Master’s Degrees
Further information regarding different modes of study can be found below.
Full-time
The majority of students attend on a full-time basis, which is one year for master’s programmes. This involves attending five days per week during the teaching term. Lectures, classes and laboratory sessions usually take place Monday-Friday from 9.30am to 5pm, though depending on module selections and timetabling students may have some days or half-days without teaching. Students are also required to undertake self-led study each week.
Part-time (over two years)
Where indicated in the table above, students can study part-time by attending LSHTM for two or three days per week during the teaching term, and spreading all the modules required to complete a master’s programme over two years. There are no evening or weekend classes. Depending on module selection, students may be required to attend for different days in each term and year. As the requirements for part-time study can vary, it is recommended to contact the relevant programme director with specific queries.
Please note, students studying on a Student visa are not permitted to study on a part-time basis.
Split-study (over two years)
Students taking the programme by split-study undertake full-time study for a minimum of one term in Year 1, before then breaking for 12 months and returning to undertake the remainder of the programme in Year 2, resuming on a full-time basis. The proposed date for the split must be agreed with the programme director.
Research Degrees
Full-time
All MPhil/PhD students initially register for an MPhil. Although some students choose to take an MPhil only (2 year programme), most go on to a PhD (3-4 year programme). The maximum registration period for a full-time PhD is 4 years. MPhil/PhD students must spend at least 9 months of their programme full-time in London. These months do not have to be consecutive and the times spent in London would be agreed with the supervisor. Students usually spend the first 9 to 12 months at LSHTM to prepare for an upgrading process from MPhil to PhD. Other than the required 9 months in London, students can work on their PhD wherever necessary to undertake data collection, fieldwork or laboratory work and write their thesis.
The period of study for full-time DrPH students is a minimum of three years and a maximum of four years. Students are required to be at LSHTM during the first term (September-December) for the taught course component and normally spend time at LSHTM during the preparation of their OPA project. Students are also expected to spend time at LSHTM preparing and presenting their research project plans to a DrPH Review Committee. Over the course of their degree DrPH students are expected to spend at least 9 months full-time in London.
Part-time
LSHTM requires students who apply for part-time study to be available to study for at least two days per week. An employer letter is required to confirm that at least two days per week will be permitted for degree work.
Part-time MPhil/PhD students who are employed at one of LSHTM’s specifically approved institutions may be eligible to carry out their research at their place of employment under the guidance of a supervisor at LSHTM. Students interested in this method of study should contact the relevant Faculty Research Degree Manager for advice.
For the DrPH, a split-study option is also available whereby students complete the taught component in full-time mode before reverting to part-time mode later in their first year.