This MSc programme addresses the escalating threats from emerging diseases originating from human-animal interactions, driven by environmental and climate change, global travel and trade, food insecurity, deforestation and biodiversity loss, and other human-caused factors. You’ll be part of a new cadre of scientists with interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to help tackle these complex global challenges.
Introduction
Our Planetary and One Health MSc programme will provide lifelong learning, technical and transferable skills, scientific training, and opportunities for employment in rapidly growing fields that address global health, environmental change, disease control, and public health implementation across the medical and veterinary sectors.
You will be taught by internationally renowned infection and health scientists and clinicians in practice, to provide in-depth scientific knowledge and you will receive training for research that can be applied to academic, governmental, non-governmental, commercial, and public health settings.
In addition, you will learn digital, informatic, and mapping skills and the utilisation of open-access climate and environmental data that are of increasing importance for infectious disease research and many employers.
Please note that this programme is suitable for intercalating medical and veterinary students.
Who is this course for?
This masters is for graduates from a biological, environmental science, veterinary, medical or allied health background.
What you'll learn
Statistical techniques in the design of experiments in biological research
Evaluating issues associated with emerging infectious disease and global outbreaks
Understanding of models and data results, and their application to health research
Investigating complex health problems through a One Health lens, with a multi-disciplinary approach to disease drivers and policy connection
Practical skills in using mapping / analytical software (i.e. QGIS and R) to analyse the spatial patterns and risk factors associated with human and animal health
Knowledge and skills for investigating planetary health issues, such as climate change, land use change, biodiversity loss, population movement, and disease spread
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
Semester 1 compulsory modules:
IVES701 – Introduction to IVES Research
LIFE707 – Biological Data Skills
IVES723 – Global Outbreak Surveillance and Control
IVES715 – One Health
Compulsory modules
BIOLOGICAL DATA SKILLS (LIFE707)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Data skills are essential for a career in modern biology. Biological studies increasingly involve the generation of large or complex sets of data, and the ability to analyse data is a core component of a successful biologist’s skill set. Digital fluency is also required more widely outside biological research and a grounding in data analysis is in demand by a broad range of employers. Here you will learn the ability to visualise data, critically test hypotheses, and to interpret and present results.
The learning and teaching materials are delivered as an online set of resources (available through Canvas) coupled with computer-based practical workshops. The module will also introduce students to the powerful open access statistical software package, R.
The module will be assessed by a written data analysis report and an open-book exam
For any students studying off-campus – due to a placement in industry or studying at an overseas University – on-line drop-in sessions will be provided instead of the practical workshops.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Semester two
Semester 2 compulsory modules:
IVES701 Introduction to IVES Research
IVES762 Understanding models and data
IVES727 Planetary Health
IVES728 Mapping for Planetary & One Health
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Final project
IVES702 – Research Project
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
How you'll learn
You will experience a range of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, group discussion and e-learning.
Programme modules encourage individual and group work where you will tackle problems by developing ideas and hypotheses, design learning strategies to solve problems, and then analyse and interpret your findings.
Course material is available 24-hours a day on Canvas, our online learning platform. One-to-one meetings with your research supervisor will allow you to discuss science, develop your critical thinking and creativity through an ongoing feedback model.
Your master research project provides a full academic research experience, including the planning, execution and communication of scientific research.
How you're assessed
Assessment of knowledge and understanding, practical skills and transferrable skills is through a blended mix of coursework that may include practical and project reports, essays, completion of workbooks, talks, data handling sessions and posters.
All modules will provide you with feedback on your learning progress and allow for adjustment of your learning. Electronic resources available on the University virtual learning environment support learning and teaching.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
This course is led by the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences. The Institute integrates cutting-edge research in infectious diseases, veterinary science, ecology and evolution to benefit people, animals and ecosystems, nationally and globally. Their work addresses major societal challenges, including emerging infectious diseases, food security, antimicrobial resistance and the impacts of environmental change. Research-led teaching provides exciting opportunities for students, who will form the next generation of researchers and medical and veterinary clinical practitioners.
Graduates equipped with interdisciplinary skills and expertise in this topic will be able to transition to a range of diverse career options, including public health, epidemiology, health policy and advocacy, environmental science, teaching, and consultancy.
Graduates will be highly competitive candidates for positions in academia (research assistants), government agencies (e.g., UK Health Security Agency; Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), international organizations (e.g., World Health Organization, UN Environment Programme), non-governmental organizations/charities (World Wildlife Fund for Nature), climate research centres, environmental consultancy firms, and companies focused on global health and environmental change.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
The MSc Planetary and One Health prepares you for a diversity of job opportunities in the public and private sector. Potential career pathways include, but are not limited to, the roles of:
PhD training in academia and/or industry
Teaching in secondary/higher education
Scientist employed by public sector agencies, non-government organisations or charities
Scientist employed in private sector organisations with a focus on bioscience, environment, and public and veterinary health
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£12,400
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£26,400
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Applicants should have a 2:1 Honours degree in a Biological or Environmental Sciences subject or equivalent.
Applicants with a previous clinical degree [Veterinary Science or Medicine (MBChB)] or allied health subject (e.g., Dentistry or Nursing) from a UK University will be considered.
We are able to offer a level of flexibility for applicants. Those with a 2:2 honours degree will be considered on an individual basis.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
