The Infection Biology for Global Health programme is designed to provide advanced training in the theoretical and practical aspects of the biological mechanisms of infectious diseases and their impact on human health worldwide.
This programme aims to provide you with an advanced, systematic and critical understanding of the biology of infectious disease agents, including bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. You will explore their pathogenic mechanisms, interactions with hosts, the role of vectors in their spread, and modern approaches for their clinical diagnosis, treatment and control in the context of global health.
The Master's programme also offers the opportunity to specialise within one of four subject areas: Parasitology; Medical Entomology; Drug Discovery and Diagnostics; Microbial Pathogenesis.
What you will learn
- Demonstrate a comprehensive and critical understanding of the biology of infectious agents, their vectors and the nature of host–pathogen interactions, and their relevance to global health challenges.
- Critically evaluate, synthesise and apply current research literature and emerging evidence in infection biology in the context of global health.
- Independently manage, analyse and interpret complex biological data, drawing evidence-based conclusions relevant to the study, prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment of infectious diseases.
- Design, conduct, and communicate original and rigorous research that advances knowledge and understanding within the field of infectious diseases.
- Demonstrate advanced competency and independence in the application of a range of advanced microbiological and molecular techniques, and an associated critical understanding of their application, limitations and relevance to the study of infection biology.
Duration
| Course | You study | Study period |
|---|---|---|
| Master's (180 credits) | 5 modules + 1 compulsory project report | 1 year full-time, 2 years split study |
| Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) | 5 modules | 8 months full-time, 16 months split study |
| Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) | 2 modules | 4 months full-time |
Ways to study explained. This course is subject to change/approval.
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: 2 core modules
- Postgraduate Diploma: 5 modules
- Master’s: 6 modules, including a project report
It is possible to register for the PG Certificate in the first instance then, on successful completion of the compulsory core modules, transfer your registration to the PG Diploma or MSc. Please seek guidance from the programme director and course administration teams to discuss this route.
The majority of modules listed below are also available to study as individual modules.
- Compulsory core modules (PG Certificate, PG Diploma and MSc), Term 1
All students complete the core modules consisting of two compulsory AB1 modules:
- Microbial Pathogenesis and Vectors of Disease
- Research Skills for Infection Biology
- Elective modules (PG Diploma and MSc), Term 2
Following a compulsory core in Term 1, students take either Clinical Microbiology or Clinical Parasitology in the C1/C2 timetable slots of Term 2, prior to one module from each of the D1 and D2 timetable slots.
Recommended modules selection group:
C1/C2
- Clinical Microbiology
- Clinical Parasitology
D1
- Antimicrobial Drug Discovery in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
- Application of Genomics in Infectious Diseases
- Sampling and Incrimination of Disease Vectors
D2
- Antimicrobial Resistance & One Health
- Emerging Infections & Diagnostic Design
- Vector Management for Global Health
- Project report (MSc only), Term 3
- Research Project (compulsory for the MSc)
For all four specialisms, the specialist designation of projects will be confirmed by the Programme Director.
- Assessment method
General assessments are subject to approval but may include written assignments, groupwork and written examinations. Some modules involve only one type of assessment, other modules use a combination of assessments.
Specialisms
Students can choose to graduate with one of four specialist variants of the MSc Infection Biology for Global Health, allowing them to specialise in a particular area while studying within the same MSc programme. This results in one of the following award titles:
- MSc Infection Biology for Global Health (Parasitology)
- MSc Infection Biology for Global Health (Medical Entomology)
- MSc Infection Biology for Global Health (Drug Discovery & Diagnostics)
- MSc Infection Biology for Global Health (Microbial Pathogenesis)
- MSc Infection Biology for Global Health (Parasitology)
The programme comprises the same compulsory modules as for MSc Infection Biology for Global Health, but the recommended elective modules taken by the student in Term 2 must include the following specialist module(s):
- Clinical Parasitology
In addition, the Research Project must be one that has been designated as suitable for the ‘parasitology’ specialism.
