours (BBiomedSc(Hons))
An eight-month (full time), restricted-entry, thesis-only postgraduate programme, providing an excellent foundation for a career in biomedical research
Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBiomedSc)
A one‑year thesis‑only degree that provides an excellent foundation for an academic or research career, and a stepping stone for entry into a PhD programme
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Contacts
Email biomedsc@otago.ac.nz
Faculty of Biomedical Sciences (Dunedin campus)
Faculty of Medicine – Christchurch
Faculty of Medicine – Wellington
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