Immunology is the study of how the body defends itself against the huge variety of pathogenic microorganisms it may encounter. This degree will offer you the opportunity to explore how our body defends itself as well as the role that the immune system plays in the debilitating autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, the growing incidence of asthma and allergy and the development of cancer. We look at how the immune system can be exploited for novel therapies including vaccines and how it is important in transplant survival and blood transfusion. You are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and written examinations at the end of each course. Many of our graduates follow their undergraduate degree with a postgraduate programme or with PhD research in a wide range of research laboratories. Others move directly into positions in hospital research, diagnostic laboratories and research institutes. Other major employers of Immunology graduates include the scientific civil service, pharmaceutical, food, fermentation and biotechnology industries.