Medical Parasitology
Entry requirements
In order to be admitted to an LSHTM master's degree programme, an applicant must:
- hold either a first degree at Second Class Honours (2:2) standard in a relevant discipline, or a degree in medicine recognised by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) for the purposes of practising medicine in the UK, or another degree of equivalent standard awarded by an overseas institution recognised by UK ENIC or the GMC.
or
- hold a professional qualification appropriate to the programme of study to be followed obtained by written examinations and judged by LSHTM to be equivalent to a Second Class Honours (2:2) degree or above.
or
- have relevant professional experience or training which is judged by LSHTM to be equivalent to a Second Class Honours (2:2) degree or above.
If you have not previously studied in the UK, you can check our guide to international equivalent qualifications for our master's degrees.
An additional preferred requirement for the MSc Parasitology is an interest in parasites of public health importance and disease transmission.
Relevant subjects for the MSc Medical Parasitology include biological and biomedical sciences and zoology. Other life science qualifications (e.g. medicine, ecology, forensic science, public health, environmental science, pharmacy and medical engineering) will be considered subject to evidence within transcripts or relevance of research projects or work experience. Within the application it should be clear how the MSc would further your career or interests in parasitic diseases and/or their vectors.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum entry requirement, but who have relevant professional experience may still be eligible for admission. Qualifications and experience will be assessed from the application.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to meet these requirements: Band B.
It is possible to apply without English language test results however the results of a test may be listed as a condition of an offer of admission. Please see our English language requirements for more information.
Intercalating students
You will need the equivalent of a bachelor's degree to undertake an MSc. This will usually require you to have a BSc degree or have completed the first three years of your medical degree. More information on intercalating an MSc at LSHTM.
Access and widening participation
At LSHTM we are committed to ensuring that students from all backgrounds feel encouraged to apply to study with us. To that end, we have introduced an innovative contextual admissions system that is designed to consider any barriers applicants may have faced and take account of the circumstances in which their grades have been achieved, rather than relying on results alone. More information on widening participation at LSHTM.
Months of entry
September
Course content
Not only are parasitic infections still on the rise, but they’re spilling into unexpected places, causing infections in non-endemic countries. The climate crisis, globalisation and change in vector ecology are all having an impact. We’ve designed this course for anyone who wants to join our mission to control and eliminate infections and support communities affected.
Our MSc Medical Parasitology is delivered by parasitology and entomology experts at the forefront of the field. With such a high concentration of expertise in one place, you’ll hear about the latest research and learn to apply the latest techniques in the field.
At LSHTM, some of our specialists are looking at different areas of malaria such as cell biology, pathogenesis, population genetics and drug design. Other experts are looking at other parasitic diseases such as trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, filariasis and schistosomiasis. We also have significant experience looking at vectors, from mosquitoes and tick-borne diseases to flies with larvae that hatch and burrow into the skin. Experts from WHO, Natural History and other universities will also give lectures and seminars on everything from forensic entomology to the behaviour of vectors.
What you will learn
- Explore the biology, pathogenesis, immunology, epidemiology and diagnosis of parasitic infections in humans
- Analyse strategies for control of the vectors and intermediate hosts of human parasites
- Hone your microscopy skills, as well as using other research tools such as PCR, sequencing, confocal microscopy and proteomics
- Carry out practical laboratory identification of the parasite stages both free and in tissues
- Sample and identify medically important vectors or intermediary hosts and incriminate them in disease transmission
- Design a laboratory or field-based research project to apply research skills and interpret data
- Develop specialised skills through taking modules on different aspects of the subject including advanced diagnostic, molecular, immunological, genetic, and more.
Find out more about the MSc Medical Parasitology programme on the LSHTM website.
Information for international students
The final closing dates for all taught Master’s applications for entry in the 2024/25 academic year is Sunday 21 July 2024 at 23:59 UK time for all students requiring a Student visa.
Find out more about the MSc Medical Parasitology programme on the LSHTM website.
Fees and funding
For up to date information on funding available for postgraduate programmes at LSHTM, please visit our website.
Early application fee reduction for UK MSc Students 2024-25
Apply early and lock-in lower fees. If you are a student from the UK (and have a home fee status), you will be eligible to receive a 5% reduction in your tuition fee if you submit your application by Friday 5 April 2024 and subsequently register onto one of our in-person MSc programmes (some exclusions apply, see detailed terms and conditions).
You must be applying for full-time study on a programme starting in September 2024; be funding your fees yourself; and be a new applicant.
If you meet the above criteria and submit your application by the deadline, you will automatically receive the tuition fee discount.
Next Generation Scholarships
LSHTM is offering 10 scholarships to support students in the completion of an MSc degree at LSHTM. These initiatives are designed to enable excellent students from groups who have been historically underrepresented in Higher Education at the postgraduate level to study, feel a sense of belonging and succeed at LSHTM. Find out more and apply by 6 April 2024.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MSc
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Course Enquiries
- study@lshtm.ac.uk