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MSc Infectious Diseases
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Develop your understanding of infectious diseases, as well as how to design strategies for their control and treatment with this flexible master's degree.
Key features
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Gain a professional edge
Develop a range of transferable and subject-specific expertise that will help you develop rational strategies for the control of infectious diseases. Undertake your own research project, which could help you to pursue a PhD.
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A mark of excellence
Benefit from a degree developed by world-leading academic staff at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), an institution at the forefront of global health for over 120 years, from pioneering work on vaccines to making the first link between smoking and lung cancer.
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Unlock a wealth of study resources
Access online study material via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Receive personalised assignment feedback, tutorial support and discuss programme material with other students through the online discussion forums.
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Study online anywhere in the world
Fit your studies around your commitments and pursue an internationally recognised degree without disrupting your professional networks or the need to travel to London.
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An internationally recognised degree
Earn a degree that is highly valued across the globe and will help you pursue sought-after careers in health-related fields. The University of London has been a trusted provider of distance and flexible learning for over 160 years and is a reputable name to attach to your qualification.
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Course overview
The degree is available to be studied as a full master’s degree, a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert).
You complete 12 courses or nine modules plus a project report for the MSc:
- Four compulsory modules.
Plus either (once a minimum of three core modules have been passed):
- Eight electives (at least six from the Infectious Diseases group). The remainder may include Public Health or blended learning modules.
- Or five electives (at least three from the Infectious Diseases group) plus a project report.
You complete eight courses for the PGDip:
- Four compulsory Level 4 courses, and four elective courses from Level 7 and Level 6 (at least three from the Infectious Diseases group, once a minimum of three core modules have been passed.).
You complete four courses for the PGCert:
- Four compulsory Level 7 courses.
Individual modules: Study our modules individually to update your knowledge or sample the programme.
The Programme Specification and Programme Regulations contain information and rules regarding what courses you can choose and the order in which they must be studied.
(IDM101)
(IDM102)
(IDM103)
(IDM104)
(IDM201)
(IDM202)
(IDM203)
(IDM204)
(IDM205)
(IDM213)
(IDM215)
(IDM301)
(IDM501)
(IDM502)
(IDM503)
(IDM601)
(IDM600)
(PHM207)
(PHM211)
(PHM213)
(PHM218)
(PHM219)
The degree is offered online and is fully supported by a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). You study at a time and pace that suits you (subject to certain deadlines), using the study materials provided and with support available from academic staff.
Study materials
Your study materials may include subject guides, textbooks, past examination papers, and handbooks.
All of your study materials are made available in October.
Online support
When you register, we will give you access to your University of London Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources:
- The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Here, you can access electronic copies of all printed study materials, resources including audio-visual and revision guides, and forums to discuss course material and work collaboratively with others.
- The Online Library. As a student at the University of London, you will have access to a range of resources, databases, and journals via the Online Library. You will be able to contact a team of professional and qualified librarians for any help you require.
- The LSHTM library resources
Senate House Library
If you’re based in the United Kingdom, or are visiting London, make sure to visit Senate House Library. Students studying with the University of London can join the library free of charge. Membership includes a 10-book borrowing allowance, access to all reading rooms and study areas, and on-site access to Senate House Library digital resources.
Student support
We are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience for all of our students, regardless of which of our programmes you are studying and whether you are studying independently or with a Recognised Teaching Centre.
You will have access to support through:
- The Enquiry Hub – provides support for application and Student Portal queries.
- TalkCampus – a peer support service that offers a safe and confidential way to talk about whatever is on your mind at any time of day or night.
LSHTM also offers students a range of support and guidance. Further details can be found in the Programme Specification.
Time commitment
You should expect to study for 15-25 hours per week throughout the study year if you wish to complete your qualification in the minimum time allowed (one year for the Postgraduate Certificate, two years for the Postgraduate Diploma or MSc). Most students take between three and five years to complete the MSc.
Assessment
This varies from module to module but will include a combination of unseen written examinations and written assignments. More details can be found on course pages.
Exams are held in June each year.
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) has an international presence, and is renowned for its research, postgraduate studies and continuing education in public and global health. It was crowned University of the Year in 2016 by Times Higher Education for its extraordinary response to the Ebola crisis.
The Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases encompasses the School’s laboratory-based research and its work on the clinical and epidemiological aspects of infectious and tropical diseases. The spectrum of diseases studied is wide and there are major research groups focused on malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, vaccine development and evaluation, and vector biology and disease control.
Academic leaders
Dr Patricia Gorak-Stolinska is Lecturer in the Immunology Department and Programme Director of the MSc Infectious Diseases. Her teaching interests are in parasitology and immunology. Patricia first joined the School in 1994 to work on Leishmaniasis, before returning after a short spell at Kings College London, in 2002, to work on immunity to BCG vaccine.
Dr Anita Skinner is Research Fellow in the Department of Pathogen Molecular Biology and Deputy Director of the MSc Infectious Diseases programme. Anita undertook postdoctoral research on drug resistance of the influenza virus at the National Institute for Medical Research before returning to the School in 2014. Her teaching interests include the biology of infection.
