Program Overview
Medical Microbiology PhD / MPhil / MD
The Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences brings together leading medical, veterinary and basic science researchers from across the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. Our research encompasses studies of the pathogenicity, diagnostics, identification, epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of a range of bacterial pathogens.
Introduction
Medical and veterinary microbiology involve the study of the agents responsible for causing human or animal infections, namely bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. This includes the study of the mechanisms underlying the virulence of the pathogen, diagnostics and identification of pathogens, pathogen epidemiology, and antimicrobial resistance.
Research Topics
Relevant research topics in medical microbiology include:
- Pathogenicity
- Diagnostics
- Identification
- Epidemiology
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Pathogen transmission routes
Research Environment
Research in medical microbiology is based in new laboratories at five sites, the Ronald Ross Building, IC2, Leahurst, the Biosciences Building, and our research facilities in Malawi. Researchers benefit from access to world-class equipment and facilities via the Liverpool Shared Research Facilities, many of which are based within the Institute.
How to Apply
To apply for the Medical Microbiology PhD / MPhil / MD program, follow these steps:
- Identify potential supervisors: Explore our staff lists for the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences for details of potential supervisors.
- Prepare your application documents: You may need the following documents to complete your online application:
- A research proposal (this should cover the research you'd like to undertake)
- University transcripts and degree certificates to date
- Passport details (international applicants only)
- English language certificates (international applicants only)
- A personal statement
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- Contact details for two proposed supervisors
- Names and contact details of two referees
- Apply: Register and apply online.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
- UK fees: Full-time place, per year - £5,238, Part-time place, per year - £2,619
- International fees: Full-time place, per year - £32,200, Part-time place, per year - £16,100
Additional Costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Funding Your PhD
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs. There's also a variety of alternative sources of funding, including funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities and trusts.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition fees and living expenses, including:
- Duncan Norman Research Scholarship: Full payment of your PhD fees and a cash bursary of £23,000 per year
- John Lennon Memorial Scholarship: Financial support worth up to £12,000 per year for up to three years of full-time postgraduate research
Facilities and Resources
The Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences supports modern, well-equipped research laboratories on the University's main Liverpool campus. Researchers benefit from access to world-class equipment and facilities via the Liverpool Shared Research Facilities.
Careers and Employability
Once you graduate after completing your PhD, you'll gain free access to Prosper to help you unlock your potential and kickstart your postdoctoral research career. You can also access online resources, including the Prosper portal, to manage your personal and professional development at your own pace.
Entry Requirements
You'll normally be expected to hold both:
- A UK honours degree, or overseas equivalent, at 2:1 or above, in a relevant subject
- A UK master's degree, or overseas equivalent, in a relevant subject
English Language Requirements
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you're from a majority English speaking country. We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications, including:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5
- TOEFL iBT: 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19
- Pearson PTE Academic: 61 overall, with no component below 59
Pre-sessional English
If you don't meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.