Epidemiology and Population Health
MPhil / PhD / MD
Epidemiology is the study of health and disease conditions in defined populations of humans and animals. Epidemiology is essential for understanding how diseases emerge and spread, and for the development of effective control methods.
Leading international reputation in infection research, tropical medicine and global health for more than 150 years
The University of Liverpool’s Institute of Infection and Global Health was established to bring together leading medical, veterinary and basic science researchers from across the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.
150
years of leading international reputation.
101
academic members of staff.
£6.6m
awarded in new research income this year.
Research at Liverpool
In IGH we study the epidemiology of a range of infectious and non-infectious diseases of people and animals, including zoonotic diseases.
Epidemiological research in humans includes clinical and molecular epidemiological studies of a range of gastrointestinal, respiratory, vector-borne and sexually-transmitted infections of adults and children in the UK, Europe, Africa and Asia.
Epidemiological research in animals takes place predominantly at the Leahurst campus, where multidisciplinary staff, including clinically-qualified veterinary and medical researchers, statisticians, mathematicians and basic scientists, work together to address a range of issues. These include the epidemiology of zoonotic pathogens; the spread of antimicrobial resistance; understanding human behaviour as a driver of disease transmission; disease prevention and improving health and welfare in farmed and companion animals; and the influence of the environment and climate on the transmission of disease.
Research themes
Our research themes include:
- Epidemiology
- Epidemiology and Population Health
- Veterinary Epidemiology.
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.
Fees
| Duration | Home and EU Students | International Students | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,327 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £22,000 (Lab based programmes) £16,700 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. Self funded full time international students studying a lab based programme will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only. |
| Part time | 4-6 years | £2,163.50 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £11,000 (Lab based programmes) £8,350 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. |
* These fees don't include research support fees (also known as bench fees). After applying, you will receive the total cost to study with us.
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.
Fees
| Duration | Home and EU Students | International Students | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,327 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £22,000 (Lab based programmes) £16,700 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. Self funded full time international students studying a lab based programme will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only. |
| Part time | 4-6 years | £2,163.50 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £11,000 (Lab based programmes) £8,350 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. |
* These fees don't include research support fees (also known as bench fees). After applying, you will receive the total cost to study with us.
Fee reduction for self-funded international students on lab-based programmes
If you're a self-funded international student studying a lab-based programme, you'll receive a £2,000 reduction in fees for your first year of study.
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.
Fees
| Duration | Home and EU Students | International Students | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,327 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £22,000 (Lab based programmes) £16,700 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. Self funded full time international students studying a lab based programme will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only. |
| Part time | 2-6 years | £2,163.50 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £11,000 (Lab based programmes) £8,350 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. |
* These fees don't include research support fees (also known as bench fees). After applying, you will receive the total cost to study with us.
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: self-funded and funded PhD projects
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.