The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the major challenges of controlling the spread of infectious disease in a highly interconnected world. This has had a massive impact on public health, the economy, social interaction and the way we work. While the pandemic revealed a lack of preparedness in many parts of the world, it was not the first and it will not be the last. Therefore, we need to develop a workforce that is able to respond to future pandemics.
Introduction
You will be provided with a breadth of interdisciplinary expertise and practical role-play in the epidemiology, immunology, control and management of epidemics and pandemics in a One Health (integrated medical and veterinary) context led by leading experts in their respective fields.
With a core syllabus in Infection & Immunity, the Emerging Infections and Pandemics MSc takes you from the laboratory bench into the highly topical field of mathematical modelling to understand how pandemics spread and how to slow them down. You will also work through an Outbreak Scenario across two semesters, where you will come to understand the critical role of policy, communication and the media in the success (or otherwise) of translating scientific knowledge into effective disease control.
This programme will enable you to further develop your skills in communications and statistics beyond undergraduate level and will train you to critically evaluate and synthesise aspects of infectious diseases and immunology with practical applications in public health and outbreak control.
The Liverpool City Region played a critical role in the Covid-19 pandemic by rolling-out the first mass asymptomatic testing programme worldwide and was selected as a key location of the Events Research Programme, which determined that large social gatherings could be held safely using testing or confirmation of vaccination status.
The University of Liverpool is a major partner in Liverpool’s new Pandemic Institute and our academics include several experts who advised Government during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as scientists working on new Covid treatments and improved understanding of Long Covid.
Please note that this course may soon be available for part-time study.
Who is this course for?
This master’s is for graduates from a Biomedical Sciences background who want to develop understanding and skills in statistical analyses, infection biology and disease surveillance, with the interdisciplinary expertise required to prevent, monitor and control medical and veterinary infectious disease outbreaks.
What you'll learn
Statistical techniques in the design of experiments in biological research
Core skills in critically evaluating issues associated with emerging infectious disease and pandemics
Knowledge, skills, and techniques for investigating and controlling global human and animal disease outbreaks
Critically evaluation of key concepts, technologies and multifactorial considerations circumscribing diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines
Understanding of models and data results
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
Compulsory modules
INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH (LIFE702)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: whole session
This module will prepare students for their MSc research project. Students will work under the guidance of their research project supervisor to acquire the knowledge and skills they will need for their MSc research project. Students will work in collaboration with their supervisor to identify skills and knowledge essential for their MSc research project and to devise a plan of work to address these. Students are expected to work independently through their plan of work, with guidance provided by their supervisor at regular meetings. Students will create a reflective portfolio of work which will highlight how and where the skills have been developed. Students will perform a literature search and write a literature review based on their project area, as well as write a grant proposal. Upon completion of this module, students will progress on to their MSc research project module.
BIOLOGICAL DATA SKILLS (LIFE707)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Data skills are essential for a career in modern biology. Biological studies increasingly involve the generation of large or complex sets of data, and the ability to analyse data is a core component of a successful biologist’s skill set. Digital fluency is also required more widely outside biological research and a grounding in data analysis is in demand by a broad range of employers. Here you will learn the ability to visualise data, critically test hypotheses, and to interpret and present results.
The learning and teaching materials are delivered as an online set of resources (available through Canvas) coupled with computer-based practical workshops. The module will also introduce students to the powerful open access statistical software package, R.
The module will be assessed by a written data analysis report and an open-book exam
For any students studying off-campus – due to a placement in industry or studying at an overseas University – on-line drop-in sessions will be provided instead of the practical workshops.
Emerging Infections and Pandemics (LIFE751)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This is a key module for students on the MSc Infection and Immunity Programme and might also be taken by other MSc, MBioSci and MRes students whose interests include infection and immunology. The module is topical in light of the pandemic and will address areas of research-connected infection biology teaching across areas of broad relevance to infectious disease, as well as to coronavirus. The module includes research connected lectures, workshops and structured discussions on selected texts as student-led topics. The content will focus on areas of infectious disease that support the programme and are relevant in that: (i) they are current/topical or (ii) they address fundamental questions of general importance. In addition, students will also be supported with key research and ideas in emerging infections and pandemics, showing how interconnected interconnected nature of health and disease through integrating aspects of biology and society. The module assessments are aimed at: 1) writing a report on a selected emerging pathogen that communicates the multifactorial considerations for researchers and society 2) presentation of a key factor that contributes to or affects disease emergence and the response by society or an agency. The factor focused on will be selected from workshops and student-led discussions
Global Outbreak Surveillance and Control (LIFE758)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: whole session
This is a key module for students with an interest in developing knowledge, skills, and techniques for investigating and controlling global human and animal disease outbreaks. The module is topical and timely, in light of the recent pandemic and will provide students with an opportunity to deal with the different phases and complexities of outbreaks at global, national, and local levels, from the start to finish using a variety of relevant exemplars.The module comprises lectures, seminars, and workshops led by leading academics, and external key stakeholders with expertise in detection, control, surveillance, communication, governance, policy, bioinformatics, economic and community engagement applications, all integral to the investigation of, and control of outbreaks. The module uses active-learning delivery methods to ensure students can process and evaluate the topics, and has three assessments aimed at developing knowledge and skills in infographics, verbal communication and written reports.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Semester two
Compulsory modules
INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH (LIFE702)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: whole session
This module will prepare students for their MSc research project. Students will work under the guidance of their research project supervisor to acquire the knowledge and skills they will need for their MSc research project. Students will work in collaboration with their supervisor to identify skills and knowledge essential for their MSc research project and to devise a plan of work to address these. Students are expected to work independently through their plan of work, with guidance provided by their supervisor at regular meetings. Students will create a reflective portfolio of work which will highlight how and where the skills have been developed. Students will perform a literature search and write a literature review based on their project area, as well as write a grant proposal. Upon completion of this module, students will progress on to their MSc research project module.
Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Vaccines (LIFE732)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
For students with interests in infection biology, the module will enhance skills and enable critically evaluation of key concepts, technologies and multifactorial considerations circumscribing diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. The module is topical in light of the current pandemic. The research-connected teaching will focus on prevention, limitation and treatment of infectious disease.
The module comprises lectures, workshops and seminars and uses active-learning delivery methods to ensure students can synthesise and evaluate relative merits, attributes, issues and applications of the topics. There are two coursework assessments in the module: 1) writing a report on a selected emerging pathogen that communicates the multifactorial considerations for researchers and society 2) presentation of a key factor that contributes to or affects disease emergence and the response by society or an agency. Materials will be included on the VLE to develop digital fluency and promote assimilation and appraisal of the module content.
Understanding models and data (LIFE762)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
In recent years, data and statistics have become a feature of emerging public health situations to an extent that is historically unprecedented. Scientists, policy makers and the public have had to become confident consumers of numbers and model predictions. The actors involved in the management of infectious diseases are not necessarily modelling specialists themselves, but nevertheless need to interpret statistical and modelling results and be aware of their limitations.
This module will train students to understand what can and cannot be learnt from data and modelling results. The module does not assume that students are experts in statistics or modelling. Students will receive training in how to use simple visualisations and analysis to gain a robust understanding of key patterns in data, and how to recognise common pitfalls in data interpretation. Students will learn the distinction between different approaches in statistics and quantitative modelling, and when it is appropriate to use them. Particular attention will be paid to the management of uncertainty in model predictions. The module will equip students to interpret critically the quantitative results in scientific papers and reports, and how to use them to inform the management of infectious diseases. The module will be assessed by the combination of a presentation and a short report, in the spirit of authentic assessment.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Final project
Compulsory modules
MSC RESEARCH PROJECT (LIFE703)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
In this module students will work on a research project in their chosen area of study under the supervision of a project supervisor. Students are expected to work independently, with guidance provided by their supervisor. Students will create a plan of work at the start of the project, and will present their work orally, as well as write a final project report. Students will also be assessed on their approach and technique during the project. Students will defend their work in a viva at the end of the module. This module will give students experience in conducting their own independent research project, and the presentation of this work through oral and written formats.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
How you'll learn
You will experience a range of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, group discussion and e-learning.
Programme modules encourage individual and group work where you will tackle problems by developing ideas and hypotheses, design learning strategies to solve problems, and then analyse and interpret your findings.
Course material is available 24-hours a day on Canvas, our online learning platform. One-to-one meetings with your research supervisor will allow you to discuss science, develop your critical thinking and creativity through an ongoing feedback model.
Your master research project provides a full academic research experience, including the planning, execution and communication of scientific research.
How you're assessed
Assessment of knowledge and understanding, practical skills and transferrable skills is through a blended mix of coursework that may include practical and project reports, essays, completion of workbooks, talks, data handling sessions and posters.
All modules will provide you with feedback on your learning progress and allow for adjustment of your learning. Electronic resources available on the University virtual learning environment support learning and teaching.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
This course is led by the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences. The Institute integrates cutting-edge research in infectious diseases, veterinary science, ecology and evolution to benefit people, animals and ecosystems, nationally and globally. Their work addresses major societal challenges, including emerging infectious diseases, food security, antimicrobial resistance and the impacts of environmental change. Research-led teaching provides exciting opportunities for students, who will form the next generation of researchers and medical and veterinary clinical practitioners.
Graduates in this subject area are highly sought after. You will be equipped for a range of career opportunities in pandemic response – and future disease control and public health implementation – across the medical and veterinary sectors in academia and industry, as well as in government departments, international charities and non-governmental organisations.
There is high demand for individuals with interdisciplinary skills in immunology, modelling, statistics, epidemiology, and public health policy is expected among STEM graduates.
Commercial sectors such as the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and agriculture industries are also employers of our graduates, especially with the increase of next-generation sequencing and the corresponding data analysis that is required.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
The MSc Emerging Infections and Pandemics prepares you for a diversity of job opportunities in the public and private sector. Potential career pathways include, but are not limited to, the roles of:
PhD training in academia and/or industry
Teaching in secondary/higher education
Scientist employed by public sector agencies, NGOs or charities
Scientist employed in private sector organisations with a focus on infection control, therapeutics and vaccines.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£12,400
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£26,400
Fees stated are for the 2024-25 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Normally, at least a 2.1 Honours degree in a Biological Sciences subject or equivalent. Candidates must have a scientific background acceptable to the Programme Director.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MSc, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English
B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
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