MSc Medical Parasitology & Entomology

Not only are parasitic infections still on the rise, but they’re spilling into unexpected places, causing infections in non-endemic countries. The climate crisis, globalisation and change in vector ecology are all having an impact. We’ve designed this course for anyone who wants to join our mission to control and eliminate infections and support communities affected.

Our MSc Medical Parasitology is delivered by parasitology and entomology experts at the forefront of the field. With such a high concentration of expertise in one place, you’ll hear about the latest research and learn to apply the latest techniques in the field.

At LSHTM, some of our specialists are looking at different areas of malaria such as cell biology, pathogenesis, population genetics and drug design. Other experts are looking at other parasitic diseases such as trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, filariasis and schistosomiasis. We also have significant experience looking at vectors, from mosquitoes and tick-borne diseases to flies with larvae that hatch and burrow into the skin. Experts from WHO, Natural History and other universities will also give lectures and seminars on everything from forensic entomology to the behaviour of vectors.

What you will learn

• Explore the biology, pathogenesis, immunology, epidemiology and diagnosis of parasitic infections in humans
• Analyse strategies for control of the vectors and intermediate hosts of human parasites
• Hone your microscopy skills, as well as using other research tools such as PCR, sequencing, confocal microscopy and proteomics
• Carry out practical laboratory identification of the parasite stages both free and in tissues
• Sample and identify medically important vectors or intermediary hosts and incriminate them in disease transmission
• Design a laboratory or field-based research project to apply research skills and interpret data
• Develop specialised skills through taking modules on different aspects of the subject including advanced diagnostic, molecular, immunological, genetic, and more

Parasites are a significant burden to humans and animals, particularly affecting people from low to middle-income countries. Studying them will give you the chance to explore their complex life cycles and see how technology has the potential to significantly advance this area.

We’ve designed this course to study all aspects of parasitic disease from genes to control. At the same time, you’ll develop practical skills, carry out fieldwork and pick modules that give you the chance to develop specialist knowledge.

All of this will prepare you for completing a research project which will develop your skills as an independent researcher. Your project can be laboratory, field, data or literature-based, focused on an area that interests you. Whatever you decide to do, you’ll work within an internationally recognised research group with excellent resources. Many projects involve a significant amount of overseas or UK fieldwork. Past students have looked at areas as diverse as malaria in pregnancy to helminth infection-related neurological complications.

Who is it for?

Medical parasitology sheds light on the basic principles of the life sciences, leading to new discoveries and challenging existing knowledge. This means students usually join us with backgrounds in biology, medicine and zoology. However, other students join us from other related disciplines such as engineering, ecology, public health or even bioarchaeology. We also welcome students intercalating study to help you go beyond what you’ll cover in your medical degree on this topic.

In order to be admitted to an LSHTM master's degree programme, an applicant must: hold either a first degree at Second Class Honours (2:2) standard in a relevant discipline, or a degree in medicine recognised by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) for the purposes of practising medicine in the UK, or another degree of equivalent standard awarded by an overseas institution recognised by UK ENIC or the GMC or hold a professional qualification appropriate to the programme of study to be followed obtained by written examinations and judged by LSHTM to be equivalent to a Second Class Honours (2:2) degree or above or have relevant professional experience or training which is judged by LSHTM to be equivalent to a Second Class Honours (2:2) degree or above.