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MSc Tropical Disease Biology

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

United Kingdom, Liverpool

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Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

United Kingdom , Liverpool

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines14-Sep-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 26,099 / year

Next Intake 14-Sep-2026

MSc Tropical Disease Biology

About

Why should I study Tropical Disease Biology?

Tropical diseases are having a devastating effect on the health and wellbeing of more than one billion people across the globe. The tropical regions where these diseases are most prevalent are some of the poorest in the world, with limited resources and struggling health systems.

This programme will open your eyes to the fascinating world of advanced tropical disease biology, with contemporary learning based on up-to-the-minute research.

A thorough understanding of the biology and control of pathogens and vectors that spread debilitating diseases will empower you to become part of the solution, helping to limit the impact of disease and improve lives.

What will I get out of it?

Tropical Disease Biology will give you the opportunity to delve deeper into the science of parasitology, microbiology, host-pathogen interactions, disease vectors and the pathogens they transmit. Working with state-of-the-art lab facilities in an exciting research-active environment, you’ll learn from leading global academics and benefit from industrial collaborations and international connections.

At the end of your course, you will apply your understanding of tropical disease biology and critical awareness of its impact to a research-based dissertation. You’ll be able to explore a subject you love in detail, with the opportunity to travel overseas and engage with professional and industrial bodies.

Is Tropical Disease Biology for me?

If you’re keen to get to grips with how tropical diseases work and want to understand how we, as biologists, can be part of the solution, this course is most definitely for you.

Whatever area of biology you have studied, you will be able to utilise your skills and knowledge on this programme to enhance your understanding and apply your expertise where it is needed most.

Why LSTM?

Benefit from open-access labs with state-of-the-art facilities, including Europe’s largest collection of venomous snakes!
Work with an internationally diverse team of research-active experts, with extensive experience working across tropical regions.
Complete fieldwork abroad or engage with professional bodies as part of your research-based dissertation on a subject of your choice.

Meet our Director of Studies, Dr James LaCourse

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entrance Requirements

Academic requirements:

To apply for this course you must have an Honours degree (2.ii or equivalent) in the biological sciences, or a medical or veterinary degree.

If you are based outside the UK and don’t have this kind of qualification but have extensive relevant experience or other qualifications, you may also be considered.

We also accept medical and veterinary students who have completed at least three years of study and wish to intercalate.

Recognition of prior learning:

Recognition of prior Learning

All programmes of study will permit entry with credit attributed to previous certified study up to a total of one third of the credits requirement to be awarded an MSc, postgraduate diploma, postgraduate certificate or postgraduate award.

Work experience:

Non-graduates with considerable satisfactory work experience of appropriate in-service training will also be considered.

English language requirements:

The programme is taught in English. Applicants whose first language is not English must normally provide evidence of an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all learning components, or a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of at least 88 for the Internet-based Test (iBT), with minimum scores of 21 for listening and writing, 22 for reading and 23 for speaking.

Tests should be within their validity period of two years.

Other English language tests and country specific English language qualifications are also accepted, and a full list can be found here.

Applicants who have recently completed a degree level qualification taught in a majority English speaking country (as identified by UK Visas and Immigration UKVI) may also be accepted at the discretion of the Director of Studies.

English Program Requirements

English language requirements:

Tests should be within their validity period of two years.

Other English language tests and country specific English language qualifications are also accepted, and a full list can be found here.

Career

Careers

At the end of this programme, you will be well prepared for a PhD or a career in lab or field research in the biological sciences. You’ll be particularly suited to pursuing studies into organisms of importance to public health, with experience across a wide variety of pathogens and vector-borne diseases.

Many of our alumni hold prominent positions in health ministries, universities, hospitals, and international organisations throughout the world. Your training in the context of tropical and resource-limited regions of the world will open up exciting opportunities to work abroad for NGOs, military or public health employers, where your expertise will be invaluable.