Medical Parasitology and Entomology
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.
English language requirements
As part of the application process, applicants are required to demonstrate how they meet LSHTM's minimum English Language requirements.
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.
Learn more about the MSc Medical Parasitology and Entomology entry requirements on the LSHTM website.
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 & Entomology 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.
Learn more about the MSc Medical Parasitology and Entomology programme on the LSHTM website.
Information for international students
The final closing dates for all taught Master’s applications for entry in the 2025/26 academic year is Sunday 27 July 2025 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.
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