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Summary

Course details

Course type:

Master’s Programme

Director of studies:

Dr Alexandra Juhasz

Mode of study:

Duration:

1 Year

Home fee:

£11,760

Overseas fee:

£24,150

3 good reasons to study

Our course adopts an interdisciplinary approach connecting human, animal and environmental health.

We enable doctors, veterinarians and biologists to gain an understanding and recognise the tropical diseases and infections, many of them zoonotic, affecting health globally.

You will develop research-led knowledge and practical skills to prepare you to tackle the most pressing global health challenges in tropical and resource-limited settings.

Why should I study one health?

As global travel continues to expand, international trade in tropical exotic animals increases, and humans and animals increasingly encroach on each other’s habitats through changing land use and urbanisation in tropical regions, tropical infectious diseases have a massive impact on human and animal health globally.

Through our interdisciplinary approach connecting human, animal and environmental health you will gain an understanding and recognition of tropical diseases and infections, many of them zoonotic, in global settings. Our MSc One Health is Tropical Disease will help you develop research-led knowledge and practical skills to prepare to tackle the most pressing global health challenges in tropical and resource-limited settings

What will I get out of it?

You will be able to apply your learning from the perspective of the tropical regions of the world where the biological and ecological environment is unique, where resources may be constrained and changing land use and the impact of climate change are dynamic and challenging. The approach in these tropical regions allows for differences in ecosystems, disease patters and public health challenges which are unlike those in Europe or North America

The interdisciplinary and applied approach prepares students for careers in public health, epidemiology, conservation, veterinary and medical practice, combining theory and practical hands-on learning with opportunities to work with the LSTM hubs and partners in tropical regions. This preparation for real-world problem-solving and leadership in challenging environments is a major strength of the course.

Is One Health in Tropical Disease for me?

If your focus is not just learning about global health challenges but having the opportunity to meet with experts in the field of One Health, to experience research firsthand hand and to become part of the drive in developing practical solutions then this course is for you.

You will be immersed in real-world research scenarios, gaining the knowledge, skills and field experience to make an impact. This is not just a degree but an opportunity to become part of the next generation of One Health leaders working to protect the health of people, animals and ecosystems worldwide.

Why LSTM?

Benefit from open-access labs with state-of-the-art facilities, including Europe’s largest collection of venomous snakes!
Work with an internationally diverse team of research-active experts, with extensive experience working across tropical regions.
Complete fieldwork abroad or engage with professional bodies as part of your research-based dissertation on a subject of your choice.

Meet our Director of Studies Dr Alexandra Juhasz

Other key staff include:

The MSc One Health in Tropical Disease is a one-year full-time course where you will explore topics that are crucial to understanding and addressing One Health challenges globally.

Course Content

The MSc in One Health in Tropical Disease consists of four core 20-credit modules, two optional 20-credit modules and a 60-credit research project.

Core Modules

Principles of One Health
Methods in Tropical Disease Research
Global Climate Change and Health
Scientific and Professional Skills in Tropical Disease

Optional Modules

Animal Parasitology OR
Microbiology and Health
Key Topics in Snakebite OR
Applied Skills in Pathogen and Vector Research

Research Project

A subject of your choice within one health.

Study pattern

This one-year MSc is delivered on a full-time basis and is split into six 20 credit taught modules with an extended 60 credit research project. You will be expected to spend around 200 hours on each 20-credit module, including lectures, seminars, self-directed learning, research and reading.

In semester 1, after an induction week, including a residential field course, you will complete two core modules and assessments, and in semester 2, you will complete one core and two optional taught modules. Running across both semesters is the core scientific and professional skills module.

In semester 3 you will undertake your research project that often involves a placement abroad.

Delivery

Our expert staff have worked across the globe and are actively researching contemporary questions associated with one health and tropical disease. You will learn from their vast experience through formal taught sessions, work with your international peers during small group sessions and build your independence and confidence through self-directed learning.

Essential lab, field and computing-based research techniques will form a central part of your studies, with formal lab sessions complemented by the opportunity to utilise our leading-edge facilities in your own time, with support from our technical team.

The Research Project

One of the most exciting aspects of this programme is the student research project. You can choose to undertake a project in the UK using LSTM’s state-of-the-art laboratories in collaboration with our UK or international partners or in tropical locations such as Malawi, Cameroon, Uganda or Zanzibar. Studies can focus on issues such as the impact of climate change, the role of urbanisation in disease spread, food security or the control of neglected zoonotic diseases.

