BSc Infectious Diseases

Undergraduate entry requirements:

1. Academic Qualifications: Prospective undergraduate applicants to the University of Edinburgh are expected to demonstrate strong academic performance in their secondary education or equivalent qualifications. The typical academic requirement for entry is approximately 80%, calculated based on the applicant's secondary school grades or examination results.  

2. English Language Proficiency:  

   • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall score of 6.5, with no individual band score less than 6.0.

   • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 92 on the internet-based test (iBT), with at least 20 in each component (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing).

   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): Minimum overall score of 62, with no less than 54 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. These scholarships aim to promote diversity, academic excellence, and global engagement. 

Global Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh offers Global Scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate students. These scholarships provide financial assistance towards tuition fees and living expenses, enabling talented students from around the world to access quality education at Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Scholarships: These scholarships are available to overseas undergraduate students applying for full-time programs at the university. The scholarships cover a portion of the tuition fees for the duration of the undergraduate program.

Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships: International postgraduate students pursuing research-based programs (Ph.D., MSc by Research) can apply for Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships. These scholarships provide full or partial funding for tuition fees and living expenses during the research program.

School-specific Scholarships: Some academic schools and departments within the university offer scholarships targeting international students in specific disciplines or programs. These scholarships may be merit-based or need-based and vary in terms of eligibility criteria and funding amounts.

Commonwealth Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh participates in various Commonwealth scholarship schemes, providing opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK government and other organizations.

External Funding Sources: International students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, such as government scholarships, private organizations, and international foundations, to support their studies at the University of Edinburgh.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year.

Graduating with a BSc in Infectious Diseases from the University of Edinburgh opens up diverse career opportunities in healthcare, research, public health, and related industries. This specialized undergraduate degree equips students with a strong foundation in microbiology, immunology, epidemiology, and public health, preparing them for roles focused on understanding, preventing, and managing infectious diseases.  

1. Epidemiologist: Graduates can pursue careers as epidemiologists, studying the patterns and causes of infectious diseases within populations. Epidemiologists work for government agencies, research institutions, or healthcare organizations, conducting disease surveillance, outbreak investigations, and data analysis to inform public health policies and interventions.

2. Microbiologist: BSc Infectious Diseases graduates can work as microbiologists, specializing in the study of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) and their interactions with human hosts. Microbiologists conduct research, develop diagnostic tests, and contribute to efforts in antimicrobial resistance and vaccine development.

3. Infectious Disease Researcher: Many graduates choose to pursue careers in infectious disease research, working in academic institutions, biotechnology companies, or pharmaceuticals. They investigate mechanisms of infection, host immune responses, and novel therapeutic targets to advance our understanding of infectious diseases and develop new treatments.

4. Public Health Officer: BSc Infectious Diseases graduates can work as public health officers or health educators, promoting disease prevention and health promotion initiatives within communities. They develop public health campaigns, conduct health screenings, and advocate for vaccination programs and infection control measures.

5. Health Policy Analyst: Graduates with a background in infectious diseases can work in health policy and administration, contributing to policy development and decision-making at local, national, or international levels. They analyze public health data, assess the impact of infectious diseases on healthcare systems, and propose evidence-based strategies for disease prevention and control.

6. Clinical Trials Coordinator: Some graduates enter the field of clinical research, working as clinical trials coordinators or research assistants in pharmaceutical companies or research institutions. They oversee clinical studies to evaluate new drugs, vaccines, or treatment protocols for infectious diseases.

7. Healthcare Consultant: BSc Infectious Diseases graduates may work as healthcare consultants, providing expertise on infectious disease management and infection control practices to healthcare facilities, government agencies, or private organizations. They advise on best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and optimizing patient care.

8. Global Health Specialist: Graduates interested in global health can pursue roles as global health specialists, working for international NGOs, humanitarian organizations, or government agencies. They address infectious disease challenges in resource-limited settings, focusing on capacity building, health systems strengthening, and community-based interventions.

9. Biomedical Scientist: Some graduates pursue careers as biomedical scientists, working in hospital laboratories or research settings to analyze patient samples, identify infectious agents, and contribute to diagnostic testing and surveillance efforts.

10. Further Education: BSc Infectious Diseases graduates may choose to pursue further education, such as postgraduate studies (MSc, PhD) in infectious diseases, microbiology, epidemiology, or related fields. Advanced degrees can lead to specialized research or academic careers.