Vaccinology PhD / MPhil / MD
We have established a Centre for Global Vaccine Research to integrate world-leading multidisciplinary research and training in laboratory science, clinical trials and epidemiology within the Institute of Infection and Global Health, and reaching across the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences and partners around the world.
Why study with us?
I joined an amazing community of internationally known researchers in the most relevant areas of infectious diseases. During my PhD at the Institute I had many opportunities to develop both my scientific knowledge and skills as well as my personal capacities such as communication and networking.
Raquel Medialdea-Carrera, Vaccinology PhD student
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.
The Centre for Global Vaccine Research 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 key aims of this research are to:
- Develop and evaluate novel vaccines against major global causes of illness and death
- Better understand and improve the performance of existing vaccines
- Generate evidence to inform vaccine policy nationally and internationally
- Share pre-clinical expertise amongst human and veterinary vaccinologists
- Train and educate a new generation of vaccine scientists.
Our research interests
We particularly welcome research proposals that match those of our researchers, including:
- Flavivirus Vaccine Development (including Zika virus)
- Rotavirus Vaccines
- Pneumococcal Vaccines
- Universal Influenza Vaccines
- Onchocerciasis Vaccines
- Streptococcal vaccines
- Enteric vaccines (including norovirus and enteric bacteria)
- Veterinary vaccines (including Fasciola, Trypanosomiasis and avian respiratory viruses)
- Herpes viruses
Research themes
The Centre for Global Vaccine Research has six research themes covering key methodological disciplines within vaccinology and areas of strength shared by the Centre partners. These disciplines can be applied to both medical and veterinary vaccines. The themes are:
- Disease epidemiology & Clinical trials
- Vaccine adjuvants
- Microbial ecology
- Antigen discovery & vaccine development
- Pre-clinical assessment models
- Immune correlates of protection
Facilities
Within IGH there is access to a wide array of facilities for conducting vaccine research including immunology, in vivo animal models, tissue culture and microbial propogation (including category 3 pathogens). In the wider university there is the technology directorate which gives access to various imaging and omics platforms. There is a clinical trials unit and phase 1 trial facility in the neighbouring Royal Liverpool hospital. There are established links with local primary care and public health England. The vaccine centre has strong links to overseas sites in Africa, Asia and more recently South America. We have a particularly strong connection to Malawi where many former clinical and non-clinical PhDs have spent time in the Wellcome Trust Major Overseas program Laboratories.
Research groups
Details of research groups undertaking research in vaccinology include:
- Flavivirus Vaccine Development
- Rotavirus and Enteric Vaccines
- Pneumococcal Vaccines
- Universal Influenza Vaccines
- Onchocerciasis Vaccines
- Streptococcal vaccines
- Veterinary vaccines
- Herpesviruses
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.
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
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- IVES PGR Administrator
- Email: ivespgradmin@liverpool.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)151 794 8032
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