PhD/MPhil Infectious Diseases / Programme details

Year of entry: 2024

Programme description

Our PhD/MPhil Infectious Diseases programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Infectious Diseases.

Infectious disease research at Manchester is remarkable in the breadth and depth of expertise available, and the diversity of infectious agents studied make it truly unique on the global stage.

Our research covers viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, and focuses on both the biochemistry and biology of the infectious agent and the host - pathogen interactions, especially at the level of immune responses to infection.

Understanding such processes underpins the development of new anti-infective drugs to combat resistance and the generation of effective vaccines, both active areas of research at Manchester.

The parasites we study include the protozoan parasites, malaria and toxoplasma, gut dwelling parasitic nematodes(whipworm, hookworm), tissue dwelling filarialnematodes, schistosomes and tapeworms, all of which can cause severe health problems in humans.

Work on major fungal pathogens focuses on aspergillus and cryptococcus.

Our research in bacterial infections includes work aimed at understanding the mechanisms of disease and preventative treatments against tuberculosis, listeriosis, salmonella, E. coli, campylobacter and meningococcal meningitis.

Further, we have significant expertise in studying viral pathogens including the Zika virus.

Our research is underpinned by state-of-the-art facilities providing training in cutting edge methodologies - for example, 16 colour flow cytometry, bioimaging and genomic technologies, as a well as a comprehensive range of biomolecular analytical equipment, ensuring rich research skills training within each project.

Visit The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation to find out more about immunology research at The University of Manchester.

Special features

Training and development

All of our postgraduate researchers attend the Doctoral Academy Training Programme delivered by the Researcher Development team . The programme provides key transferable skills and equips our postgraduate researchers with the tools to progress beyond their research degree into influential positions within academia, industry and consultancy. The emphasis is on enhancing skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals, whether they relate to effective communication, disseminating research findings and project management skills.

Teaching and learning

PhD/MPhil programmes are based on individual research projects that last three to four years (PhD) or one to two years (MPhil), working with a specific Primary Supervisor and Co-Supervisor(s).

Applicants are specifically matched with a Primary Supervisor and individual project based on their research interests and background.

International applicants interested in this research area can also consider our PhD programme with integrated teaching certificate .

This unique programme will enable you to gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning, whilst also carrying out independent research on your chosen project.

Scholarships and bursaries

Funded programmes and projects are promoted throughout the year. Funding is available through UK Research Councils, charities and industry. We also have other internal awards and scholarships for the most outstanding applicants from within the UK and overseas (including EU nationals).

For more information on available the types of funding we have available, please visit the  funded programmes  and  funding opportunities  pages.

What our students say

Find out more about what it's like to undertake a postgraduate research degree at Manchester on the Doctoral Academy Blog and the support available through our Faculty Doctoral Academy.

Facilities

You will have access to a range of  research and learning facilities  across the University and at some of our partner organisations.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk