Master of Science (Medical Immunology) by Research Mode is a graduate program that focuses on in-depth research in the field of immunology, particularly its applications in human health and disease. This program is ideal for students interested in understanding the immune system, immune responses, and how immunology can be applied in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.

The program allows students to conduct research in a variety of Medical Immunology subfields, such as:

• Infectious Disease Immunology: Studying how the immune system responds to infections, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Research may involve vaccine development, immune responses to pathogens, and immunodiagnostics.
• Cancer Immunology: Focusing on the immune system’s interaction with cancer cells, including the development of immunotherapies such as cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Investigating how the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Research may include immunopathogenesis and therapeutic approaches.
• Transplant Immunology: Examining the immune system’s response to transplanted tissues and organs, including the development of strategies to prevent rejection and improve transplant outcomes.
• Immunotherapy: Researching the use of the immune system to treat diseases, particularly cancer, through immune modulators, gene therapy, and cellular therapies (e.g., CAR-T cells).
• Allergy and Hypersensitivity: Investigating immune responses that lead to allergic reactions, asthma, and other hypersensitivity conditions, as well as potential treatments.
• Innate and Adaptive Immunity: Studying the mechanisms of the immune system’s two main branches—innate and adaptive immunity, and their roles in immune defense and disease.
• Immunogenetics: Exploring the genetic basis of immune responses, including the role of genetic variations in the immune system’s response to infections and diseases.
• Immunopathology: Researching the changes in immune system function that occur in disease, and how immune dysregulation contributes to conditions like chronic inflammation, infection, and autoimmune disorders.

Expertise available in the following School:
School of Medical Sciences
https://medic.usm.my/

Applicants should possess the following:

A MBBS/MD or equivalent degree, BSc in Medical Sciences/Biotechnology/Biology/ Chemistry/Physics or other related fields from a recognised university.

A) CGPA of at least 2.75/4.00; or
B) CGPA of 2.50 - 2.74/4.00 with; or

• Research experience – 1 year; or
• Professional experience in related field- 1 year; or
• One(1) academic publication in related field; or
• Grade B for major/ elective courses; or
• Grade B+ for final year project.

C) CGPA of 2.00 - 2.49/4.00 (Honours degree) with; or

• Research experience - 5 years; or
• Professional experience in related field - 5 years, AND
• One (1) academic publications  in related field; or
• Grade B for major/elective courses; or
• Grade B+ for final year project.

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

• A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
• A minimum score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
• A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
• A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English: Advance (CAE)/Proficiency (CPE) /Preliminary (PET) /First (FCE)/ Linguaskill Online; or
• A minimum score of 47 for Pearson Test of English (PTE); or
• A minimum of Band 107 for CIEP Level (ELS); or
• A minimum of Band 3.5 for Malaysian University English Test (MUET)

Exemption CAN BE CONSIDERED to candidate if:

• English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or
• Candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English (statement of proof required)

• Full-time: Min 2 semesters / Max 6 semesters
• Part-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 12 semesters

** Fees are subject to change

** New fees to be imposed starting from Academic Session 2025/2026 (October 2025 intake onward)

** Fees are subject to change