Overview

The Postgraduate Certificate in Infection Control course provides an introduction to an understanding of the world of microbiology. Infection prevention and control continues to be a key priority for health professionals working in both hospitals and the wider community. The course aims to equip nurses and other healthcare practitioners with the skills necessary to lead best practice in this area.

The demand for Infection Control courses has increased in recent years due to multi resistant organisms and contagious illness outbreaks such as Ebola, swine flu and MRSA highlighting the need for more effective infection control. The fundamental underpinning of this course is that prevention is better than the cure and it is this mentality that will hopefully make outbreaks a thing of the past.

The economic and social costs of escalating infection such as winter flu, meningitis and HIV are well documented. Less well known are the human and economic burdens of hospital acquired infection which can result in an extra 14 days in hospital and £1 billion a year extra expenditure for the NHS. Developing and implementing effective infection control measures are dependent upon the knowledge and skills of health professionals in both hospital and community settings.

Funding for health professionals

Please see our tuition fee discounts and scholarships page for information on possible sources of funding.

A variety of summative assessments are in place across the programme. Examples include written assignments, discussions, presentations, case studies & outbreak responses.

Course structure

The PG Cert Infection Control is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 60 credits at Level 7.

Level 7 modules:

• Introduction to Medical Microbiology and Immunology (20 Credits)*
• Communicable Disease Control (20 Credits)*
• Infection Prevention and Quality Improvement (20 Credits)*

* These modules are core and must be passed in order to achieve the award.

Upon completion of your Postgraduate Certificate in Infection Control we offer the opportunity for you to progress on to study for a Postgraduate Diploma (awarded after 120 credits) and a full Masters (awarded after 180 credits).

Learning and assessment

Introduction

The PG Cert Infection Control online course can be studied over a period of time up to two years to suit your individual circumstances. Each module takes approximately six months to complete. The core components of the course ensure that you acquire the essential attributes and skills commensurate with the level of studies and award.

All of our online courses have an indicative study duration 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.

All of our courses have regular start dates throughout the year. 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.

Teaching methods and style

The PG Cert Infection Control course is delivered entirely online and individual support is given to you in a number of ways. The programme leader is available for overall support via email and you are assigned a Student Adviser who is your first point of contact throughout your studies and serves as your mentor.

All courses are delivered in English only and to ensure you receive the support you need from your tutor, we cap our class sizes at 20 students.

Assessment

Each stage of the PG Cert Infection Control course contains a number of formative (informal) assessments, including multiple choice questionnaires, short answer tests, and practical assignments. The summative assessment for each module consists of four discussion activities and two 2,500 word essays.

Career prospects

We are dedicated to improving employability amongst our graduates. Our online courses give you the opportunity to improve your career prospects and earning potential with a mix of key skills that are directly transferable to the workplace.

As a PG Cert Infection Control online student, you will typically be working as a specialist Infection Control Nurse, environmental health officer or other healthcare professional with responsibility for infection control in your role.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

We have flexible entry requirements that look at both your academic and work-based experience as well as your motivation to do the course. There are two entry routes onto our PG Cert Infection Control programme:

1. Academic Entry Route

Our applicants are usually registered nurses or health care professionals in full or part-time employment with a minimum of two years post-registration experience.

In addition, applicants normally have an Upper Second Class Bachelors degree in a relevant or appropriate subject, or the equivalent from an internationally recognised institution.

English language proficiency should be at a level equivalent to IELTS (Academic) 6.5. If you do not hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification, we require students to pass a free online English test.

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

2. Work Experience Entry Route

We recognise that many people have a wealth of valuable skills and knowledge developed at work or through training. If you don’t meet the above entry requirements, but believe you have the potential to succeed on the PG Cert Infection Control course, we’ll consider your application on its individual merits.

English language proficiency should be at a level equivalent to IELTS (Academic) 6.5. If you do not hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification, we require students to pass a free online English test.

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

21-day money back guarantee

If you enrol on our PG Cert Infection Control programme but decide that online learning isn’t for you, we will allow you to withdraw within 21 days of the start date stated on your offer letter. If you have paid an initial deposit up front, you will receive a full refund.

Related courses

• PG Dip Infection Control
• MSc Infection Control