Epidemiology and Population Health PhD / MPhil / MD

Epidemiology is the study of health and disease conditions in defined populations of humans and animals. Epidemiology is essential for understanding how diseases emerge and spread, and for the development of effective control methods.

Why study with us?

  • 150

    years of leading international reputation.

  • 101

    academic members of staff.

  • £6.6m

    awarded in new research income this year.

Overview

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

In IGH we study the epidemiology of a range of infectious and non-infectious diseases of people and animals, including zoonotic diseases.

Epidemiological research in humans includes clinical and molecular epidemiological studies of a range of gastrointestinal, respiratory, vector-borne and sexually-transmitted infections of adults and children in the UK, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Epidemiological research in animals takes place predominantly at the Leahurst campus, where multidisciplinary staff, including clinically-qualified veterinary and medical researchers, statisticians, mathematicians and basic scientists, work together to address a range of issues. These include the epidemiology of zoonotic pathogens; the spread of antimicrobial resistance; understanding human behaviour as a driver of disease transmission; disease prevention and improving health and welfare in farmed and companion animals; and the influence of the environment and climate on the transmission of disease.

Research themes

Our research themes include:

  • Epidemiology
  • Epidemiology and Population Health
  • Veterinary Epidemiology.

Study options and fees


The fees below reflect one year of study during the 2024/25 academic year

MPhil / PhD / MD Duration UK students International Students
Full time 2-4 years £4,786
  • Faculty of Health and Life Sciences £29,750 (Band A)^
  • Faculty of Science and Engineering* £29,750 (Band A)^ or £23,400 (Band B)
  • Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences £23,400 (Band B)
Part time 4-6 years £2,393
  • Faculty of Health and Life Sciences £14,900 (Band A)^
  • Faculty of Science and Engineering* £14,900 (Band A)^ or £11,700 (Band B)
  • Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences £11,700 (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.

^ Self-funded, full-time international students studying a PhD programme classified as Band A will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only.


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 requirement61 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 LanguageGrade C
Cambridge IGCSE as a Second LanguageGrade 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

How to apply

Research degree applications can be made online.  You'll also need to ensure that you have funding to cover all fees.

Applications are open all year round.

More about applying for research degrees

Apply online

Before you apply, we recommend that you identify a supervisor and develop a research proposal


Find a supervisor

View supervisors in this area

Need help finding a supervisor? Contact us


Related studentships: self-funded and funded PhD projects


Find a scholarship

We offer a range of scholarships to help you meet the costs of studying a research degree.

See scholarships