University of Liverpool

Virology

University of LiverpoolLiverpool, United Kingdom

Course overview

Virology is the study of viruses and the diseases they cause in humans and animals. This includes the study of the underlying mechanisms of virulence, virus epidemiology and immune responses to viruses. Virology is crucial for developing vaccines, antiviral therapies and diagnostic tools, which are essential for managing and preventing viral diseases.

TheInstitute of Infection, Veterinary, and Ecological Sciences (IVES)brings together leading medical, veterinary and basic science researchers from across theFaculty of Health and Life Sciences. Our virology research encompasses studies on the pathogenicity, diagnostics, identification, epidemiology and immune responses to a range of viral pathogens. These include flaviviruses such as Japanese encephalitis virus and Zika virus; Ebola virus; HIV; influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, infectious bronchitis virus, MERS-coronavirus and SARS-CoV-2.

We use a variety of techniques, which include diagnostic identification methods, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), epidemiology, transcriptomic and genomic technologies, proteomics, and infection models. We also use artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches to integrate and harmonise large datasets, including clinical metadata, to better understand diseases. By investigating the transmission routes and behaviour of pathogens during infections, we aim to design better diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine strategies to improve the health of humans and animals.

Our research is facilitated by state-of-the-art Containment Level 2 and Containment Level 3 laboratories, technology platforms including biological imaging. Relevant topics in virology include:

Key highlights

  • Research on Zika, Ebola, HIV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2
  • Containment Level 2 and Level 3 laboratories support research
  • Techniques include flow cytometry, ELISA, genomics and proteomics
  • AI and machine learning used to integrate large clinical datasets
  • Brings together medical, veterinary and basic science researchers
  • Research aims to improve diagnostics, therapies and vaccines

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

  • Research Virologist
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
  • Vaccine Research Scientist
  • Clinical Scientist (Virology)
  • Epidemiologist
  • University Lecturer in Virology

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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