
Study at LSTM
Plans for our 2020/21 programmes
Dear Prospective Student,
We appreciate that these are unprecedented times.
As the world’s first institute dedicated to research and teaching of tropical medicine, LSTM has been working with partners on Global Health challenges since 1898. Our commitment to this agenda is more important than ever as we tackle the greatest global health crisis of our generation.
Within this context, we have reflected and considered on our plans for our programmes running in the 2020/21 academic year. At the forefront of any considerations are the health and safety of our students and staff.
Throughout all planning and activity for the2020/21 programmes, LSTM is working with the latest advice from the UK Government and Public Health England (PHE) on reducing health risks from the COVID-19 outbreak.
Our September 2020 MSc programmes that are Liverpool based are running, albeit in a different, yet engaging format.
The delivery of programmes facilitates an interactive and structured mix of learning activities which enables you to connect closely to your cohort and the academics delivering the programmes. As learners, you are able to engage with a variety of activities, many collaborative, which encourage dialogue and engagement in real-world problem-solving.
Teaching comprises a blended learning model that offers a mix of in-class learning and the added flexibility that online teaching offers.
This includes face to face delivery by academic staff in Liverpool as well as via Brightspace, our virtual learning environment. You will encounter a range of virtual classroom activities, digital teaching tools, learning resources and other activities with our academic staff and the wider LSTM student community. Students on laboratory-based programmes continue to access lab sessions in Liverpool as required by the programme.
In all of our face to face teaching and laboratory sessions, social distancing guidelines are in place.
We have adapted our facilities to support this activity.
This model is currently for Semester 1 and 2 modules.
We also appreciate that you will be aware of some universities which are now migrating from blended learning to more online models in response to the escalating case numbers of COVID-19. At LSTM we are continuing with our blended learning model for as long as it is safe to do so. If a decision is made to move to more online delivery, it will be made through consultation and advice from Public Health England and Liverpool City Council. This will be communicated to existing and potential students at the earliest opportunity.
Your student experience is key. Our Student Advice and Wellbeing Team are working to provide services for students throughout their studies to include face to face provision within a COVID-19 safe setting as well as access to online support and activities.
We will be updating our frequently asked questions to ensure that we provide you with the latest information as it is becomes confirmed.
We look forward to welcoming you to the LSTM community.
With best wishes
Professor Phil Padfield, Dean of Education
LATEST: Information and updates for applicants and offer-holders concerning September 2020 and COVID-19 related issues
We are regularly updating the FAQs with the latest information and advice in an effort to respond to many of the challenges facing all higher education institutions including student and staff health and welfare, admissions issues.
Please keep checking for updates.
A life-long relationship
When you join LSTM, you will be joining a family that meet in the most unlikely and remote places around the world.
Our staff & alumni have been part of the Ebola Response in West Africa; they were treating patients in Haiti after the earthquake; they were on some of the first flights to Thailand after the Tsunami; they have built roads where there were none; they have negotiated to secure aid whilst civil war and unrest were rife; they have brought hope to refugee camps; and closer to home they have advised the UK government on our response to Tropical & Infectious Diseases.
From medics and nurses to water & sanitation technical experts, from managing a TB programme in Sudan to creating new vaccines, from measuring parasites in lakes to finding new molecules; LSTM staff and alumni are making a difference in the world.
Why study at LSTM?
When you study at LSTM, you’ll learn from leading experts, deepen your understanding of global health priorities and the research underpinning them, discover new areas that excite you, and have opportunities for research overseas. All while living in the vibrant, culturally rich city of Liverpool.
Student Blogs
The Library
There has been a library at LSTM since its earliest years. LSTM's Nobel Prize winner, Ronald Ross donated some books of his own to form the nucleus of the collection at the turn of the century. Today, our primary aim is to support LSTM staff and students in all areas of their study and research.

Research degrees
Our research degrees provide outstanding, highly motivated individuals with the chance to make a significant contribution to their chosen area of research. Our students have the opportunity to work with a wide range of internationally renowned experts and leading research groups.
LSTM offers the following postgraduate research degrees:
- PhD studies are undertaken over a period of between two and four years (full-time) or four and seven years (part-time).
- MPhil studies take between one and two years (full-time), or two and four years (part-time).
- MD studies take a minimum of two years (full-time) and four years (part-time)
Find out more about our research degree programme here.
LSTM Prospectus 2020-2021
Download a prospectus to find out more about life and study at LSTM
How to apply
You can apply for all of our courses online via MyLSTM.
To register for a MyLSTM account, or to log into your existing MyLSTM account, go to: mylstm.com/apply
Teaching partnerships
Non-governmental organisations, governments, multilateral agencies, professional bodies and industry, and Higher Education Institutions can access our programmes through mutual partnership arrangements to train selected cohorts of staff. Our specialist academics can also design and facilitate high-quality bespoke programmes tailored according to participant and business needs.