The MPhil and PhD are aimed at students who anticipate a career in which research plays a major role and who want to focus on an independent piece of research.

LSHTM provides a stimulating environment with state-of-the-art facilities in which to carry out research training in three academic faculties: Epidemiology and Population Health, Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Public Health and Policy.

MPhil/PhDs are very diverse: they may be desk-based, or include laboratory work or field work, but there are some common elements. You will be working on a health-related topic with advice from a supervisory team of academics. You will be encouraged to attend transferable skills and other courses, but these do not contribute to the formal assessment (unlike PhDs in some other countries). The examination of both MPhil and PhD is based on an oral examination (viva) of a written “thesis”. At LSHTM we encourage students to publish their work, and your thesis (maximum 100,000 words) may be a combination of chapters and published papers.

All PhD students initially register for an MPhil. Toward the end of the first year (second year if part-time), there is a formal upgrading process, with a written report (maximum 7,500 words), a seminar and an assessment panel in which two independent assessors explore the research plans with student. This provides feedback to improve the research, and identifies any students who may choose to, or may be better suited to, continue with an MPhil degree rather than transferring to a PhD. For students intending to stay registered for the MPhil the procedures are similar, with a formal review instead of the “upgrading”.

All students have a first supervisor and a second supervisor (who will be identified before registration) and may have further members in their supervisory team. They provide advice and guidance throughout the degree. Students will be in contact with their supervisor(s) at least once a month (full-time) or once every two months (part-time).

Students are expected to spend a minimum of 9 months in London over the course of the programme, usually including the first 3 months after registration. This is to enable students to benefit from the School’s academic environment and gain any training required for successful completion of their doctoral work including the opportunity to take relevant modules from LSHTM masters’ programmes to cover particular skills. Most students spend longer than this in London. Note that students without previous academic training in their discipline of interest will usually be advised to undertake an appropriate MSc as a first step before registering for a PhD.

Typically, a full time student might spend the first year in London, until after upgrading. In the second year, students continue laboratory work or carry out data collection/fieldwork either at or away from LSHTM. In the third year, students analyse and write up their research to prepare the thesis for submission. The final thesis should be submitted within 4 years (full time) or 8 years (part time).

LSHTM Research

LSHTM’s wide-ranging research programmes examine ways of improving and promoting health and health services and investigate the fundamental biology of pathogens and pathogenesis, and the aetiology, diagnosis, prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Research covers a wide range of topics and areas; these can be found by looking at the Research by Faculty (and clicking on the individual Departments), or at the cross-Faculty Academic Centres.  Many research programmes are carried out in collaboration with institutions outside the UK. Such collaborative work enhances the quality of the training experience and is one of the unique aspects of training at LSHTM.

Part-time study

LSHTM requires students who apply for part-time study to be available to study for at least two days per week (not including weekends). A letter from your employer is required to confirm that at least two days per week will be permitted for work on your degree.

Part-time students who are employed at one of LSHTM's specifically approved institutions may be able to carry out their research at their place of employment under the guidance of a supervisor at LSHTM.

PhD by Publication

This route is only available to staff members of LSHTM. The PhD by Publication, comprises a minimum of four linked peer-reviewed publications and a doctoral commentary. Consult the Programme Specification for details and how to apply.

Applying

Those interested in applying for MPhil/PhD study should refer to the How to Apply section. Registration for MPhil and PhD programmes takes place at three points in the academic year only, on the first day of each term. The entry points are normally in September, January and April. 

Free online course

Is a PhD right for me? is a free online course co-developed by LSHTM as part of the Bloomsbury Learning Exchange. The course topics include considering doctoral study, applying for doctoral study and life during doctoral study.

Contacts

Jenny Fleming ( Faculty Research Degree Manager - Faculty of Epidemiology & Population Health)

Helen White ( Faculty Research Degree Manager - Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases)

Joanna Bending ( Faculty Research Degree Manager - Faculty of Public Health & Policy)