Course summary
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.
Modules
Term 1 compulsory modules: Parasitology and Entomology; Analysis and Design of Research Studies. Terms 2 and 3: Students take a total of five study modules, one from each timetable slot (C1, C2, D1, D2, E). The list below shows recommended or compulsory modules. There are other optional modules which may be taken only after consultation with the Programme Director. Slot C1: Designing Disease Control Programmes; Molecular Biology & Recombinant DNA Techniques; Vector Sampling, Identification & Incrimination. Slot C2: Advanced Diagnostic Parasitology; Design & Analysis of Epidemiological Studies; Statistical Methods in Epidemiology. Slot D1: Advanced Training in Molecular Biology; Malaria: From Science to Policy and Practice; Spatial Epidemiology. Slot D2: Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases; Immunology of Parasitic Infection; Molecular and Cell Biology of Infectious Diseases; Vector Biology and Vector-Parasite Interactions. Slot E: AIntegrated Vector Management; Neglected Tropical Diseases; Novel Drug Discovery & Antimicrobial Resistance; Pathogen Genomics; Vaccine Immunology.
Assessment method
Assessments may include essays, other written coursework, short written exams, practical exams, groupwork, presentations or other methods, two practical and two MCQ examinations in Term 1, written assessments during the week before the start of Term 2, and a project report. For full assessment information, please see the module specifications.
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. Please visit our website for full entry requirements for the MSc in Medical Parasitology, including English Language requirements if English is not your first language.
English language requirements
As part of the application process, applicants are required to demonstrate how they meet LSHTM's minimum English Language requirements. This is particularly important for applicants requiring a Student Visa, as the UK Home Office dictates that every student from outside the UK and Republic of Ireland must show evidence of a minimum level of English language ability (called CEFR B2 level) in order to be granted a Student visa and study in the UK.
View requirements
https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/applications/applying-masters-degree-london/general-entry-requirements
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
Please refer to the LSHTM website for up to date information on fees & funding: https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/fees-funding
Sponsorship information
Information on all the scholarships we offer can be found on our fees and funding webpages. These pages are updated regularly as new scholarships become available. However, we recommend that students also look into alternative sources of funding.
Provider information
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London
Keppel Street
Camden
WC1E 7HT