From infection to autoimmunity, immunology sits at the heart of modern medicine. Postgraduate study at Otago lets you deepen your expertise and turn knowledge into impact.
Changes to science masters’ degrees from 2027
From 2027, our science masters' degrees are changing. The Master of Science will be renamed to the Master of Science (Thesis).
Why study postgraduate Immunology?
Immunology focuses on how the immune system protects us, and how its failures lead to disease.
At postgraduate level, immunology becomes a deeply investigative discipline. You move beyond core concepts to explore how immune responses drive health outcomes, influence treatment decisions, and shape public health strategies. This field underpins advances in vaccines, cancer therapies, autoimmune disease management, and emerging infectious disease control. Studying immunology helps you develop a systems-level understanding of the body, strong analytical skills, and the ability to interpret complex biological data. It is a subject for curious thinkers who want to connect molecular mechanisms with real-world outcomes. At Otago, postgraduate immunology allows you to build expertise, ask meaningful research questions, and contribute to knowledge that matters locally and globally.
Career opportunities
Postgraduate immunology opens doors across science, health, and research.
Graduates may pursue careers in:
- Biomedical or clinical research
- Diagnostic and pathology laboratories
- Pharmaceutical or biotechnology development
- Public health and policy advisory roles
- Academic teaching and research
What it’s like to study at this level
Postgraduate study in immunology is immersive, collaborative, and research focused.
You will engage deeply with current research, explore advanced concepts through seminars and discussions, and develop your own research skills through supervised projects. Learning often involves working closely with academic staff and other postgraduate students, sharing ideas, and refining your thinking. You are encouraged to question evidence, interpret data, and communicate complex ideas clearly. Study feels active and purposeful, with a strong emphasis on independence and intellectual growth.
This is for you if ...
A strong interest in biological or health sciences will support your success in immunology.
Backgrounds in biomedical science, microbiology, biochemistry, or related disciplines are helpful, along with curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence working with scientific information.
Help protect communities and improve human health
Otago offers a supportive and research-led environment for postgraduate immunology study.
Our reputation for health and biomedical sciences provides a strong foundation for advanced learning. You will be part of an academic community that values mentorship, collaboration, and meaningful research. Otago’s research culture encourages you to engage with real scientific challenges and contribute to ongoing discoveries. Studying in Dunedin also means joining a close-knit campus where postgraduate students are known, supported, and connected to wider university life.
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.
Master of Science (Thesis) (MSc(Thesis))
A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options. The MSc(Thesis) may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Engage in original research leading to a doctoral thesis, supported by comprehensive academic and social networks
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
MICR papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MICR221 | 2026 | Microbes to Medicine | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MICR223 | 2026 | Infection and Immunity | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MICR332 | 2026 | Health Microbiology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MICR334 | 2026 | Advanced Immunology | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MICR335 | 2026 | Molecular Microbiology | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MICR337 | 2026 | Virology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MICR360 | 2026 | Research Perspectives | 18 points | Full Year |
| MICR461 | 2026 | Molecular Microbiology | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| MICR462 | 2026 | Microbiology and Immunology Research | 20 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 18 June 2027) |
| MICR463 | 2026 | Trends in Microbiology | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| MICR464 | 2026 | Medical Microbiology and Immunology | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| MICR480 | 2026 | Research Project | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 18 June 2027) |
| MICR490 | 2026 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 18 June 2027) |
| MICR495 | 2026 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 18 June 2027) |
Contacts
Head of Department
Microbiology and Immunology
720 Cumberland Street
Tel +64 3 479 7734
Email hod.microbiology@otago.ac.nz
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
World-class research
The University of Otago has a global reputation for research excellence. Our expertise is vast across health, society, culture, sustainability and the environment.
Explore our research