London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Do you want to make a positive difference to the health of others? Join a global community of global changemakers and health experts dedicated to improving health worldwide.

Who we are

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is a world-leading centre for research and postgraduate education in public and global health. Our mission is to improve health worldwide; working in partnership to achieve excellence in public and global health research, education and translation of knowledge into policy and practice.

Highly ranked in various university league tables, LSHTM was named:

• #3 in the world and #1 in the UK for Public Health in Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2022
• #2 in the world for Public, Environmental and Occupational Health and #4 for Infectious Diseases by US News Global Universities Subject Ranking 2022
• #1 in the UK for the proportion of research papers that are open access by CWTS Leiden Ranking 2023

The cutting edge and international character of the School’s research contributes significantly to the quality and range of its teaching and training. The School has a unique staff, student and alumni population; student to staff ratio is 1:3 and our alumni come from over 180 countries.

Our history

Founded by Sir Patrick Manson, the School began as the London School of Tropical Medicine in 1899 at the London Docks, and nineteen students formed the first intake admitted on 2 October 1899. LSHTM is now based in Bloomsbury, where it has two main sites at Keppel Street and Tavistock Place. Today, our staff, students and alumni work in government, academia, international agencies and health services across the world.

What we do

The School provides a national and international focus for collaboration in teaching and research where clinical, population, laboratory and social sciences are integrated to address the broad issues of health.

Training is provided through a range of taught MSc courses and research degrees, which can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis, and some through distance learning. Some courses require previous training in biological sciences, medicine and mathematics, but a large number of our courses take people who have studied humanities, social sciences, anthropology, natural sciences and more. The School also offers a number of short courses and free online courses. 

Why Study Here?

• A dynamic, international environment: students come from over 150 countries
• Global career prospects: LSHTM graduates work in over 180 countries
• Full-time and part-time study options available, as well as flexible, online programmes
• Intercalated study of medical degrees
• Part of the prestigious University of London

Teaching and training are carried out by dedicated staff who are leaders in their fields and have extensive academic, practical and international experience. The fusion of staff and student experience provides a rich environment for students not only to learn from the staff, but from each other.

The LSHTM Experience

The School is part of the University of London, and on successful completion of their studies, students gain a University of London degree: a passport to academic and professional recognition the world over. Teaching and training are carried out by dedicated staff who are leaders in their fields and have considerable links with key universities and research institutions around the world, together with extensive academic, practical and international experience. The fusion of staff and student experience provides a rich environment for students not only to learn from the staff, but, importantly, to learn from each other.

Virtual open days

We’re hosting a series of postgraduate virtual open days throughout February. Get answers to all your questions about postgraduate study and life at LSHTM through live chat sessions with programme directors, current students and student services.

Career Prospects

Our study opportunities play a key role in responding to the demands of public health professionals, clinicians, policymakers, academics and laboratory scientists for advanced and research training in the national and international medical and public health community. Many of our alumni hold prominent positions in health ministries, universities, hospitals and international organisations. 

Student Support

There’s a Student Advice and Counselling Service you can turn to if you need assistance during your time at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The school also has a disability support service that can provide help if you need it. In addition, students can have access to free weekly English language classes.

Student Advisers are also able to advise students on non-academic issues, such as immigration and visa issues, accommodation, or financial worries which may arise during studies. The Careers Service advises students on a one-to-one basis.