Allergy (MSc)

You'll need at least a 2:2 degree in a relevant subject.

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:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Recognition of professional experience

Other ways to qualify

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

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.

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.

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 

Explore more of our alumni stories 

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). 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 vibrant 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

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study (charged in years 1 and 2 only):

• UK students pay £4,625.
• EU and international students pay £10,346.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Extra costs you might have to pay

The fees stated are for the part-time version of this course, please see the fees table for the full-time fees for this course.

You only pay tuition fees in years 1 and 2 when studying part-time on this course.

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 and EU 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.

Full terms and conditions.

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)

• 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 international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

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

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 will 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