Course content 

The Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene incorporates three core themes: 

• Clinical tropical medicine, including maternal, newborn and child health. 

• Tropical disease biology, including parasitology, microbiology and vector biology. 

• Public health and disease control include outbreak management in low- and middle-income countries. 

Content is divided into thematic blocks, each designed to cover key concepts while combining evidence-based practice with real-world application. Teaching is delivered by expert lecturers and grounded in patient management, with a strong emphasis on practical learning through case studies, clinical scenarios and group discussions. Topics range from the evaluation of TB control programmes and approaches to primary healthcare, to vector control strategies and the management of humanitarian emergencies. 

As a professional diploma this course is noncredit bearing but completion of the LSTM Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene allows students to apply to sit the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Certificate in Tropical Medicine examination. 

Study pattern 

This intensive three-month programme is full-time and based in Liverpool, UK. Each week consists of four days of in-person teaching, running from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Wednesdays are set aside as a flexible study day, giving you time to reflect on the content covered earlier in the week, consolidate your learning, and prepare for upcoming topics. 

At the end of the programme, you will be assessed through a series of examinations including: 

• Microscopy practical 
• Multiple choice 
• Written clinical care discussion papers 

Delivery  

Working closely with world-leading academics and clinicians, and your international peers, you will learn through a range of methods, including lectures, practical classes, clinical case discussions with international colleagues, student-led seminars and small group sessions. 

 You will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on practical work in our Dagnall Laboratory, making use of a unique collection of demonstration materials. Practical sessions are guided and supported by our experienced academic and technical staff, ensuring high-quality, applied learning in a specialist environment. 

Outcomes 

Once you have completed the Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, you will have a comprehensive toolkit of knowledge and skills to take your career further.  

You will develop knowledge and understanding and be able to: 

• Evaluate the clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of major communicable, non-communicable and neglected diseases in low- and middle-income countries. Explain principles of their epidemiology and control.  

• Analyse specific health and health system challenges affecting vulnerable groups. Select strategies and apply programme management principles to overcome them.  

• Explain the importance of social, cultural and economic factors on planning, management, implementation and uptake of preventative and curative health services and disease control programmes. 

• Appraise major diagnostic strategies for controlling diseases. Identify stages of development associated with important pathogens and vectors. 

• Summarise key biological characteristics of major insect vectors of disease. Explain their relevance in epidemiology and control of communicable diseases. 

You will build cognitive skills and be able to: 

• Critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate information from a variety of sources. 

• Apply your knowledge in a variety of contexts to reach evidence-based conclusions on complex situations. 

• Demonstrate creativity, innovation and originality in the application of knowledge. 

You will add to your practical and professional skills and be able to: 

• Identify and describe key pathogens in the diagnosis of disease and distinguish these from non-pathogenic organisms.  

• Recognise important insect vectors of disease. 

• Lead and participate in a health professional team and learn how to manage common clinical problems. 

• Devise strategies for assessing and improving community health in low- and middle-income countries.  

• Design, prepare and evaluate programmes and action plans for public health interventions to support vulnerable communities and populations, including those affected by conflict and disaster.