Outcomes

Once you have completed the MSc One Health in Tropical Disease, you will have a comprehensive toolkit of knowledge and skills to take your career further.

You will develop knowledge and understanding and be able to:

Define and critically appraise concepts, issues and priorities in the fields of:
‘One Health’, neglected tropical diseases and related biology
Host-pathogen interaction
Molecular and cellular biology
Epidemiology and control of pathogens
Vectors of disease and organisms of importance to animal, human and environmental public health
Review, identify and describe appropriate research methods to answer questions with relevant to the biology and control of the pathogens, vectors of disease and organisms important to animal, human and environmental public health
Critically analyse and evaluate methods, findings and research developments in addressing animal and human disease and environmental health
Critically analyse statistical data in the design of a research study.

You will build cognitive skills and be able to:

Critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate information from a variety of sources
Apply subject knowledge and understanding in a variety of contexts to analyse and reach evidence-based conclusions on complex situations, problems and opportunities.
Review the principles and values of ethical practice with regard to the design and practice of research studies, consent and confidentiality in the collection and presentation of data and publication.
Demonstrate creativity, innovation and originality in the application of knowledge.

You will add to your practical and professional skills and be able to:

Formulate a research question, devise a research strategy and take a systematic approach to project planning and engagement.
Undertake research investigations in a responsible, safe and ethical manner, select with critical awareness and deploy techniques and methods and record data collected.
Manage, analyse and interpret data collected in the laboratory, field and in silico.
Appraise and select effective means of reporting and communicating research questions, strategies and findings in different contexts and environments.

Entrance Requirements

Academic requirements:

Open to graduates with an Honours degree (2.ii or equivalent) in the biological sciences or a medical/veterinary degree. Overseas candidates with other qualifications may be accepted if they have relevant experience working in an appropriate field for a number of years. Medical or veterinary students who have completed at least three years of study and wish to intercalate are also accepted onto the programme.

English language requirements:

The programme is taught in English. Applicants whose first language is not English must normally provide evidence of an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all learning components, or a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of at least 88 for the Internet-based Test (iBT), with minimum scores of 21 for Listening and Writing, 22 for Reading and 23 for Speaking. Tests should be within their validity period of 2 years.

Other English Language Tests and country specific English Language qualifications are also accepted – a full list with details of levels required can be found on the LSTM website (http://www.lstmed.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements)

Aims

This course aims to:

Produce students with a critically developed, comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the current issues and priorities with regard to the concepts of 'One Health', including the biology of host-pathogen interactions, and control of pathogens, vectors of disease and organisms of importance to animal, human and environmental public health in tropical and resource-limited regions of the world.

Enable students to identify, conceptualise and frame research questions and critically analyse problems and challenges with relevance to the concepts of ‘One Health’, including the control of the pathogens, vectors of disease and organisms of importance to animal, human and environmental public health in tropical and resource-limited settings and contexts.

Provide applied experience and equip students with the abilities to design strategies and apply a range of specialised technical and analytical skills, to respond to biologically-related research questions, problems and challenges in respect to the concepts of ‘One Health’ and associated pathogens, vectors of disease and organisms of importance to animal, human and environmental public health in tropical and resource-limited settings and contexts.

Equip students with transferable abilities and skills in critical and reflective thinking, effective, independent and collaborative team working, adaptable problem-solving, ethical project planning and management and in confident communication within a range of environments/contexts.

Careers

Many alumni of LSTM hold prominent positions in health ministries, universities, hospitals, and international organisations throughout the world.

Graduates are competitively placed to begin PhD programmes, seek employment within research programmes, work overseas in resource-limited areas with a variety of employers including NGOs, military and public health-related employers, enter teacher training, industry, or return to previous employers with enhanced knowledge and widely transferable skills with which to advance their existing careers.

Graduates of the MSc One Health will have undergone excellent preparation for a career in laboratory, in silico, and field research, or training, in the biological sciences, and are well placed for careers in topics related to organisms of importance to animal, human and environmental public health, including pathogens and vector-borne diseases globally and within tropical or resource-limited regions of the world.

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Start date	End date	Home fee	Overseas fee
8 September 2025	7 September 2026	£11,760	£24,150	Apply

Start date:
8 September 2025

End date:
7 September 2026

Home fee:
£11,760

Overseas fee:
£24,150

Apply

MSc One Health in Tropical Disease