| The course runs from 18 to 20 June 2025. |
This intensive, highly practical course aims to give participants hands-on experience in those methods currently used for the laboratory diagnosis of malaria.
The course is comprised of extensive practicals and associated lectures and seminars and is delivered by expert staff from the UKHSA Malaria Reference Laboratory.
Course content
- Morphological identification of Plasmodium species (including P.knowlesi) by thick and thin blood film microscopy; parasitaemia estimation.
- Staining methods; effects of anti-coagulants; identification of artefacts
- Rapid diagnostic tests for malaria screening, including Pf HRP2/3 mutation
- Molecular diagnosis of Plasmodium spp. (qPCR, nested PCR, LAMP)
Participants will receive a comprehensive laboratory manual and will be given, where possible, reference material to take back to their own laboratories.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for Haematologists, Infectious Diseases clinicians, Clinical Scientists, Biomedical Scientists and others involved in the laboratory identification of malaria. Those working in the field of malaria research may also find it useful.
Comments by course participants
"Fantastic course that I thoroughly enjoyed! Excellent teaching, and I loved that the lecturers clearly have a passion for malaria and what they do."
"Nothing needs to be added to this course - amazing course and staff!"
"Thank you to everyone involved! I feel so much more confident examining malaria slides. I enjoyed the practical aspects, and the team was incredibly supportive, providing guidance whenever necessary."
"The course was well-organised and delivered at a pace suitable for all levels of experience. The knowledgeable and experienced staff made it a fantastic learning experience. Keep it up!"
"I thought it was brilliant! I can’t wait to take what I’ve learned back to the lab, where I hope it will improve both our service and patient care. I will strongly recommend this course to my colleagues."
"This has been an excellent course with a good mix of practical and lecture-based activities. I feel much more confident in malaria diagnosis."
£705
Applying for this course
Applications for 2025 are now open and can be made via our online application form.
Please read LSHTM's Admissions policies prior to submitting your application.
The application deadline is 28 May 2025, 23:59 UK time. We strongly advise that you apply early as courses may close earlier than the stated deadline if they become full.
Visas
The student is responsible for obtaining any visa or other permissions to attend the course, and is encouraged to start the application process as early as possible as obtaining a visa for the UK can sometimes take a long time. The Short Courses team can provide supporting documentation if requested.
Accommodation
A list of hotels located in the vicinity of LSHTM, along with further resources for short-term accommodation, can be found on our accommodation pages.
Important information
Please note:
- Students will be required to bring their own laptops. The Stata package will be available for the duration of the course.
- If you have been offered a place on the course you will not be able to register without bringing a formal ID (Passport) and without having obtained the correct visa if required.
- It is essential that you read the current visa requirements for short course students.
- LSHTM may cancel courses two weeks before the first day of the course if numbers prove insufficient. In those circumstances, course fees will be refunded.
- LSHTM cannot accept responsibility for accommodation, travel and other losses incurred as a result of the course being cancelled.