Applied and Molecular Microbiology involves the application of molecular approaches to the study of microbes (bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites) that impact upon medicine, agriculture, veterinary practice or other industry.

Why study with us?

£80.6 million
IVES has the largest research income at the University Liverpool.
4* research
in the latest Research Excellence Framework for 2021 UoA6.
Success
2 NIHCR funded research centres, 2 Wellcome Trust investigators, the Microbiome Innovation Centre, and the NERC Natural Environment Omics Facility.

Overview

The University of Liverpool’s Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological was established to bring together leading medical, veterinary and basic science researchers from across the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.

Research in Applied and Molecular Microbiology is based across new laboratories located at one of four sites: the Biosciences Building, the Ronald Ross Building, IC2 (all in Liverpool) and at the Leahurst campus. It encompasses the characterisation, design and or use of microbes and microbial products that impact upon medicine, agriculture, veterinary or other industrial practice. This might include the manipulation of the microbiota, the use of microbes to control the growth of specific pathogens or the use of microbial symbionts to control insect or other pests.

The aims of the research are to use microbes to enhance our ability to control pathogens, pests protect our food security. Ultimately this work improves the health and lifestyles of humans and animals.

Research themes

One Health Research
Global Health
Pathogens, Parasites, Microbiomes, and Syndromes
Adaptation to Environmental Change and Natural Capital
Animal Health Research

Facilities

Modern, well equipped research facilities and access to the Liverpool Shared Research Facilities.

Study options and fees

The fees below reflect one year of study. Fees stated for UK students are for the academic year 2024/25 and are subject to change for 2025/26. Fees stated for international students are for the academic year 2025/25.

MPhil / PhD / MD	Duration	UK students	International Students
Full time	2-4 years	£4,786	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences £31,250 (Band A) Faculty of Science and Engineering* £31,250 (Band A) or £24,600 (Band B) Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences £24,600 (Band B)
Part time	4-6 years	£2,393	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences £15,650 (Band A) Faculty of Science and Engineering* £15,650 (Band A) or £12,300 (Band B) Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences £12,300 (Band B)

The fees stated in the table above exclude potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter.

* Please note that if you are undertaking a PhD within the Faculty of Science and Engineering the fee you pay, Band A or Band B, will reflect the nature of your research project. Some research projects incur a higher fee than others e.g. if you are required to undertake laboratory work. You will be informed of the fee for your programme in your offer letter.

Entry requirements

Students will normally have a minimum of a 2:1 class honours degree in a relevant biological science subject, or an equivalent medical, veterinary or dental qualification. Applicants are selected on the basis of their curriculum vitae, qualifications and referees’ reports, together with their perceived ability to complete the programme successfully and on the value of the training offered to their subsequent career plans.

English language requirements

IELTS Academic requirement - SELT and non-SELT	Overall 6.5 no band below 5.5
TOEFL iBT requirement	Minimum 88 overall with L 17 W 17 R 17 and S 19
C1 Advanced CAE requirement	Overall 176 with no less than 162 in any paper
PTE Academic requirement	61 with minimum scores of 59 in each component
Trinity College London, Integrated Skills in English (ISE II)	ISE II with an overall pass with merit in components
Cambridge IGCSE as a First Language	Grade C
Cambridge IGCSE as a Second Language	Grade B
Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Proficiency)	Overall 176 with 162 in components
Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced)	Overall 176 with 162 in components
Cambridge English Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced)	Overall 176 with 162 in components