MSc Tropical and
Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases continue to place a heavy burden on global health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. From pandemics like COVID-19 to endemic challenges such as HIV, TB and dengue, these threats demand clinical expertise and leadership.
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- Course type
- Master’s course
- Director of studies
- Dr Sylviane Defres
- Location
- Liverpool, UK
- Start date
- 14 September 2026
- Mode of study
- Full time, on campus
- Duration
- One year
- Home fee
- £13,325
- International fee
- £26,099
Overview
Our MSc Tropical and Infectious Diseases will give you the knowledge and practical tools to manage infectious diseases and improve healthcare delivery in complex settings. You’ll study the fundamentals of tropical medicine, research methods, clinical leadership and quality improvement. Learning how to respond and lead, you’ll discover how to get the best possible outcomes for patients and populations.
Who is this course for?
Doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.
Public health specialists and clinical educators.
Health workers in tropical or resource-limited settings.
We welcome intercalating medical students who have completed at least three years of study.
“Whether you want to work on the ground with NGOs, shape policy at international level or improve services for displaced populations, this course will equip you with the tools to lead change.”
Dr Sylviane Defres Director of Studies
Why study Tropical and Infectious Diseases at LSTM?
Combine clinical insight with research and leadership skills.
Understand the impact of infectious diseases in tropical and low-resource settings.
Choose modules that reflect your professional interests and goals.
Undertake a research or quality improvement project at home or abroad.
Learn from clinicians, researchers and global health experts.
“Infectious disease is a global threat. COVID-19 showed us just how quickly a virus spread across the world, creating chaos for health systems and devastation for families. We need effective responses ready to be deployed across different contexts, so we can support communities already disadvantaged by health inequality.”
What will I learn?
You’ll study core and optional modules, followed by a self-directed research project.
- Essentials of Tropical Medicine (core).
- Evidence Application for Clinical Practice (core).
- Introduction to Leadership and Education in Clinical Practice (core).
- Leadership and Education Principles in Clinical Practice (core).
- Advanced Clinical Management in HIV Endemic Settings (core).
- Two optional modules, such as:
- Epidemiology and Control of Tropical Pathogens.
- Quality Improvement for Health in Low Resource Settings.
- Immunology of Tropical Diseases.
- Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Adolescent Health.
- Applied Statistics.
- Developing a Disease Control Programme.
- Research or Quality Improvement Project (60 credits).
This one-year Master’s is divided into three semesters. The first two focus on taught modules delivered through lectures, group work, case-based learning and simulation. The third semester is dedicated to your project, which can take place in the UK or abroad.
Each 20-credit module involves around 200 hours of learning, including contact time and independent study.
The course is taught on campus in Liverpool, UK.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Diagnose and manage tropical and infectious diseases in diverse settings.
- Apply research and improvement methods to real-world clinical challenges.
- Evaluate health systems and identify opportunities for innovation.
- Demonstrate leadership in service delivery and team development.
- Advocate for patient-centred, equitable care in resource-limited contexts.
Graduates go on to work in:
- Clinical leadership roles in global health or humanitarian settings.
- Research and policy roles in academic or public health institutions.
- Infectious disease and tropical medicine programmes worldwide.
You could lead hospital services, contribute to disease control efforts or work with NGOs, research centres or international agencies.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
Home fee
£13,325
International fee
£26,099
Financial support for UK students
We have scholarships, bursaries, discounts and loans available, established through generous donations from alumni, staff and friends and funding from within Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
Financial support for international students
We offer various scholarships for international students, particularly those from low- and middle-income countries. These include full or partial funding through programs like the LSTM Global Health Impact Scholarship and the LSTM Humanitarian Scholarship
External funding
Scholarships, fellowships and grants are available from a range of funders and organisations. Any scholarship, studentship, fellowship or grant can be used as an alternative to, or part-funding of, an LSTM scholarship.
How to apply
Apply for this course online via MyLSTM.
Register for a MyLSTM account to:
- Apply for courses at LSTM.
- Upload supporting documentation.
- Save your draft application.
- Accept an offer to study.
- Keep your account information up-to-date.
If you can’t access our online application form, please get in touch. Paper application forms are available on request.