Rapid global spread, emerging variants, overwhelmed healthcare systems – these are just some of the devastating consequences an infectious disease can have. As a specialist in this field, you’ll help shape the global health landscape, investigating and managing infectious diseases.

Over one year (full-time) or two years (part-time / split-study), you’ll develop specialist skills and bridge the fields of epidemiology, laboratory sciences and public health. If you want to influence research, policy and control, this truly multi-disciplinary programme is the perfect match for you.

After core training in fundamental concepts of infectious diseases agents and their control, you will be able to tailor your studies through a range of modules to match your future career aspirations. The module choice encompasses disease agents such as Malaria, influenza, HIV, TB, neglected tropical diseases and many others along with approaches to their control. 

What you will learn

• Grow critical knowledge in global health and infectious diseases, including investigating the transmission of endemic and epidemic infections
• Understand how to select appropriate methods of control, as well as designing, implementing and evaluating co-ordinated control programmes
• Discover the best ways to assess the constraints of local public health delivery systems
• Develop the skills to manage available resources in the context of the control of infectious diseases
• Explore the impact on particular geographical regions or specific diseases.

Each module is taught by experienced academic researchers of international standing often with global networks of collaborators that will benefit your studies. You’ll also hear from guest speakers covering topical issues, from climate change and health policy to case studies and emerging technologies applied to a variety of diseases.

To take your learning from taught theory to research, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your own research project from a wide range of topics related to infectious diseases. You’ll be able to tailor the topic to suit your professional interests guided by academics or overseas collaborators.

Many past students’ research projects are exceptional and have contributed directly to published research outputs and included exciting collaborations with public health, research organisations, or NGOs.

Who is it for?

Biological science graduates and scientists. Medical graduates and intercalating medical students, veterinarians, retraining NGO employees. However, we also accept some students who aspire to a new career in controlling infectious diseases.

The programme attracts applications from all over the world. Whatever your background, you’ll show a keen interest in infectious diseases and a desire to have influence in the field. You will study alongside a broad range of professionals from across the globe.

By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with new specialist skills, and be prepared for a career in the control of infectious diseases. Past students are working across the world for a range of organisations, often in influential positions.

Our graduates work in education, health ministries, international disease control agencies and aid organisations.  Malaria Consortium, Cancer Research UK or Public Health England are just a few of the employers who need graduates in this area. Perhaps you are keen to pursue an academic career through studying a PhD programme. 

Duration

One year full-time or part-time/ split-study over two years. Ways to study explained.

Intercalating study

Find out about intercalating this programme.