University of Liverpool

Medical Microbiology

University of LiverpoolLiverpool, United Kingdom

Course overview

By investigating the transmission routes and behaviour of pathogens during infections, we aim to design better therapeutic strategies or vaccines to improve the health of humans and animals. 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.

TheInstitute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciencesbrings together leading medical, veterinary and basic science researchers from across theFaculty of Health and Life Sciences. Our research encompasses studies of the pathogenicity, diagnostics, identification, epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of a range of bacterial pathogens includingStreptococcus pneumoniae,Pseudomonas aeruginosaandEscherichia coli. We have strong groups working on zoonotic pathogens, such asCampylobacterspp.,Escherichia coli, andSalmonella spp.

You’ll have the opportunity to use a range of research techniques on this PhD. These include pathogen culture and diagnostic identification methods, PCR and transcriptomic and genomic technologies. These include metagenomics, resequencing and genotyping cell separation, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, proteomics and infection models.

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 inMalawi. Relevant research topics in medical microbiology include:

Key highlights

  • Research into bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites causing human and animal infections
  • Focus areas include virulence, diagnostics, epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance
  • Strong research groups on zoonotic pathogens such as Campylobacter and Salmonella
  • Training in PCR, genomics, metagenomics, proteomics and infection models
  • New laboratories across five sites, including research facilities in Malawi
  • Brings together medical, veterinary and basic science researchers

Entry requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 — 6.5 IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • E. Allison Peers Masters Scholarship in Iberian and Latin American Studies

    The scholarship provides £5,000 towards fees, plus a £5,000 stipend, for students undertaking a Hispanic topic in any master's programme in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film at the University of Liverpool.

    Up to £5,000

  • Health, Cultures and Societies Bursary

    The successful candidate will receive a one-off fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

  • Hodgson Law Scholarship

  • Liverpool Excellence Scholarship for Postgraduates

    If you're an international student, you could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £7,000.

    Up to £7,000

  • Liverpool Law School Hong Kong Scholarships

    Two scholarships worth £1,000 each.

    Up to £1,000

  • Liverpool Law School LLM Bursaries

    Two bursaries worth £500 each for Home students. Two bursaries wroth £1,000 each for international students.

  • MA in Chinese-English Translating and Interpreting Scholarships

    Students awarded this scholarship will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

  • Management School MBA Excellence Scholarship

    50% tuition fee discounts are available.

    Up to 50% of fees

  • Manuel Irujo Scholarship in Basque Studies

    The scholarship provides approximately £5,000.

  • MusicFutures Scholarship for International Intellectual Property Law LLM

    Up to five scholarships are available, each worth £12,500 in the form of a tuition fee discount.

    Up to £12,500

  • Peter Astaire Memorial Scholarship in Beatles Studies

    Up to two awards are available in each academic year, with each award worth £4,000.

    Up to £4,000

  • Scholarships for MA Political Science and International Relations

    The Department of Politics is pleased to announce two £5,000 scholarships for students wishing to pursue the MA in Political Science and International Relations.

    Up to £5,000

  • Scholarships for Master's in Public Administration and Policy

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Education

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Film Studies

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in History

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Translation

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

  • University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Master's Programmes

  • University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC) Excellence Scholarship

    £5,000 tuition fee reduction for the first year of study.

    Up to £5,000

Careers this course leads to

  • Postdoctoral research associate
  • Clinical scientist (microbiology)
  • University lecturer
  • Public health microbiologist
  • Infectious disease epidemiologist
  • Pharmaceutical or vaccine research scientist

Cost of study

UK/Home: Full-time place, per year - £5,238; Part-time: £2,619 | International: Full-time place, per year - £32,200; Part-time: £16,100

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Liverpool, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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