Blended learning | Ways to study

Blended learning: flexibility meets quality

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) offers distance learning students the chance to study elective modules on campus in London.

Once you complete the core modules, you have the option to apply for a limited number of on-campus modules. These intensive modules span 5 weeks each and are conducted for 2.5 days per week during the spring and summer terms. Benefits include focused study periods and in-person interactions with peers and tutors. Consider the time and cost commitments before choosing this option, as on-campus study is intensive and may affect your distance learning schedule.

We currently offer six distance learning programmes, each of which can be taken as a PG Certificate, PG Diploma or Master's degree. The structure of the programmes allows you to be flexible and study at a pace that suits you.

You can view all available modules on our distance learning modules page.

Eligibility and restrictions

To be able to apply to study some modules for blended learning, you must already be studying or be eligible to start studying elective modules in 2025-2026.

You cannot register for both a distance learning module and its on-campus equivalent module (see the module choices page).

Make sure you have not registered for the maximum number of distance learning elective modules. You should have left enough space on your module choices to add the chosen blended learning module/s.

Some on-campus modules may impose a restriction on student numbers; if such a restriction is applied, on-campus MSc students will be given priority over distance learning student module applications.

Some modules may require you to have background knowledge in the relevant subject. You must check the restrictions and prerequisites which apply to many modules, prior to applying for a particular module, and you may be asked to provide evidence in order to satisfy the Module Organiser that you have sufficient knowledge to benefit fully from the module.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods for the on-campus modules vary, and full details are given in the module specifications. The on-campus modules may be assessed through coursework or a short examination, which will be carried out by the end of the 5-week teaching period. You must complete the required assessment by the specified deadline of the module you are attending.

The assessment you undertake on an on-campus module via the blended learning scheme will be credited towards your overall distance learning MSc degree.

Students studying MSc programmes in Global Health Policy, Epidemiology, Health in Humanitarian Crises, Infectious Diseases and Public Health will be able to study up to four elective modules via blended learning and PGDip students will be able to study up to two elective modules via blended learning.

Students studying MSc Clinical Trials will be able to study up to two elective modules via blended learning and PGDip students will be able to study one elective module via blended learning.

Where a student has registered for an on-campus module that has an equivalent distance learning module, the student must study only the on-campus module and must not register for the distance learning equivalent module. Similarly, where a distance learning module has been chosen, the equivalent Intensive module cannot be registered for.

Studying on-campus

Immigration/Visas: Non-UK nationals who would like to attend on-campus modules at the School may require a student visa to allow them to study in the UK. Further guidance can be found on the UK Government website. Please note that we cannot register students for any on-campus modules, unless they hold the correct immigration permission.

If your distance learning fees are paid by a sponsor, you may need to check that they approve you to study module(s) at the School rather than by distance learning.

Accommodation: There are many options for accommodation in London. Please see our webpage for information on some of these. Please note it is your responsibility to pay for and organise accommodation for the period of your stay in the UK.

Cost

Distance learning students who wish to study intensive face-to-face modules as part of their distance learning programme will be required to pay a fee for these module(s). This fee is in addition to the distance learning programme fee.

Confirmation of the cost of the intensive face-to-face module(s) and how to pay will be included in the formal offer of admission for the module(s) which will be sent to you if your application for blended learning study is successful.

How to apply

You will be notified via a message on the distance learning noticeboard when applications for blended learning are open. This is likely to be in early October. Please do not submit applications until we inform you that the application process is open.

Once your application for blended learning study has been submitted it will be considered by the relevant Module Organiser(s). If you are accepted on the module, you will receive a formal offer letter and invoice. If your application for blended learning is unsuccessful you may need to register for a distance learning module instead.

Please get in touch with us at [email protected] for further details.

Please note: on rare occasions, the School may cancel modules up to two weeks before the start date, if numbers are insufficient to run the module. In such cases, the School will refund the module fee. The School cannot accept responsibility for accommodation, travel or other losses incurred as a result of the module being cancelled.