Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Infectious Diseases

About the course

This course has been developed in response to the international need for advanced training and research in infectious diseases to better prepare medical scientists, medical professionals, the public sector and other groups. Course Director, Professor Geoff Shellam has a strong academic and research background within this field. Nobel Laureate Professor Barry Marshall is also a valued member of staff within the program. Together, Professor Geoff Shellam and Professor and Barry Marshall, as co-directors of the Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, will bring a host of resources to the program. Students have the opportunity to gain practical experience in Western Australia's public diagnostic pathology laboratory, PathWest, through the integration of placements for research projects and practicums with coursework.

Quick details

• Status: Available from 2026
• Locations:
• Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
• Delivery: On-campus
• Starting dates: Semester 1
• Level of study: Postgraduate
• Course Code: 01810
• CRICOS code: C
• Full time/part time duration: 4 years
• Degrees course is available in: Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Infectious Diseases

Course structure

Postgraduate research degrees are identified by an intensive research component. Refer to the Handbooks for information on course rules.

Core

• Take all units (72 points):
  • MICR5829 Foundations of Infectious Diseases (6)
  • MICR5830 Principles of Mycology and Parasitology (6)
  • MICR5831 Molecular and Cellular Microbiology (6)
  • MICR5832 Diagnostic Medical Microbiology (6)
  • MICR5833 Antimicrobial Agents (6)
  • MICR5835 Vectors of Infectious Diseases and Vector Control (6)
  • MICR5836 Public and Environmental Health Microbiology (6)
  • MICR5842 Principles of Infection and Immunity (6)
  • MICR5846 Molecular Epidemiology and Microbial Communities (6)
  • PUBH4401 Biostatistics I (6)
  • PUBH4403 Epidemiology I (6)
  • PUBH5761 Epidemiology and Control of Communicable Diseases (6)

Study options in Infectious Diseases

UWA also offers the following courses to advance your career.

• Graduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases
• Master of Infectious Diseases

Public Health Focus

• Graduate Certificate in Communicable Diseases Epidemiology

Careers and further study

Take your studies to a new level with a postgraduate degree and discover what career opportunities lie ahead.

Career Pathways

• Infectious disease specialist

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course. For fee type definitions and further assistance, see the Fee Calculator Help page. You can also search our database for scholarships that are relevant to you or this course.

Domestic Student Fees

There is no current fee information available for this course. Please visit the fee calculator to browse course fees from a previous year, or other courses.

Scholarships

Postgraduate scholarships support UWA's position as one of Australia's leading research-intensive universities and the premier research institution in WA.

Research Training Program

Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens are offered a Tuition Fee Offset Scholarship which offsets the requirement to pay a contribution toward the cost of their research courses if UWA provides them with a Research Training Program (RTP) place.

This Tuition Fee Offset Scholarship is applied for up a maximum of four years full-time equivalent study for the Doctor of Philosophy. The RTP is a performance-based funding scheme administered by the Australian Government Department of Education.

Admission requirements

If you’re interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate degree, find out the admission details below.

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the University’s English language requirements to be eligible for a place.

How to apply

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Find out how to apply through our simple online application process.

We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course.

• Check your chosen course is open to applications.
• Ensure you meet the admission requirements for this course as detailed on the previous tab.
• Ensure you meet our English language competency requirement and any course/major prerequisites.
• Apply!

The University of Western Australia

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Overview:

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a leading research-intensive university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is renowned for its high-quality teaching, strong research output, and commitment to graduate employability. UWA is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally and is the number one university in Western Australia for graduate employability.

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Services Offered:

UWA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic support:

Tutoring, workshops, and study skills resources.

Career services:

Career counselling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Student wellbeing:

Mental health support, counselling, and health services.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options.

Sports and fitness:

Access to state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of sports clubs.

Clubs and societies:

A vibrant student community with numerous clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.

Study abroad and exchange:

Opportunities to study at universities around the world.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UWA provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience for its students. The university boasts a beautiful campus with modern facilities, green spaces, and a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Social events:

Concerts, festivals, and other social gatherings.

Sporting events:

Supporting the university's sports teams.

Volunteer opportunities:

Contributing to the local community.

Cultural events:

Art exhibitions, theatre performances, and music concerts.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class education:

UWA offers a high-quality education with a focus on research and innovation.

Excellent employability:

Graduates from UWA are highly sought after by employers.

Vibrant campus life:

A diverse and engaging student community with numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.

Beautiful campus:

A picturesque campus with modern facilities and green spaces.

Strong research focus:

UWA is a leading research university with a strong commitment to innovation.

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Academic Programs:

UWA offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

History, Literature, Philosophy, Languages, and more.

Science and Engineering:

Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, and more.

Business and Economics:

Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Economics, and more.

Health Sciences:

Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and more.

Law:

Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Laws, and other law programs.

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Other:

UWA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has a strong focus on Indigenous education and research, and offers a range of programs and support services for Indigenous students. UWA also has a strong international presence, with students from over 100 countries studying at the university.