Virology PhD / MPhil / MD
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?
My PhD at the Institute of Infection and Global Health 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.The Institute of Infection and Global Health has provided me with both the scientific and transferable skills required for my future career.
Naomi Coombes, Virology 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, 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. Research in Virology is facilitated by state of the art Containment Level 2 and Containment Level 3 laboratories, technology platforms including biological imaging.
Our research encompasses studies of the pathogenicity, diagnostics, identification, epidemiology and immune responses to a range of viral pathogens including: flaviviruses such as Japanese encephalitis virus and Zika virus; Ebola virus; HIV; influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, infectious bronchitis virus, MERS-coronavirus and SARS-CoV-2. Techniques used include: diagnostic identification methods, flow cytometry, ELISA, epidemiology, transcriptomic and genomic technologies, proteomics and infection models.
We are particularly pushing the envelope in using AI/ML approaches to integrate and harmonise large datasets including clinical metadata to better understand disease. The aims of the research are to investigate the transmission routes and behaviour of pathogens during infections and use this knowledge to design better diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine strategies in order to improve the health of humans and animals.
Research themes
Our research in virology spans a wide range of different virus families, which are linked to a broad spectrum of clinical diseases. These include the following areas:
- Emerging and Zoonotic infections – Zika virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, Chikungunya virus, Ebola virus
- Gastrointestinal infections – Rotavirus, Noravirus
- Respiratory infections – Influenza virus, Respiratory syncytial virus, MERS-coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.
- Blood borne viruses – Human Immunodeficiency virus, Hepatitis C virus
- Neurological infections – Herpes Simplex virus, Japanese encephalitis virus
Facilities
The University and Institute has state of the art facilities for undertaking research in virology, including but not limited to Containment Level 3 (CL3) capacity, Flow cytometry and the Liverpool Shared Research Facilities (LIV-SRF).
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
Find a scholarship
We offer a range of scholarships to help you meet the costs of studying a research degree.