Infectious diseases are a global threat. There are new emergent and re-emergent pathogens identified every year. With epidemics and outbreaks like Ebola and Dengue virus often making headlines, and COVID demonstrating an unprecedented speed of worldwide spread, it’s never been more important to stay ahead of the curve to save lives.
Study Infectious Diseases to gain a better understanding of pathogenic infections in global contexts. Taught by active researchers in a flexible online format, you’ll learn about and apply cutting-edge strategies for the control and treatment of a broad range of infections.
Your chosen selection of thought-provoking modules will equip you with the tools to implement the latest evidence into your day-to-day practice, ready to become a future leader in the field.
What you will learn
- Discover how the basic principles of biology, biostatistics, epidemiology and public health apply to the control of infectious diseases
- Build your specialism within the general area of infectious diseases, and look at infectious diseases in various contexts such as healthcare settings, nutrition and water and sanitation
- Develop your knowledge of research methods and increase your critical and evaluation skills to apply independent scientific judgement
- Study the current issues that dictate the direction of research in infectious diseases
- Find out how to apply your knowledge to design control programmes and solve complex problems
Our academics have a reputation for being specialists in their subject area, with many working on ground-breaking research which they use to inform your modules. You’ll be encouraged to follow your interests when choosing from a range of elective modules and completing your research project.
Being a flexible online degree means you can study whenever and wherever it suits you. Your study materials are provided to you online via our virtual learning environment so you can learn at your convenience and balance your studies with existing work or personal commitments.
Once you complete the core modules, you have the option to apply for the blended learning option to study modules on-campus in London. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet other students and tutors in person; and engage in face-to-face discussion-based learning.
Who is it for?
Medics, nurses, pharmacists, research scientists, medical journalists – this course is perfect for anyone with a scientific or medical degree who’s keen to grow expertise in this rapidly evolving field. Or perhaps you don’t have a relevant degree but have relevant technical, lab or clinical experience, and you’re looking to develop new knowledge in infectious diseases.
Our students have varied career ambitions. Some are promoted within their field, while others want to launch their career in a different direction, such as infectious disease control. You’ll also be able to progress to a higher research degree in science, public health or medicine if you complete the full MSc. Whatever you want to do next, you’ll graduate with a range of skills and strategies that could apply to a wide variety of roles anywhere in the world.
Duration
| Course | You study | Study period |
|---|---|---|
| Master's | 9 modules + a project report or 12 modules | 2-5 years |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 8 modules | 2-5 years |
| Postgraduate Certificate | 4 modules | 1-5 years |
| Individual modules | Studying individual modules is an ideal option if you wish to update your professional knowledge or sample the programme. | |
Infectious Diseases by Distance Learning
Watch Programme Directors Vanessa Yardley, Anita Skinner and Patricia Gorak-Stolinska talk about the programme.
Munima Munadeen
Infectious Diseases by Distance Learning
The below structure outlines the proposed modules for this programme. Programme and module specifications provide full details about the aims and objectives of each module, what you will study and how the module is assessed.
- Programme structure
- Postgraduate Certificate: 4 compulsory core modules
- Postgraduate Diploma: 8 modules (4 compulsory core + 4 elective modules)*
- Master's: 9 modules (4 compulsory core + 5 elective modules) plus a project report OR 12 modules (4 compulsory core + 8 elective modules)†
*For the PG Diploma elective modules, at least three modules must be taken from IDM selection groups. The remaining module can be chosen from the IDM or PHM selection groups.
†For the MSc elective modules, if choosing the project option at least three modules must be taken from the IDM selection groups. If not choosing the project option, at least six modules must be taken from the IDM selection groups. The remaining modules can be chosen from the IDM or PHM selection groups.
It is possible to register for the PG Certificate in the first instance then, on successful completion of the compulsory core modules, extend your registration to the PG Diploma or MSc.
The majority of modules listed below are also available to study as individual modules.
