Virology

Virology is the study of viruses and the diseases they cause in humans and animals. This includes the study of the underlying mechanisms of virulence, virus epidemiology and immune responses to viruses. Virology is crucial for developing vaccines, antiviral therapies and diagnostic tools, which are essential for managing and preventing viral diseases. TheInstitute of Infection, Veterinary, and Ecological Sciences (IVES)brings together leading medical, veterinary and basic science researchers from across theFaculty of Health and Life Sciences. Our virology research encompasses studies on the pathogenicity, diagnostics, identification, epidemiology and immune responses to a range of viral pathogens. These include 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. We use a variety of techniques, which include diagnostic identification methods, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), epidemiology, transcriptomic and genomic technologies, proteomics, and infection models. We also use artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches to integrate and harmonise large datasets, including clinical metadata, to better understand diseases. By investigating the transmission routes and behaviour of pathogens during infections, we aim to design better diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine strategies to improve the health of humans and animals. Our research is facilitated by state-of-the-art Containment Level 2 and Containment Level 3 laboratories, technology platforms including biological imaging. Relevant topics in virology 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