Immunology and Vaccinology 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. Vaccinology is the science behind the development of vaccines to initiate protective immune responses..
Why study with us?
Overview
The University of Liverpool’s Institute of Infection, Veterinary, and Ecological Sciences (IVES) was established to bring together leading medical, veterinary and basic science researchers from across the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.
We are one of few academic institutions in the UK to have designed, made and tested a human vaccine all the way through to clinical trials. We hold a significant human sample collection that can be used for immunological research underpinning our understanding of how these vaccines work, and how to improve upon them for the next generation of vaccines.
Research in Immunology and Vaccinology is based in new laboratories at four sites, the Biosciences Building, IC2, the Leahurst campus and the Ronald Ross Building. The Centre for Global Vaccine Research at the University of Liverpool currently works across Europe, Asia, Africa and more recently South America.
Our research spans the breadth of vaccine research from development to implementation and evaluation. The aims of the research are to investigate the nature of the cellular and humoral immune responses to pathogens of human or veterinary importance. It encompasses studies of the immune responses to and vaccination against a range of bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens including: SARS-CoV-2, influenza, Salmonella, Streptococcus pneumoniae, chicken metapneumovirus, Cryptosporidium, cytomegalovirus and other herpesviruses, cyathostomins, Fasciola, Giardia, HIV, Japanese encephalitis virus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Neospora caninum, Onchocerca, Toxoplasma, Leptospira, Treponema, and Zika virus.
Research themes
- Immunological basis of vaccine-induced protective immunity against bacterial and viral pathogens in humans and animals including: Disease epidemiology & Clinical trials, Vaccine adjuvants, Microbial ecology, Antigen discovery & vaccine development, Pre-clinical assessment models, Immune correlates of protection
- Natural immunity to viruses, nature and durability of antibody, B cell and T cell responses, cross-reactivity of adaptive immune responses, studies on correlates of protection
- The use of artificial intelligence and protein engineering to Identify and enhance proteins for new or improved vaccines against important spirochetal diseases affecting animals and man.
Research interests
Antigen discovery (Principal investigators include: Makepeace, Evans, Jackson, Kadioglu, Turtle)
Cellular immunology (Kadioglu, Turtle)
Disease epidemiology and clinical trials (Principal investigators include: French and Turtle)
Microbial ecology (Principal investigators include: Baker)
Protein engineering in vaccine design (Principal investigators include: Evans)
Pre-clinical assessment models (Principal investigators include: Kadioglu)
Vaccine development (Principal investigators include: Kadioglu, Makepeace, Evans, French, Turtle)
Veterinary vaccinology (Principal investigators include: Evans and Ganapathy)
Measuring the Value of Vaccines (Principal investigators include: Rushton and Hungerford)
Research groups
https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/infection-veterinary-and-ecological-sciences/research/groups/vaccines/
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 |
|
| 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.
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 |
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
View supervisors in this area
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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We offer a range of scholarships to help you meet the costs of studying a research degree.