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Summary

Course details

Course type:

Master’s Programme

Director of studies:

Dr James Lacourse

Mode of study:

Duration:

1 Year

Home fee:

£11,760

Overseas fee:

£24,150

Additional costs:

Overseas Research Projects incur additional costs

3 good reasons to study

Tropical disease caused by pathogens blights the lives of over a billion people globally. You will develop a deep understanding of the biology of these organisms, and vectors that spread these diseases, in the fight against these debilitating infections.

This programme is delivered by the Departments of Parasitology and Vectors of Disease using state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and industrial collaborations, coupled with strong research-based activity that covers countries throughout resource limited tropical regions of the world.

The programme will provide you with practical experience of essential techniques, as well as significant theoretical and practical knowledge in all important and topical areas of the field of tropical disease biology, all taught within an active and exciting scientific environment.

If you are considering a master's degree starting in 2025 we are holding both online and on-campus open events for you to discover more about our programmes. Find out more.

Why should I study Tropical Disease Biology?

Tropical diseases are having a devastating effect on the health and wellbeing of more than one billion people across the globe. The tropical regions where these diseases are most prevalent are some of the poorest in the world, with limited resources and struggling health systems.

This programme will open your eyes to the fascinating world of advanced tropical disease biology, with contemporary learning based on up-to-the-minute research.

A thorough understanding of the biology and control of pathogens and vectors that spread debilitating diseases will empower you to become part of the solution, helping to limit the impact of disease and improve lives.

What will I get out of it?

Tropical Disease Biology will give you the opportunity to delve deeper into the science of parasitology, microbiology, host-pathogen interactions, disease vectors and the pathogens they transmit. Working with state-of-the-art lab facilities in an exciting research-active environment, you’ll learn from leading global academics and benefit from industrial collaborations and international connections.

At the end of your course, you will apply your understanding of tropical disease biology and critical awareness of its impact to a research-based dissertation. You’ll be able to explore a subject you love in detail, with the opportunity to travel overseas and engage with professional and industrial bodies.

Is Tropical Disease Biology for me?

If you’re keen to get to grips with how tropical diseases work and want to understand how we, as biologists, can be part of the solution, this course is most definitely for you.

Whatever area of biology you have studied, you will be able to utilise your skills and knowledge on this programme to enhance your understanding and apply your expertise where it is needed most.

Why LSTM?

Benefit from open-access labs with state-of-the-art facilities, including Europe’s largest collection of venomous snakes!
Work with an internationally diverse team of research-active experts, with extensive experience working across tropical regions.
Complete fieldwork abroad or engage with professional bodies as part of your research-based dissertation on a subject of your choice.

Meet our Director of Studies, Dr James LaCourse

Course content

The MSc in Tropical Disease Biology consists of three core 20-credit modules, three optional 20-credit modules and a 60-credit research project.

Semester 1

Scientific and Professional Skills (core)
Biology of Tropical Pathogens and Vectors of Disease (core)
Research Methods in Tropical Disease Biology (core)

Semester 2

Scientific and Professional Skills (core)

Epidemiology and Control of Tropical Pathogens OR
Applied Bioinformatics
Vector Population Biology and Control OR
Molecular and Cellular Biology of Pathogens and Vectors
Climate Change and Health OR
Applied Statistics for Health Research OR
Immunology of Tropical Diseases

Semester 3

Research project: a subject of your choice within tropical disease biology.

Study pattern

This one-year MSc is delivered on a full-time basis and is split into six 20-credit taught modules with an extended 60-credit research project. You’ll be expected to spend around 200 hours on each 20 credit module, including lectures, seminars, self-directed learning, research and reading.

In semester 1, after an induction week, you will complete two core modules and assessments, and in semester 2, you will complete three optional taught modules. The Scientific and Professional Skills module runs across semester 1 and 2.

In semester 3 you will undertake your research project which often involves a placement abroad.

Delivery

Our expert staff have worked across the globe and are actively researching contemporary questions associated with tropical disease biology. You’ll learn from their vast experience through formal taught sessions, work with your international peers during small group sessions and build your independence and confidence through self-directed learning.

Essential lab, field and computing-based research techniques will form a central part of your studies, with formal lab sessions complemented by the opportunity to utilise our leading-edge facilities in your own time, with support from our technical team.

Outcomes

Once you’ve completed the MSc in Tropical Disease Biology, you’ll have a comprehensive toolkit of knowledge and skills to take your career further.

You’ll develop knowledge and understanding and be able to:

Define and critically appraise current issues and priorities in the fields of:

biology, including molecular and cellular biology
host-pathogen interaction
epidemiology and control of pathogens, vectors of disease and other organisms.

