Medical Microbiology

By investigating the transmission routes and behaviour of pathogens during infections, we aim to design better therapeutic strategies or vaccines to improve the health of humans and animals. Medical and veterinary microbiology involve the study of the agents responsible for causing human or animal infections, namely bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. This includes the study of the mechanisms underlying the virulence of the pathogen, diagnostics and identification of pathogens, pathogen epidemiology, and antimicrobial resistance. TheInstitute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciencesbrings together leading medical, veterinary and basic science researchers from across theFaculty of Health and Life Sciences. Our research encompasses studies of the pathogenicity, diagnostics, identification, epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of a range of bacterial pathogens includingStreptococcus pneumoniae,Pseudomonas aeruginosaandEscherichia coli. We have strong groups working on zoonotic pathogens, such asCampylobacterspp.,Escherichia coli, andSalmonella spp. You’ll have the opportunity to use a range of research techniques on this PhD. These include pathogen culture and diagnostic identification methods, PCR and transcriptomic and genomic technologies. These include metagenomics, resequencing and genotyping cell separation, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, proteomics and infection models. Research in medical microbiology is based in new laboratories at five sites, the Ronald Ross Building, IC2, Leahurst, the Biosciences Building, and our research facilities inMalawi. Relevant research topics in medical microbiology 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

Rolling admissions - check project listing

• Liverpool, United Kingdom