- MSc Infection Biology for Global Health (Medical Entomology)
The programme comprises the same compulsory modules as for MSc Infection Biology for Global Health, but the recommended elective modules taken by the student in Term 2 must include the following specialist module(s):
- Sampling & Incrimination of Disease Vectors
- Vector Management for Global Health
In addition, the Research Project must be one that has been designated as suitable for the ‘medical entomology’ specialism.
- MSc Infection Biology for Global Health (Drug Discovery & Diagnostics)
The programme comprises the same compulsory modules as for MSc Infection Biology for Global Health, but the recommended elective modules taken by the student in Term 2 must include the following specialist module(s):
- Antimicrobial Drug Discovery in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
- Emerging Infections & Diagnostic Design
In addition, the Research Project must be one that has been designated as suitable for the ‘drug discovery and diagnostics’ specialism.
- MSc Infection Biology for Global Health (Microbial Pathogenesis)
The programme comprises the same compulsory modules as for MSc Infection Biology for Global Health, but the recommended elective modules taken by the student in Term 2 must include the following specialist module(s):
- Clinical Microbiology
In addition, the Research Project must be one that has been designated as suitable for the ‘microbial pathogenesis’ specialism
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.
In order to be admitted to an LSHTM master's degree programme, an applicant must:
- hold either a first degree at Second Class Honours (2:2) standard in a relevant discipline, or a degree in medicine recognised by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) for the purposes of practising medicine in the UK, or another degree of equivalent standard awarded by an overseas institution recognised by UK ENIC or the GMC.
or
- hold a professional qualification appropriate to the programme of study to be followed obtained by written examinations and judged by LSHTM to be equivalent to a Second Class Honours (2:2) degree or above.
or
- have relevant professional experience or 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.
Relevant subjects and appropriate qualifications for the MSc Infection Biology for Global Health include microbiology, medical microbiology, biology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, zoology, environmental sciences, medicine and nursing. Other life science qualifications will be considered subject to evidence within transcripts of sufficient exposure to topics relevant to the programme (please make this evidence clear within your application).
Biomedical scientists, students with research experience (e.g. as research assistants) or applicants with other relevant professional experience who do not meet the minimum grade criteria are also encouraged to apply, but should outline how their experience is relevant to this programme. The programme includes extensive laboratory-based teaching, but prior laboratory experience is not required as full training will be provided.
The programme allows students to select one of four specialisms (Parasitology, Medical Entomology, Drug Discovery & Diagnostics, and Microbial Pathogenesis) based on their module choices and the focus of their research project. Students will receive guidance from tutors about the available specialisms and the associated modules and projects. Applicants who have a specific interest in one of the specialisms are encouraged to indicate this within their application. However, there is no requirement to select a specialism at the point of application.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum entry requirement, but who have relevant professional experience may still be eligible for admission. Qualifications and experience will be assessed from the application.
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.
Applications for this programme are currently closed. Register your interest to be notified when applications open for 2026/27 (early November).
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 Master’s degree programmes and is payable upon application submission. The application fee also applies to PG Diplomas and PG Certificates where appropriate. Income generated from the application fee is shared between scholarships and the student hardship funds.
Application deadline
All applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to ensure availability of a place and a timely decision on their application. This is particularly important for applicants with sponsorship deadlines.
Closing dates for all taught face-to-face MSc, PG Diploma and PG Certificate applications for entry in the 2027/28 academic year is:
- Sunday 25 July 2027 at 23:59 UK time for all students requiring a Student visa
- Tuesday 31 August 2027 at 23:59 UK time for all UK, Irish and non-Student visa students.
Applicants will be required to meet the conditions of their offer and provide all necessary documents by the date of their Offer of Admission.
Tuition fee deposit
All applicants must respond to their offer of admission within 28 days 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.
- Home students: £500 non-refundable deposit, payable within 28 days of the offer date
- Overseas students: £2,000 non-refundable deposit
- Offers made before 31 January 2027: deposit due by 1 March 2027
- Offers made from 1 February 2027 onwards: deposit due within 28 days of the offer date.
Do you need a visa?
Please visit our Visa & Immigration pages for advice and guidance.
Important notice for nationals/citizens of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar or Sudan: If you require a UK student visa, the government has introduced a “visa brake”. As a result, LSHTM is currently unable to sponsor student visas for applicants from these countries.