Review, identify and describe appropriate research methods to answer research questions in the field of tropical disease biology.
Critically appraise and evaluate research into the prevention of disease that may lead to the development of novel control strategies in tropical and resource-limited regions.
Critically analyse and interpret statistical data and design a research study.

You’ll build cognitive skills and be able to:

Critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate information from a variety of sources.
Apply subject knowledge and understanding in a variety of contexts to analyse and reach evidence-based conclusions on complex situations, problems and opportunities.
Review the principles and values of ethical practice with regard to the design and practice of research studies, consent and confidentiality in the collection, presentation and publication of data.
Demonstrate creativity, innovation and originality in the application of knowledge.

You’ll add to your practical and professional skills and be able to:

Formulate a research question, devise an appropriate research strategy and take a systematic approach to project planning and management.
Undertake research responsibly, safely and ethically, select and deploy appropriate techniques and methods, and accurately record data.
Manage, analyse, and critically interpret data collected in the lab, field, and in silico.
Critically appraise and select effective means of reporting and communicating research questions, strategies and findings across different contexts and environments.

Entrance Requirements

Academic requirements:

To apply for this course you must have an Honours degree (2.ii or equivalent) in the biological sciences, or a medical or veterinary degree.

If you are based outside the UK and don’t have this kind of qualification but have extensive relevant experience or other qualifications, you may also be considered.

We also accept medical and veterinary students who have completed at least three years of study and wish to intercalate.

Recognition of prior learning:

Recognition of prior Learning

All programmes of study will permit entry with credit attributed to previous certified study up to a total of one third of the credits requirement to be awarded an MSc, postgraduate diploma, postgraduate certificate or postgraduate award.

Work experience:

Non-graduates with considerable satisfactory work experience of appropriate in-service training will also be considered.

English language requirements:

The programme is taught in English. Applicants whose first language is not English must normally provide evidence of an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all learning components, or a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of at least 88 for the Internet-based Test (iBT), with minimum scores of 21 for listening and writing, 22 for reading and 23 for speaking.

Tests should be within their validity period of two years.

Other English language tests and country specific English language qualifications are also accepted, and a full list can be found here.

Applicants who have recently completed a degree level qualification taught in a majority English speaking country (as identified by UK Visas and Immigration UKVI) may also be accepted at the discretion of the Director of Studies.

How to Apply

Details on how to apply for our programmes can be found on our How to Apply page.

Aims

This course aims to:

To produce students with a critically developed, comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the current issues and priorities with regard to the biology of host-pathogen interactions, and control of pathogens, vectors of disease, and organisms of importance to public health in tropical and resource-limited regions of the world.

To enable students to identify, conceptualise and frame research questions, and critically analyse problems and challenges with relevance to the biology and control of the pathogens, vectors of disease, and organisms of importance to public health in tropical and resource-limited settings and contexts.

To provide applied experience, and equip students with the abilities to design strategies, and apply a range of specialised technical and analytical skills, to respond to biologically related research questions, problems, and challenges in regard to the pathogens, vectors of disease, and organisms of importance to public health in tropical and resource-limited settings and contexts.

To equip students with transferable abilities and skills in critical and reflective thinking, effective, independent, and collaborative team working, adaptable problem-solving, ethical project planning and management, and in confident communication within a range of environments/contexts.

Careers

At the end of this programme, you will be well prepared for a PhD or a career in lab or field research in the biological sciences. You’ll be particularly suited to pursuing studies into organisms of importance to public health, with experience across a wide variety of pathogens and vector-borne diseases.

Many of our alumni hold prominent positions in health ministries, universities, hospitals, and international organisations throughout the world. Your training in the context of tropical and resource-limited regions of the world will open up exciting opportunities to work abroad for NGOs, military or public health employers, where your expertise will be invaluable.

Testimonials

Being part of the LSTM community and completing a Master's degree here has been one of the most valuable experiences to date! Unforgettable and Unique. (Joe Clarkson 2019/20)

Study at LSTM was a wonderful experience that I will treasure for life. I met so many amazing people and now have a job in my chosen profession. (Molly Cliff, 2019/20)

Demanding but enjoyable. My year there provided a vital foundation on which to build a career in global public health. (Chris White, alumni survey comment)

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Apply

Start date	End date	Home fee	Overseas fee
8 September 2025	7 September 2026	£11,760	£24,150	Apply

Start date:
8 September 2025

End date:
7 September 2026

Home fee:
£11,760

Overseas fee:
£24,150

Apply

MSc Tropical Disease Biology