The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: MSc Indicative duration: 2 years
Start date: Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

Are you interested in learning about global disease and mitigating the risk of potential outbreaks? In our MSc Infection Control, you’ll discover how to reduce the risk of infectious diseases, as well as learning new and improved treatments in this growing industry.  

You’ll learn how to respond appropriately to future outbreaks and implement strategies to reduce the risk of infection. Plus, with a strong focus on career progression, you’ll develop an advanced skillset in leadership and management throughout the duration of your studies.  

Delve into an interesting range of topics including:  

  • the fundamentals of microbiology and infection control  
  • the importance of infection control in healthcare settings and the wider impact on public health  
  • an insight into epidemiology, infectious diseases and communicable disease control in practice

Why we’re great

  • Learn how to implement strategies to prevent the spread of infection and help protect the public on both a local and global scale. 
  • Develop subject-specific knowledge to progress in infection control, environmental health or other healthcare roles.    
  • Study 100% online and part-time, allowing you to improve your practice while continuing in your current role.  
  • Receive high quality silver rated teaching (TEF 2023).  
  • Gain your degree from the University of Essex, a top 30 UK university (Complete University Guide 2025).

The MSc Infection Control is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 180 credits.

Optional modules: choose three.

Explore the fundamentals of microbiology, including the historical significance, transmission phase and finally, infection control. This engrossing module will encourage you to think critically about microbiological discovery and current practices, while contemplating future scientific research in this area.   

Communicable disease control varies significantly across the globe. In this insightful module, you’ll gain an insight into epidemiology, infectious diseases and communicable disease control in practice. Advance your studies further by managing real outbreaks of infection in community or hospital environments and discover how to successfully mitigate future risks.  

This innovative module provides an in-depth overview of infection control across healthcare and clinical settings. You'll consider a range of infection control interventions and quality improvement tools, giving you the ability to explain the importance of control for staff and patient protection, as well as the wider impacts on public health.  

This in-depth module introduces you to both the theoretical and practical issues in the research process, with a strong emphasis on health and social care. By the end, you’ll have developed a critical awareness of the ethical issues that can arise and be able to successfully demonstrate both quantitative and qualitative analysis upon completion.  

This defining module allows you to demonstrate the knowledge you’ve gained throughout your studies. With the guidance of an allocated superviser, you’ll investigate a specific area of your professional practice, using appropriate, valid and reliable research methods and approaches. On completion, you’ll have developed key organisational, communication and research skills that will benefit your career. 

Throughout this insightful module, you’ll discover how health promotion activities can drive positive health-related behaviours. Engage with case studies from peer-reviewed literature to further examine how health promotion can be applied using real-world scenarios. 

Looking to progress into management? Develop an advanced skillset that’s valuable across a range of roles with this exciting module. All key theories and methods are shaped across six overarching themes: communication, leadership & management, reflective practice, problem-solving, personal development and action learning.  

In this comprehensive module, you’ll discover the main principles of epidemiology, while embarking on interesting statistical concepts and the analysis of key trends. Apply a theoretical and practical approach to learning and become better-informed about the broader public health environment.  

Form a fundamental understanding of the key sciences linked to disease management with this informative module. You’ll study a wide range of topics – including physiology, pathology and pharmacology – and on completion, you’ll feel empowered to evidence clinical manifestations of disease and their management.   

How do effective management and leadership skills drive healthcare organisations towards their objectives? In this innovative module, you’ll look at the theory behind leadership and ways to successfully judge performance using diagnostic tools. Then upon completion, you'll create your own personal development objectives based on assessments.  

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.  

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you’ll have access to your study materials 24/7, including:  

  • multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments 
  • discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students 
  • live seminars and Q&A sessions with your tutors 
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals  
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team 

 

Assessments 

You’ll be assessed through a series of assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, delivering live presentations or by submitting longer written pieces. 

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways: 

  • our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent 
  • you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme 
  • you’ll be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log into the learning platform 
  • there’s a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work 
  • you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise 

 

Online learning experience 

Your learning experience will be fully supported by high-quality learning materials and resources, delivered via our state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE).  

On average, your learning experience will include the following: 

  • directed learning (40%) this includes participating in tutor-led discussions and seminars, completing interactive exercises on the VLE, and watching videos and lecturecasts. You’ll also be able to book appointments with your module tutor during their office hours, which can be found on the VLE 
  • self-directed learning (30%) – including undertaking wider reading and research in your area of study to develop your understanding of the subject area 
  • assessment (30%) time spent preparing and completing assignments and activities that contribute towards your overall assessment 

Typically, you’ll need to dedicate a minimum 15-20 hours of study per module, per week. 

 

Study duration 

Our MSc Infection Control has an indicative study duration of 2 years, which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.  

It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.  

Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.  

All our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.  

On successful completion of your degree, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus. 

 

Academic staff 

A quality teaching experience is at the heart of everything we do.  

The dedicated tutors who teach our course modules are subject matter experts, experienced academics and leading industry thought leaders. They play a vital role in ensuring the latest theories and areas of study are covered in our courses, and are proud to provide a high level of academic support. 

You can find more information on our key academic staff and their experience here. 

 

Quality and assurance  

We’re proud to provide a first-class education to students anywhere in the world and adhere to the strictest quality standards 

The University of Essex Online is a recognised member of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and registered with the Office for Students (OfS) 

All our degrees are delivered by Kaplan Open Learning, a world-leading education provider with over 15 years’ experience. 

You may already be working within a specialist infection control role. Studying this course will help you gain a more senior position – either in infection control, environmental health or other healthcare professions. Plus, you’ll develop key skills such as report writing, communication, time management and critical thinking.

Gaining a postgraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2021 student survey showed:

  • 92% of students said their course helped develop their research skills
  • 89% of students say their studies fit with their future plans
  • Almost 60% said their studies had a positive effect on their career
  • 25% of students saw their salaries increase by up to 10%

We know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That’s why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English Language Requirements.

Additionally, you will need to pass your first assignment set within your two-week induction period of the course in order to continue with your studies.

 

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our MSc Infection Control, you must have the following qualifications as a minimum:

  • an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification

 

Work experience entry route

In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our MSc Infection Control, as a minimum you must have at least three years’ relevant work experience.

 

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Full tuition fee:  

£12,471 UK / £13,049 International (2024-25) Δ

  • Designated for postgraduate student loans in England. 
  • Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies. 
  • Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront. 
  • Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries. 
  • Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you are a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online. 
  • 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us. 
  • Global access online scholarships available to support high-potential students applying for the October 2024 intake.

 Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships here. 

Our course fees are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included, and there are no hidden charges for assessments or resits.  

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach modules on our MSc Infection Control are experts in the field of healthcare.

testimonials

Obinna Orjingene -Master of Public Health (MPH)

I’ve used the modules I’m studying in my real-life work experiences, which is amazing!

I was working in the emergency room and intensive care unit, providing critical care for paediatric emergencies and looking after children who'd fled armed conflict and were living in slum dwellings with their parents or guardians. It was here I decided a Master of Public Health was the way to go to progress my career.  I’m currently working as a child survival and development consultant. I chose to study public health because the course is beneficial to my current career aspirations. With this course, I’ll gain a broader perception of health. It will allow me to address the primary...

Read more

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