The 4-Year PhD Programme in Epidemiology, Evolution, and Control of Infectious Diseases at Imperial College London offers an excellent opportunity for students passionate about infectious disease research. This fully funded programme provides interdisciplinary training in infectious disease epidemiology, mathematical modeling, genetics, and computational methods.
Funded students receive a full tuition fee waiver (home rate) and a tax-free stipend to support living expenses, making this an attractive opportunity for highly qualified candidates.
Overview of the Scholarship
- Degree Level: PhD (Postgraduate Doctoral)
- Duration: 4 years
- Funding: Full tuition fees (UK home rate) + living stipend
- Stipend Amount: £20,622 per year (UKRI minimum rate, 2023/24)
- Number of Awards: 2
- Mode of Study: Full-time
- Application Deadline: January 8, 2024 (Closed for 2024/25)
- Start Date: Autumn 2024
This programme is open to both UK and international students. However, international students must self-fund the additional fees beyond the UK home rate.
What Makes This Programme Unique?
This PhD programme is hosted within the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis (MRC GIDA) in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at Imperial College London’s Faculty of Medicine.
Students benefit from:
Interdisciplinary Training – Covers epidemiology, mathematical modeling, statistics, and computational methods.
Research Attachments – Two 5-month research placements in leading research groups.
Expert Mentorship – Learn from world-renowned researchers advising governments and health organizations.
Real-World Impact – Research on pandemic influenza, HIV, TB, malaria, polio, and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, a first-class or upper second-class degree in a relevant subject, including:
✔ Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences
✔ Zoology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology
✔ Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Data Science
✔ Economics, Epidemiology, Public Health
Candidates with a veterinary science degree are also eligible. The programme is non-clinical, but medically qualified applicants can still apply.
Application Process
Prepare Your Application
Applicants must submit a single PDF document containing:
A CV (without personal details) – No name, gender, or email for unbiased shortlisting.
Degree Information – Include BSc, MSc, MBBS, degree classification, marks, university name.
Academic References – Names and contact details of at least two academic referees.
Personal Statement (1 page) – Explain why you want to join this PhD programme and your research interests.
Submit Your Application
- Apply through the official application form before the deadline (January 8, 2024 for the 2024/25 intake).
- No transcripts are required at this stage.
Interview Process
- Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed between January 29 – February 9, 2024.
- If selected, students will start their PhD in Autumn 2024.
Programme Structure
The 4-year PhD programme follows a 1+3 structure:
Year 1: Master of Research (MRes) in Epidemiology
Specialist Training – One day per week of technical and leadership skills training.
Research Attachments – Two 5-month placements in leading research groups.
PhD Proposal Development – Students finalize their PhD project at the end of Year 1.
Years 2-4: PhD Research
Full-time independent research under expert supervision.
Participation in conferences, workshops, and collaborations with international institutions.
Hands-on experience in infectious disease analysis, epidemiology, and modeling.
Departments Involved
This PhD programme is linked to multiple departments at Imperial College London, including:
- School of Public Health
- Infectious Disease & Immunology
- Mathematics & Computing
- Bioengineering & Biomedical Sciences
- Physics & Environmental Policy
This interdisciplinary approach ensures students receive broad yet in-depth training in infectious disease control.
Additional Funding & Self-Funded Options
- Additional funded PhD positions may become available, and all eligible applicants are considered.
- Self-funded students can apply for the MRes Biomedical Research programme, which offers a 1-year standalone training before the PhD.
Why Apply for This Programme?
- Fully funded for UK students (home tuition fees + living stipend).
- Â World-leading research at Imperial College London.
- Â Interdisciplinary training with top experts in infectious disease control.
 -  Hands-on experience with major global health challenges.
- Â Â Opportunities for international collaboration and career growth.
If you are passionate about infectious disease research and want to make a global impact, this PhD programme at Imperial College London offers a unique and career-transforming opportunity.
For more details, visit the Imperial College London PhD programme page or email ide-phd@imperial.ac.uk.