Immunology and Vaccinology

Without an immune system, humans and animals would be vulnerable to overwhelming infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Immunology is the study of how the body defends itself against infection. Vaccinology is the science behind developing vaccines that initiate protective immune responses. By pursuing a research degree in Immunology and Vaccinology, you’ll contribute to vital research that enhances our understanding of immune defences and advances vaccine development. The University of Liverpool’sInstitute of Infection, Veterinary, and Ecological Sciences (IVES)brings together leading medical, veterinary and basic science researchers from across theFaculty of Health and Life Sciences. We are one of the few UK institutions to have designed, developed and tested a human vaccine all the way through to clinical trials. Our significant human sample collection supports immunological research, enhancing our understanding of how vaccines work, paving the way for next-generation 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 Researchat 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. These include: Aspects of immunology and vaccinology you could explore on this research degree include:

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 TOEFL iBT: If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. Pearson PTE Academic: 61 overall, with no component below 59 Your most recent IELTS score: Pre-sessional English course length 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5: 6 weeks 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0: 10 weeks 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0: 12 weeks 5.0 overall, with no component below 5.0: 20 weeks 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5: 30 weeks 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0: 40 weeks

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5

International students: Full-time place, per year - £32,200; Part-time: £16,100

UK students: Full-time place, per year - £5,238; Part-time: £2,619

UK/Home: Full-time place, per year - £5,238; Part-time: £2,619

International: Full-time place, per year - £32,200; Part-time: £16,100

Year round

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• Liverpool, United Kingdom