About this course
We're 1 of only 2 World Allergy Organisation Centres of Excellence in the UK.
Develop your professional practice and improve patient care on this MSc Allergy degree. As a World Allergy Organisation Centre of Excellence, we'll give you the skills to provide the best care for children and adults. You’ll graduate as a specialist in key clinical areas of allergy care.
Our Allergy MSc is suitable if you're working in a hospital or community, as a doctor, nurse, dietitian, pharmacist or scientist.
The course is highly flexible, both in how you study and what you study. You can choose to study part-time over 2 to 5 years, or full-time for 1 year. You can personalise your learning to meet your professional needs. Our modules allow you to attend in blocks of 3 to 4 days, with self-study between modules supported through online learning.
You can choose to focus on:
- allergic airways disease
- skin and drug allergy
- food allergy
- teaching the teachers to teach
- designing your own learning experience for your work needs
You’ll graduate from this allergy specialist course with the skills to be a leader in both paediatric and adult allergy care, able to pass on knowledge on to your teams.
Flexible study
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
- a full-time MSc - study the same course content over 1 year
- a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) - you can choose to study full-time over 1 year or part-time over 2 years, and will not need to write a dissertation
- a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) - you can choose to study full-time over 1 year or part-time over 2 to 4 years, and will not need to write a dissertation
You can also take a single module as part of continuing professional development (CPD). Explore modules that are available as CPD.
This course is available to take as an intercalation degree for undergraduate medical students. Intercalation means that you'll take a year out of your undergraduate medicine degree to gain this extra award.
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
Course lead
Our course lecturers are all actively involved in clinical practise or research.
This master's is led by Professor Judith Holloway, who was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in 2017 for her work on this course. This award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in higher education.
Accreditations



“The course is fantastic and the content is delivered by inspirational academics who are extremely enthusiastic and passionate about the subject. It has the right balance of clinical experience, theory and research.”
Course location
This course is based at University Hospital Southampton.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You'll need at least a 2:2 degree in a relevant subject.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 7.0 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you’ve been away from formal study for some time we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This part-time MSc is taken from 2 to 5 years. If you'd like to complete the course sooner you can choose to study full-time for 1 year, from September to September.
We take a mixed learning approach. Most of our students continue to work while studying, so our modules allow you to attend for blocks of 3 to 4 days. This makes it possible to study alongside your other commitments.
You must complete and pass the core module ‘Foundations of Allergic Disease’. This gives you a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms and management of allergic diseases, along with study skills.
To gain the MSc you must also take and pass:
- Clinical Research Skills – this helps you prepare for your dissertation
- Allergy Dissertation – this can be a research project, or it can be based on your own professional practice
You'll then choose between 4 and 6 optional modules (depending on their size). Each module is taught just once each year and represents up to 200 hours of study time. Your optional modules can include a module taken from anywhere in the University, subject to approval by the course leader.
For the dates each module is being taught in 2020 to 2021 academic year please see Medicine CPD module listing.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
You must also choose from the following modules:
Learning and assessment
Learning
This is a highly interactive degree, where you'll learn to make informed judgements in clinical and scientific settings and communicate these to other professionals, parents and patients. During your sessions learning will be as applied as possible. Between these sessions you'll use our e-learning portal to engage with tutors and fellow students and develop your learning.
As well as lectures and tutorials you'll learn through:
- interactive case histories
- developing an allergy action plan
- teaching session planning and delivery
- patient diagnosis and management plans
- critical appraisal of own teaching practice
- professional portfolio of clinical experience
This is a practical allergy testing course with demonstrations in:
- skin prick and lung function testing
- adrenaline autoinjectors
- inhalers and nasal sprays
- history taking and examinations
- IgE (immunoglobulin E) allergen testing and food challenges
Assessment
We'll assess you through a variety of methods, including:
- presentations
- reflective accounts and written assignments
- group work
- clinical case reports
- data analysis and reporting
There is also a science e-learning package available with self-assessment.
Dissertation
You'll need to complete a 6,000-word manuscript style document with an extended academic discussion. The whole project will take around 600 hours to complete. You'll be supported by a supervisory team as well as the module lead throughout this.
Academic Support
You'll have your own personal academic tutor, and you'll have individual support both face-to-face and electronically, with access to the Faculty of Medicine’s staff and resources. Dissertation support from the module leader is available at all stages, and group support will be available through regular online tutorials.
Careers
As well as giving you hands-on, practical skills this course will:
- develop your problem-solving and research evidence skills
- make you part of a community of allergy specialists, learning from your peers around the world
- develop your leadership skills in clinical allergy
- give you strategies for your continuing professional development
- teach your colleagues to improve your clinical service delivery
“It is thanks to my training at Southampton that I am a world-leading dietitian in the field of allergic diseases.” Carina Venter - Assistant Professor at University of Colorado
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees are charged in years 1 and 2 only. The fees below are for the part-time MSc.
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £4,625.
- EU and international students pay £10,346.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship
You are eligible for this scholarship if you:
are an international student who hasn’t taken a master's with us before
are enrolling to start a master's in September 2020
gained a 1st class honours degree at undergraduate level
If you meet these criteria you’ll be awarded an automatic £3,000 scholarship. This will mean a £3,000 reduction in your tuition fees. We’ll confirm your scholarship in your offer letter.
Unfortunately this offer isn’t open to UK / EU students.
MSc Allergy Natasha's Foundation (UK only)
We are delighted to be able to offer Natasha Bursaries following a very generous gift from the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation.
These bursaries are available to UK citizens studying on any of our Allergy courses, including single modules, the postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma or the master's.
The bursary is designed to help meet the cost of tuition fees.
The bursary applications are now closed for study in this academic year, but applications for 2021/22 will open in May or June 2021.
MSc Allergy Bursary (UK and International)
As a current or new UK or international student on the MSc Allergy course (MSc, PGDip or PGCert) you can apply for support towards your University of Southampton fees. More details can be found on the application form.
-
Complete the MSc Allergy Bursary Application Form (MS Word document)
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Send your completed form with your CV (2 pages max) to fmed-studentoffice@soton.ac.uk
The bursary applications are now closed for study in this academic year, but applications for 2021/22 will open in May or June 2021.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page, or email the programme team at allergy@soton.ac.uk
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Single module (CPD) applications
To apply for a single module (CPD), you'll need to fill in a physical application form that you can download from our continuing professional development pages.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
You may also be asked to provide:
- a degree certificate
- evidence of professional qualifications
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000