Master of Science (Medical Microbiology) by Research Mode is a graduate program designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge and research experience in the field of microbiology, particularly in relation to human health. This program focuses on the study of microorganisms that affect human health, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, as well as the development of strategies for diagnosing, preventing, and treating infectious diseases.

Students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of Medical Microbiology topics, including:

• Bacterial Pathogenesis: Studying how bacteria cause infections in humans, the mechanisms of bacterial virulence, and the development of antibiotics and other antimicrobial therapies.
• Virology: Researching viruses that cause human diseases, including respiratory viruses (like influenza), hepatitis viruses, and emerging viral diseases (e.g., HIV, Zika, COVID-19).
• Fungal Infections: Investigating the pathogenesis of fungal diseases, including fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals, and exploring antifungal treatments.
• Parasitology: Studying parasitic diseases that affect humans, such as malaria, leishmaniasis, and helminth infections, and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
• Antimicrobial Resistance: Investigating the growing global issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including how microorganisms develop resistance to antibiotics and strategies to combat resistance.
• Molecular Microbiology: Using molecular techniques to study microbial genetics, gene expression, and the molecular basis of microbial pathogenesis.
• Immunology and Microbiology: Exploring the interaction between microorganisms and the host immune system, including research into vaccines and immunotherapy for infectious diseases.
• Diagnostic Microbiology: Developing and improving diagnostic tools and techniques for identifying infectious agents, including the use of molecular methods (PCR, sequencing, etc.).
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology: Studying the distribution and determinants of infectious diseases within populations, and using data to inform public health strategies.
• Microbiome Studies: Investigating the human microbiome and its role in health and disease, including gut microbiota and its association with diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions.

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