Dr Jackie Cliff is Lecturer in the Department of Immunology and Infection and Course Content Director of the Infectious Diseases programme. A former graduate of the course, Jackie investigates immune responses to tuberculosis. Her research is directed at identifying the host bio-markers that can determine when a TB patient has been successfully cured. Jackie teaches immunology and infection, particularly tuberculosis.
Free online courses
The School offers several free online courses on a wide range of health topics. These provide a great insight into the independent learning experience.
Open days
The School holds regular open days in London. You can come and meet staff and students and receive a tour of the School.
Key dates
| Applications open | |
|---|---|
| Applications close | |
| Registration deadline | |
| Programme starts | October 2024 |
Admissions
What qualifications do you need?
For entry to the degree, you will need either:
- the equivalent of a UK first or second-class honours degree in a relevant subject from an acceptable institution.
- or, an appropriate professional or technical qualification, plus three years' relevant experience.
Find equivalent qualifications where you live.
If you do not meet the above standard requirements, we can still consider your application on the basis of your qualifications and experience. In these instances, once you apply online, we will contact you with a request for two references to support your application before referring on for academic consideration.
English Language requirements
You need a high standard of English to study this degree. You will meet our language requirements if you have achieved one of the following within the past three years:
- IELTS: 7.0 overall, with 6.5 in the written test and 5.5 in listening, reading and speaking.
- TOEFL iBT: 100 overall, with 24+ in writing, 23+ in speaking, 22+ in reading and 21+ in listening.
- Pearson Test (Academic): 68 overall, with 62+ in writing and 59+ in listening, reading and speaking.
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English: 185 overall, with 176+ in writing and 169+ in listening.
- Duolingo: must achieve an overall score of at least 130.
Alternatively, you may satisfy the language requirements if you have at least 18 months of education or work experience conducted in English.
If you do not meet these requirements but believe you can meet the standard, we may also consider your application.
Computer requirements
We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly.
View the Programme specification to see the computer requirements for this programme.
Fees, funding and payment
The fees below relate to new students registering for the 2024-2025 session. On average, fees are subject to a five per cent year-on-year increase.
Students who registered earlier can view their fees on the Course Fees page.
Programme fees: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Programmes Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma/MSc Clinical Trials, Demography and Health, Epidemiology, Global Health Policy, Health in Humanitarian Crises, Infectious Diseases, Public Health and Individual Modules
Full programme fee (payment in full)
| Master of Science | £17640 |
| Postgraduate Diploma | £13960 |
| Postgraduate Certificate | £10310 |
Payment by module
| Initial registration fee | £1610 |
| Fee for final project | £2740 |
| Assessment resit fee | £260 |
Fees applicable to Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma/MSc Clinical Trials, Demography and Health, Epidemiology, Global Health Policy, Health in Humanitarian Crises, Infectious Diseases
| Fee per core modules (e.g. coded CTM1, DEM1, EPM1, GHM1, IDM1, HHM1) | £2150 |
| Fee per elective module (excluding those identified as core modules) | £890 |
| Integrating module (CTM210 only) | £1810 |
Individual modules (not part of formal awards) taken on a stand-alone basis
| Fee per module (with the exception of Public Health core modules (PH)) | £2620 |
| Fee per Public Health PH core module | £1790 |
BLENDED LEARNING FEES (DL STUDENTS ATTENDING IN LONDON – fees payable directly to LSHTM, not to the University of London, once approved for attendance at LSHTM)
| Fee per LSHTM module, in addition to whole of DL MSc fee paid in full | £1110 |
| Fee per LSHTM module, if DL course is paid via annual instalments | £2150 |
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*The indicative totals include the application fee, all module and continuation fees payable to the University of London for the duration of your study, as well as online tutor support. This fee does not include applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, local exam centre fees and fees payable to University of London Recognised Teaching Centres.
Sales Tax
Please note: all student fees shown are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where the University is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in the UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.
Further information on Sales Tax
Your payment provider may apply additional transaction fees (if in doubt, please check with them before making a payment).
Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London degree anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money. However, there are additional sources of support depending on where you live and how you choose to study.
Can I get sponsored?
If you are employed, your employer may be willing to cover part/all of the programme fee if you can make a compelling case as to how this programme will boost your contribution to the workplace.
Our courses are ideal for employers because they get to retain you as an employee and benefit from your learning from the moment you begin.
You can pay your fees in a number of ways, including an online payment facility via the Student Portal and Western Union Quick Pay.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this degree get to progress and upscale their careers in health professions. If you complete the MSc, it may also enable you to progress for further study in infectious diseases.
"My proudest moment has been applying my technical knowledge to my work. I was instrumental in the introduction of new vaccine antigens (pneumonia and rota virus) for my country’s immunisation programme. The country was among the first in the region to introduce life-saving vaccines for children."
Dr Elizabeth Wala, Kenya
What do employers think of our graduates?
In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register, even if you plan to receive support from a local teaching institution.
You’ll have access to a wide range of careers and employability support through the University of London Careers Service, including live webinars and online drop-in sessions.
What our students think
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Thank you for your interest in studying with us. Applications are currently closed for this course. Check the key dates section when applications open or register your interest.
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