Immunology PhD / MPhil / MD
Immunology is the study of host resistance to infection. Without an immune system, humans and animals would be susceptible to overwhelming infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.
Why study with us?
It brings me pleasure to work in a research environment driven by openness, diversity in gender and race, mutual respect and dignity and which definitely provides a fertile ground for international students like me to evolve into independent researchers.
Hari Krishna Bollampalli, PhD student of NIMHAMS - UoL Dual PhD programme.
150
years of leading international reputation.
156
research students.
£9.5m
annual research income.
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.
Research in Immunology is based in new laboratories at three sites, the Ronald Ross Building, IC2 and Leahurst. It encompasses studies of the immune responses to and vaccination against a range of bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens including: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Japanese encephalitis virus, Zika virus, influenza virus, HIV, cytomegalovirus and other herpesviruses, chicken metapneumovirus, Salmonella, Treponema, Onchocerca, Fasciola, cyathostomins, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Toxoplasma and Neospora caninum.
The aims of the research are to investigate the nature of the cellular and humoral immune responses to pathogens of human or veterinary importance and how this knowledge may be used to design vaccines or other immunotherapeutic strategies to benefit clinical and veterinary medicine.
Research themes
We particularly welcome research proposals that match those of our researchers, including:
- Regulation of immune cell function in infection, including manipulation of immune cell migration by Toxoplasma gondii.
- Development of 3D tissue culture models to study host-pathogen interactions at the intestinal epithelium.
- Immunological basis of vaccine-induced protective immunity against bacterial and viral pathogens in humans, including influenza virus, rotavirus, RSV, S. pneumoniae and S. aureus.
Facilities
Techniques used include: tissue and pathogen culture, cell separation, flow cytometry, proliferation assays, ELISA, antibody production, Western blotting, proteomics, PCR and transcriptomic and genomic technologies, including metagenomics, resequencing and genotyping.
Research groups
- Development of 3D tissue culture models to study host-pathogen interactions at the intestinal epithelium. Regulation of immune cell function in infection, including manipulation of immune cell migration by Toxoplasma gondii.
- Immune dynamics group
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 |
|
| Part time | 4-6 years | £2,393 |
|
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 |
| 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 |
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
Before you apply, we recommend that you identify a supervisor and develop a research proposal
Find a supervisor
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Need help finding a supervisor? Contact us
- IVES PGR Administrator
- Email: ivespgradmin@liverpool.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)151 794 8032
Related studentships: self-funded and funded PhD projects
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