Veterinary Virology
Virology is the study of the viral agents responsible for causing disease in humans or animals. This includes the study of underlying mechanisms of virulence, virus epidemiology and immune responses to viruses.
Why study with us?
Working on Chikungunya virus has given me an insight into how a world-leading research institute is tackling some of the biggest health issues of the 21st century.
Naomi Coombes - Veterinary Virology PhD student
150
years of leading international reputation.
120+
academic members of staff.
£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 Veterinary Virology is based in new laboratories at two main sites, the ic2 Building on the main University city centre campus, and at our Leahurst campus on the Wirral (20 mins from Liverpool).
Our research encompasses studies of the pathogenicity, diagnostics, identification, epidemiology and immune responses to a range of viral pathogens including: avian metapneumovirus; infectious bronchitis virus, feline calicivirus, Mosquito-borne arboviruses, Bluetongue virus and Schmallenberg virus. Techniques used include: diagnostic identification methods, flow cytometry, ELISA, epidemiology, transcriptomic and genomic technologies, proteomics and infection models.
The aims of the research are to investigate the transmission routes and behaviour of pathogens during infections and use this knowledge to design better therapeutic strategies or vaccines in order to improve the health of animals.
Our research interests
We particularly welcome research proposals that match those of our researchers, including:
- Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus – Prof Julian Hiscox
- Avian respiratory pathogens – Dr Kannan Ganapathy
- Using modern sequencing technologies to understand the diversity, evolution and transmission of important viral infections within their natural host populations – Prof Alan Radford
- Pathogenesis of ovine herpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2) – Prof James Stewart.
Research themes
Our research in veterinary virology spans a range of different virus families, which are linked to a broad spectrum of clinical diseases. These include the following areas:
- Molecular immunopathogenesis of avian respiratory pathogens
- Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.
- Diversity, evolution and transmission of important veterinary viral pathogens
- Malignant catarrhal fever of domestic cattle
- Mosquito-borne arboviruses.
Facilities
The University and Institute has state of the art facilities for undertaking research in veterinary virology, including a Containment Level 3 (CL3) Suite, Flow cytometry, Genomics and Proteomics facilities.
Research groups
Veterinary virology research can be undertaken with a range of supervisors and research groups in the Institute, including:
Study options and fees
The fees below reflect one year of study during the 2024/25 academic year
| 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 |
| PTE Academic requirement | 61 with minimum scores of 46 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
Find a scholarship
We offer a range of scholarships to help you meet the costs of studying a research degree.