Master of Infectious Diseases

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Western Australia

Program Overview

The Master of Infectious Diseases at The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a great option for students who want to understand how infectious diseases develop, spread, are diagnosed and controlled. It suits science and medical graduates interested in areas such as microbiology, immunology, public health, diagnostics and research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build a strong foundation through subjects such as Foundations of Infectious Diseases, Molecular and Cellular Microbiology, Diagnostic Medical Microbiology, Principles of Infection and Immunity, Biostatistics I and Epidemiology I. These subjects help students understand pathogens, laboratory diagnosis, immunity and the spread of infectious diseases.

Year 2: Students can explore areas that match their interests through subjects such as Vaccine & Drug Design & Development, Public and Environmental Health Microbiology, Vectors of Infectious Diseases and Vector Control and Clinical Laboratory Skills. Students interested in research can also undertake an Extended Research Project in Infectious Diseases or Research Project in Infectious Diseases.

Focus Areas

Infectious diseases, medical microbiology, immunology, epidemiology, diagnostics, vaccines and drug development, public health and research.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop strong knowledge of infectious diseases and pathogens, alongside practical laboratory, research and epidemiological skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

UWA does not list a specific professional accreditation for this master's degree. The programme supports pathways into research, diagnostic laboratories, public health, government health departments and related health organisations.

Reputation

UWA is a globally recognised research university, offering students access to a strong research environment and opportunities to learn from researchers and industry professionals in infectious diseases.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Infectious Diseases at UWA provides students with a strong combination of scientific learning and practical experience. Students gain skills through laboratory training, research projects and exposure to real infectious disease research environments. The programme includes more than 150 hours of hands-on laboratory classes in the first year, helping students apply their knowledge in areas such as microbiology, pathogen identification, diagnostics and disease prevention.

Students gain practical experience through:

150+ hours of hands-on laboratory training in the first year, allowing students to develop practical skills in infectious disease investigation and laboratory techniques.
Practical learning through subjects such as Foundations of Infectious Diseases, Molecular and Cellular Microbiology, Diagnostic Medical Microbiology, and Principles of Infection and Immunity, where students explore pathogens, diagnosis methods and immune responses.
Research projects in infectious diseases, where eligible students can work on original research under expert supervision and develop scientific research skills.
Opportunities to undertake research projects in UWA research laboratories, PathWest or other research institutions in Australia and overseas, depending on the project and supervision availability.
Learning within the Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, a specialist research centre focused on infectious disease research, teaching and new technology development.
Exposure to research areas including medical microbiology, tropical infectious diseases, public and environmental health microbiology, vaccine development and disease surveillance.
Access to the UWA Health Campus and Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre precinct, where students are connected with clinical and research organisations including PathWest, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and Telethon Kids Institute.
Practical learning opportunities through specialist biomedical science facilities that support postgraduate laboratory education and research activities.
Access to university learning resources and research support facilities to assist students throughout their academic journey.

These experiences help students graduate with practical laboratory, research and analytical skills required for careers in infectious disease research, diagnostic laboratories, healthcare, public health and related scientific fields.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Infectious Diseases can lead students toward careers across research, diagnostics, public health, medical laboratories and health policy. UWA specifically identifies roles such as Research Officer, Health Project/Program Manager, Policy Analyst, Health Researcher, Health Promotion Officer, Epidemiologist and Scientific Officer.

Typical career directions include:

Research Officer
Epidemiologist
Scientific Officer
Health Researcher

UWA supports students' progression through:

UniHub, where students can access employment and volunteering opportunities, career events, workshops and one-to-one appointments with Career Advisers.
The Job Ready Program, developed using insights from 80+ industry partners, focusing on professional communication and workplace skills.
Career Mentor Link, connecting students with professionals in their chosen field or industry.
Research and clinical connections through the UWA Health Campus, QEII Medical Centre precinct and organisations such as PathWest, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and Telethon Kids Institute.

Graduate outcomes: UWA's programme information highlights pathways into diagnostic and research laboratories, public health, clinical work, government health departments and international health agencies. Graduates who complete a research project may also be eligible to apply for a PhD.

Further Academic Progression:
Students who undertake a research project as part of the Master's may progress to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). UWA also offers related postgraduate pathways including the Graduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases and the Graduate Certificate in Communicable Diseases Epidemiology.