- Compulsory core modules (PG Certificate, PG Diploma and MSc)
- IDM101 Principles of Biostatistics and Epidemiology
- IDM102 Principles of Biology
- IDM103 Biology of Infectious Diseases
- IDM104 Control of Infectious Diseases
- Elective modules (PG Diploma and MSc)
Infectious Diseases elective modules (IDM):
- IDM201 Bacterial Infections
- IDM202 Nutrition & Infection
- IDM203 Parasitology
- IDM204 Viral Infections
- IDM205 Healthcare-Associated Infection
- IDM213 Immunology of Infection and Vaccines
- IDM215 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
- IDM301 Epidemiology & Control of Infectious Diseases
- IDM501 HIV
- IDM502 Tuberculosis
- IDM503 Malaria
- IDM600 Project Report (MSc only)
- IDM601 Research Design, Management & Analysis
Public Health elective modules (PHM2):
- PHM207 Health Care Evaluation
- PHM211 Medical Anthropology in Public Health
- PHM213 Principles & Practice of Health Promotion
- PHM218 Applied Communicable Disease Control
(Note that restrictions and pre-requisites may apply to some of the modules above. Not all elective modules will be available every year).
- Project report (MSc only)
All MSc students have the option to apply to undertake a project report (IDM600), which is equivalent to three module credits.
- Methods of assessment
Assessment varies from module to module but will include a combination of unseen written examinations and written assignments. Details are given in the module specifications.
Examinations take place once a year in June.
- Credit awarded
Credits will be awarded for all modules (15 credits each) and the project (MSc only, 45 credits) if successfully completed. To successfully pass an award, the following credits must be gained:
- Postgraduate Certificate – 60 credits
- Postgraduate Diploma – 120 credits
- Master’s – 180 credits
- Blended learning: taking modules in London
After successful completion of a minimum number of core modules, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc students may also be eligible for the blended learning option, which allows for the study of up to two modules only (from a restricted list) at LSHTM in London during the Spring or Summer terms in place of distance learning modules. Please note that these options, and the dates when the modules are held at LSHTM, are subject to change - full details will be sent to all distance learning students in July each year.
Changes to the programme
LSHTM will seek to deliver this programme in accordance with the description set out on this programme page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for LSHTM to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.
Study materials
Learning is via directed, self-study against a detailed set of learning objectives for each module. A study guide (typically digital) is provided for each IDM module, together with access to a range of study resources and discussion forums via LSHTM’s virtual learning environment, Moodle.
As this is an asynchronous distance learning programme, the programme does not offer regular live online sessions with academics
Details of the study resources for each module can be found in the module specifications. Materials and resources for IDM modules may include:
- Study Guide
- E-books and other recommended readings
- “Key Concept” videos
- Online recorded webinars
- Revision sessions with module tutors on specific topics
- Past examination papers and examiners’ reports
Module tutors provide feedback for all students via the online discussion forums and offer individual feedback on submitted assignments. Tutor support is available for all modules from the beginning of October through to the end of May.
Flexible study
We know that if you have a full-time job, family or other commitments, and wish to study at a distance, you will have many calls on your time. The course allows you to study independently, at a time and pace that suits you (subject to some course-specific deadlines) using the comprehensive study materials provided, with support available from academic staff. You have between 1-5 years in which to complete the Postgraduate Certificate, and between 2-5 years in which to complete the Postgraduate Diploma or the MSc.
The study year for most modules runs from the beginning of October through to the June exams. Tutorial support is available throughout this time. Students carrying out projects are assigned personal supervisors to support their project work which is mostly carried out between June and the end of September in their final year.
Fees
The fees below refer to the 2026/27 academic year.
Fees may be paid in two ways:
In year one, pay the initial registration fee, plus the fee for each module you are taking in the first year. Then, in subsequent years, pay the fee for each new module you take.
