Critical Care
MPhil / PhD / MD
Critical care research seeks to understand the complex mechanisms that follow on from acute cell damage and injury. Our research, encompassing sepsis and trauma, investigates the development of these leading causes of death. By undertaking a research degree in critical care, you'll play a vital role in advancing the diagnosis and treatment of critical illnesses.
A world leader in medical research
Liverpool has a long standing pedigree of excellence in medicine. Home to the world’s first Nobel Prize winner in medicine, we're still at the cutting edge of medical research today.
Being a postgraduate researcher has been an incredible learning experience, the staff are really supportive and there's lots of training and development opportunities available to you.
Lucy Smith, Critical Care PhD Student.
1
Nobel Prize Winner.
34
research students.
90%
of research classed as world-leading.
Research at Liverpool
Critical care research seeks to understand the complex mechanisms that follow on from acute cell damage and injury. Our research, encompassing sepsis and trauma, investigates the development of these leading causes of death. By undertaking a research degree in critical care, you'll play a vital role in advancing the diagnosis and treatment of critical illnesses.
The Institute of Infection and Global Health offers an excellent environment for critical care research. Our approach is rooted in clinical investigation, translating patient observations into new diagnostic techniques and theraputic developments.
Join us and you'll join a world-leading team of researchers who are changing lives across the world. Our recent work has helped to create new rapid tests to diagnose sepsis and has developed new theraputic treatments.
Research themes
Our five research themes focus on critical global health challenges:
- Understanding how pathogens cause disease
- Pioneering diagnostics, treatments and vaccines
- Enhancing food safety and food security
- Tracking emerging and zoonotic infections
- Improving the health of pets, working with animals and their owners
Research interests
We particularly welcome research proposals that focus on identifying the molecular events that mark the transitional phases of critical illnesses, especially in identifying the signatures of early maladaptive events.
Particular areas of interest include:
- Haemostatic and Vascular endothelial dysfunction
- Toxicity of nuclear and cellular breakdown products, including histones and neutrophil extracellular traps
- Translational clinical studies, including development of new diagnostics and therapeutics
Facilities
The University of Liverpool has excellent research facilities within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. These are available with excellent technical support to external users from industry and other academic institutions. Postgraduate researchers benefit from the facilities provided by the Technology Directorate.
As a postgraduate researcher at Liverpool you will become part of the Liverpool Doctoral College. The LDC supports all postgraduate researchers across the University to thrive in their doctoral programme with our dedicated team of esteemed supervisors, professional services staff and student peers ensuring our students succeed in their studies.
Research groups
Study options and fees
MPhil
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) can be thought of as a shorter version of the PhD. It requires the same research skills, training, planning, and project management. It can be a way to assess whether you wish to undertake doctoral research - or it can be taken for its own sake.
| Duration | Fees: Home and EU Students | Fees: International Students | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,195 | £15,350 |
| Part time | 4-6 years | £2,098 | £7,675 |
PhD
A doctoral degree is awarded to students that have demonstrated the ability to conceptualise, design, and implement a substantial research project that results in new knowledge, applications, or understanding in their field of study. During your research, you can expect to draw on direct clinical and observational experience to produce an original thesis of 80,000-100,000 words. You'll be part of a research group which matches your research interests. Research groups offer opportunities for cross-disciplinary research collaboration, as well as support and expertise for your research.
| Duration | Fees: Home and EU Students | Fees: International Students | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,195 | £15,350 |
| Part time | 4-6 years | £2,098 | £7,675 |
MD
The Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a doctoral degree open to medical practitioners (technically, anyone holding a medical qualification registrable with the General Medical Council). It is equivalent in requirements and format to the PhD.
| Duration | Fees: Home and EU Students | Fees: International Students | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,195 | £15,350 |
| Part time | 2-6 years | £2,098 | £7,675 |
Entry requirements
Eligibility and entry qualifications
Students will normally have a minimum of a 2:1 class honours degree in a relevant biological science subject, or an equivalent medical, veterinary or dental qualification. Applicants are selected on the basis of their curriculum vitae, qualifications and referees’ reports, together with their perceived ability to complete the programme successfully and on the value of the training offered to their subsequent career plans.
English language requirements
To apply for this research degree, you must have reached a minimum standard of English. You need to be able to provide evidence of this. See our English language requirements for international students for guidance on the different English language qualifications and evidence that you can provide.
International qualifications
We welcome applications from within the EU and from around the world. You should ensure that your qualifications are equivalent to those which are required to study for this research degree. See our guidance on international qualifications.
Additional requirements
How to apply
Research degree applications can be made online. Before you apply, we recommend that you identify a supervisor and develop a research proposal. You'll also need to ensure that you have funding to cover all fees.
Applications are open all year round.
Find a supervisor
Your supervisor is your main source of academic support and mentoring. You'll need to find a supervisor before you start your research degree. It's helpful to identify a supervisor and discuss your research proposal before you apply.
View supervisors in this area
Need help finding a supervisor? Contact us
- Eleanor Toole
- Email: ighpgr@liverpool.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)151 794 9573
Related studentships
Your training and development
Join us and you'll also join the Liverpool Doctoral College, our home for doctoral support, training and development. You'll join a vibrant and collaborative community of researchers, get tailored support for your development and have the opportunity to undertake a work placement.
Arrange a personalised visit
Visit our campus and facilities in person with a visit that's tailored for you. Visit us by yourself or in a small group.