Hi everyone.

I graduated with a medical degree from Malaysia and currently planning to pursue my Masters and subsequently PhD in the field of Virology. I am very interested in the Masters course offered by both Imperial & LSHTM.

Imperial - MSc in Molecular Biology and Pathology of Viruses (Virology)
LSHTM - MSC Medical Microbiology (Virology)

I would like to know which university is better for the study of virology. My scope of interest in virology is in virus transmitted tropical diseases such as dengue & leptospira and also retroviruses.

As far as I know, Imperial has a much better ranking than LSHTM but I am not sure regarding their virology department. How is their reputation? LSHTM, on the other hand, is internationally famous for public health and tropical medicine and I think maybe I could have more exposure and build more connections at LSHTM.

I would kindly appreciate any feedback or advice from all of you here. Thanks a lot!

What you have said is correct: Imperial is better rated but LSHTM is the leader in the field of tropical diseases. You should look at other factors regarding living costs, potential projects and course content to make your decision. My guess is LSHTM is going to be more health focused and Imperial may focus more on plant viruses for example.

Well, I love the course content of both the courses, although I might prefer the LSHTM one a bit more... Not sure about living costs wise, aren't both of them in Greater London? So the living costs would be high, wouldn't it?

Don't think so though, the course by Imperial is offered by the Dept. of Medicine, so it is also health focused...