Or, pay in full. If you pay in full at the start of your studies the registration fee will be included.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Master's | £19,440 |
| Postgraduate Diploma | £15,380 |
| Postgraduate Certificate | £11,360 |
| Application fee | £50 |
Fees in 2026/27 if paying as you go:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Initial registration fee | £1,610 |
| Fee per core module | £2,360 |
| Fee per advanced/ elective module | £970 |
| Fee for final project - MSc only | £3,010 |
| Application fee | £50 |
Blended learning fees (for distance learning students attending modules in London)
| Fee per LSHTM module, in addition to whole of MSc fee paid in full | £1,210 |
| Fee per LSHTM module, if programme is paid via annual instalments | £2,360 |
Information on Individual modules (taken on a stand-alone basis with no registration fee) can be found here.
Tuition fee deposit
Applicants are required to respond to their Offer of Admission and pay the £500 deposit within 28 days of receipt, or their place will be released and the offer automatically declined. The deposit is deductible from tuition fees upon full registration with LSHTM. Applicants in receipt of a full scholarship will not be required to pay the deposit.
Funding
LSHTM First Generation Scholarship 2026-27
Full tuition fee scholarship for first-generation university students from underrepresented groups pursuing distance learning MSc programmes at LSHTM. To be considered, applicants must hold an offer of admission by 27 March 2026. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
Sales tax information
Some tax authorities require us to apply sales taxes to our distance learning programme fees. Depending on your country or region of residence, this may include VAT, GST, or similar local taxes.
For full details, please visit:
Academic requirements
All applicants are required to have:
- Either a Second Class Honours degree (2:2) or above from a university or other institution, in a subject appropriate to the course.
or
- the equivalent of a Second Class Honours degree (2:2) or above, from a university or other institution, in a subject appropriate to the course
or
- relevant professional experience/training which is judged by LSHTM to be equivalent to a Second Class Honours (2:2) degree or above
If you have not previously studied in the UK, you can check our guide to international equivalent qualifications for our master's degrees.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to meet these requirements: Band B.
Some applicants may be exempt if they have previously studied in English or meet other specified criteria. Please see our English language requirements for details.
It is possible to apply without English language test results however the results of a test may be listed as a condition of an offer of admission.
Computer requirements
To get the most from your studies, your computer should have at least the following minimum specification:
- a web browser (the latest version of Firefox, Chrome or Internet Explorer). This must accept cookies and have JavaScript enabled
- screen resolution of 1024 x 768 or greater
- sufficient bandwidth to download documents/files of at least 50 MB
and the following applications installed:
- word processor that reads Microsoft Word format (.doc)
- Adobe, or other pdf reader
*Full mobile access is not available for all programmes
Applications should be made online and will only be considered once you have provided all required information and supporting documentation.
Please also read LSHTM's Admissions policies (pdf) prior to submitting your application.
You can apply for up to two master's programmes. Make sure to list them by order of preference as consideration will be given to your top choice first.
Please ensure you pay careful attention to the content of your personal statement, as we do not invite applicants to interview for this programme, so the clarity and relevance of the information you can provide is of considerable importance to us. We would like to know your experiences in the relevant field(s), your reasons for applying to our programme, what you hope to gain from the training we offer, and how you intend to use the knowledge and skills you acquired to further your career and contribute to improving health.
Application fee
A standard non-refundable application fee of £50 applies to all taught programmes (Master's, PG Certificate and PG Diploma) and is payable upon application submission. Income generated from the application fee is shared between scholarships and the student hardship funds.
Tuition fee deposit
Applicants are required to respond to their offer of admission and pay the £500 deposit within 28 days of receipt, or their place will be released and the offer automatically declined. The deposit is deductible from tuition fees upon full registration with LSHTM. Applicants in receipt of a full scholarship will not be required to pay the deposit.
Application deadline and other key dates
| MSc, PG Dip, PG Cert and individual modules | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 14 September 2026 |
| Registration deadline (new students) | 12 October 2026 |
| Registration deadline (continuing students) | TBC |
| Programme starts | 1 October 2026 |