Masters Degrees (Infection Control)

Health departments have highlighted the importance of controlling infectious diseases within hospitals and less intensive health care settings. Accredited training of infection control personnel has been recommended as a strategy to decrease health care related infections.

Who is this course for?

This course is particularly relevant for practitioners in rural and remote health settings, aiming to bring health practitioners up to date on the current knowledge and theories regarding those infectious diseases of relevance to populations in tropical Australia and its near neighbours.

Course learning outcomes

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate of Infection Control will be able to:
*Apply and adapt specialised knowledge, skills and technical competencies pertaining to infection prevention and control across a variety of health contexts, including rural, remote and Indigenous settings in developed and developing countries
*Critically analyse and synthesise a range of data and evidence to provide solutions to complex problems related to infection prevention and control
*Appraise the significance of healthcare-associated infections and their causative pathogens, and exercise high-level and independent judgement in the design, implementation and evaluation of strategies for their management across tropical, rural, remote and Indigenous communities
*Appraise and synthesise knowledge related to the education and continuing professional development of health personnel in infection prevention and control
*Communicate theoretical knowledge, skills and treatment modalities using high-level oral and written language skills, to a variety of audiences and cultural groups
*Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for professional development based on reflection on current competence, industry standards and published evidence.

This course is available to International students via external or distance education only

Award title

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE OF INFECTION CONTROL (GCertInfectCont)

Course articulation

Students who complete this course are eligible for entry to the Graduate Diploma of Nursing or Master of Nursing and may be granted advanced standing for subjects completed under this course.

Entry requirements (Additional)

English band level 3a - the minimum English Language test scores you need are:
*Academic IELTS – 7.0 (no component lower than 6.5), OR
*TOEFL – 577 (plus minimum Test of Written English score of 5.5), OR
*TOEFL (internet based) – 100 (minimum writing score of 23), OR
*Pearson (PTE Academic) - 72

If you meet the academic requirements for a course, but not the minimum English requirements, you will be given the opportunity to take an English program to improve your skills in addition to an offer to study a degree at JCU. The JCU degree offer will be conditional upon the student gaining a certain grade in their English program. This combination of courses is called a packaged offer.
JCU’s English language provider is Union Institute of Languages (UIL). UIL have teaching centres on both the Townsville and Cairns campuses.

Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 3a – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.

Why JCU?

James Cook University offers personal attention and ongoing support for you to achieve your goals. We have:
*Academic and professional staff across our four major campuses
*specialised biophysical science laboratories
*simulated hospital wards

Application deadlines

*1st February for commencement in semester one (February)
*1st July for commencement in semester two (mid-year/July)

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The MSc Infection Control online has been designed for nurses and other health professionals who have an infection control role in their workplace but is open to anyone with an interest in this area. The course aligns with the framework of competencies outlined by the Infection Prevention Society and will develop your expertise in several key areas of best practice. Delivered entirely online, the course gives you the flexibility to study whilst you continue to work full-time.

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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, including an understanding of the world of microbiology and the management strategies useful for patient care and the prevention of further spread of an infectious disease.

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Health departments have highlighted the importance of controlling infectious diseases within hospitals and less intensive health care settings. Accredited training of infection control personnel has been recommended as a strategy to decrease health care related infections.

Who is this course for?

This course is particularly relevant for practitioners in rural and remote health settings, aiming to bring health practitioners up to date on the current knowledge and theories regarding those infectious diseases of relevance to populations in tropical Australia and its near neighbours.

Course learning outcomes

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Nursing will be able to:
*Apply and adapt advanced knowledge, skills and technical competencies within one or more area of nursing science across a variety of health contexts including tropical, rural, remote and Indigenous settings
*Critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate a range of data and evidence to provide solutions to complex nursing problems
*Communicate complex theoretical knowledge, skills and treatment modalities using high-level oral and written language and, where appropriate, numeracy skills to a variety of professional and client groups
*Make high-level, independent judgements and evaluations about nursing interventions related to a speciality area of nursing
*Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for professional development based on reflection on current competence, professional standards and published evidence.

This course is available to International students via external or distance education only.

Award title

GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF NURSING (GDipN)

Course articulation

Students who complete this course may be eligible for entry to the Master of Nursing, and may be granted advanced standing to a maximum of 12 credit points for subjects completed under this course.

Entry requirements

English band level 3a - the minimum English Language test scores you need are:
*Academic IELTS – 7.0 (no component lower than 6.5), OR
*TOEFL – 577 (plus minimum Test of Written English score of 5.5), OR
*TOEFL (internet based) – 100 (minimum writing score of 23), OR
*Pearson (PTE Academic) - 72

If you meet the academic requirements for a course, but not the minimum English requirements, you will be given the opportunity to take an English program to improve your skills in addition to an offer to study a degree at JCU. The JCU degree offer will be conditional upon the student gaining a certain grade in their English program. This combination of courses is called a packaged offer.
JCU’s English language provider is Union Institute of Languages (UIL). UIL have teaching centres on both the Townsville and Cairns campuses.

Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 3a – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.

Why JCU?

James Cook University offers personal attention and ongoing support for you to achieve your goals. We have:
*Academic and professional staff across our four major campuses
*specialised biophysical science laboratories
*simulated hospital wards

Application deadlines

*1st February for commencement in semester one (February)
*1st July for commencement in semester two (mid-year/July)

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Course Description

An advanced qualification designed to equip nurses and other healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of infectious disease control and prevention in hospital, social care and community settings. The course examines key areas including microbiology, immunology, public health and communicable disease control. Graduates can pursue a rewarding career in many areas, or progress on to study for a full MSc in Infection Control.

Entry Requirements

There are two entry routes available for this exciting course. The “Academic Entry Route” usually requires a minimum of 2 years’ post-registration experience and access to a clinical microbiology department, plus an Upper Second Class Bachelors degree in a relevant or appropriate subject, or the equivalent from an internationally recognised institution. The “Open Entry Route” considers a student’s application based on its individual merits. IELTS (Academic) 6.5 or equivalent is also required if English is not a student’s first language.

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This programme will allow those responsible for infection prevention and control to develop their underpinning knowledge and skills so that they can be applied to practice. The programme is mapped against an outcome competency framework for infection prevention and control and is continually revised so that it remains current and applicable to addressing the burden of healthcare associated infections.

What is so good about this course?

The programme is delivered by a team of highly experienced infection prevention and control academic educators and practitioners who have significant experience in supporting the development of infection prevention and control practitioners through face-to-face, distance and learning. We are supported by our clinical colleagues in hospital, community and public health settings. We use work-based learning to enable the integration of learning with clinical practice. with a high level of continuous guidance and support from the module team. All modules are mapped against infection prevention and control outcome competences.

Degree Combinations
Infection: Prevention and Control (Top Up) Distance Learning BSc

Teaching & Assessment

- How you will be taught

Each module is taught face to face in the classroom setting using lectures, tutorials and workshops and is augmented by on line module materials. Modules are very interactive allowing student to share your learning and experiences with colleagues from a variety of roles, countries and settings. This will also allow students to engage with varying cultural perspectives. Module material is very much focused on clinical practice which will encourage students to reflect on perspectives and experiences and allow them to identify way of application to their own clinical setting. Module material is constantly updated to be relevant to current issues and drivers and activities are designed to represent real clinical scenarios. There may also be opportunities for focused visits if relevant and available.

- How you will be assessed

Module assessments will consist of a wide range of on-line innovative methods and will link closely with students’ role and responsibilities in clinical practice. Students will have full support from the module team to help them through assessments.

What you will study (full time)

Students will study four modules over two semesters (8 months):

Semester 1: Enhancing Academic Skills and Applied Microbiology for Infection Prevention and Control

Semester 2: Developing Research Based Practice and Enhancing Infection Prevention and Control Understanding and Practice

An additional optional 30 point, Level 10 Module is available to take into the MSc Infection: Prevention and Control programme. This is a special study module over the summer period focusing on an infection prevention and control topic.

What you will study (part time distance learning)

Students will study four modules over four semesters (16 months):

Advancing Academic Skills (September)
Improving Quality and Safety through Infection Prevention and Control (January)
Developing Evidence Based Practice (September)
Applied Microbiology and Evidence-Based Precautions for Infection Prevention and Control (September)

All modules are also available on a stand-alone basis

Employability

Throughout the programme students will be able to demonstrate to your employer your developing competence against the outcome competences for infection prevention and control.

On completion of the programme students will have the underpinning knowledge required to work as a practitioner within infection prevention and control practitioner. They will also have developed high quality reflective and critical thinking skills.

Completing the Level 10 special study module will count towards a MSc if the student wishes to continue progressing with their study.

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This programme will allow those responsible for infection prevention and control to develop their underpinning knowledge and skills so that they can be applied to practice. The programme is mapped against an outcome competency framework for infection prevention and control and is continually revised so that it remains current and applicable to addressing the burden of healthcare associated infections.

What is so good about this course?

The programme is delivered by a team of highly experienced infection prevention and control academic educators and practitioners who have significant experience in supporting the development of infection prevention and control practitioners through face-to-face, distance and learning. We are supported by our clinical colleagues in hospital, community and public health settings. We use work-based learning to enable the integration of learning with clinical practice. with a high level of continuous guidance and support from the module team. All modules are mapped against infection prevention and control outcome competences.

Degree Combinations
Infection: Prevention and Control (Top Up) Distance Learning BSc

Teaching & Assessment

- How you will be taught

Each module is taught face to face in the classroom setting using lectures, tutorials and workshops and is augmented by on line module materials. Modules are very interactive allowing student to share your learning and experiences with colleagues from a variety of roles, countries and settings. This will also allow students to engage with varying cultural perspectives. Module material is very much focused on clinical practice which will encourage students to reflect on perspectives and experiences and allow them to identify way of application to their own clinical setting. Module material is constantly updated to be relevant to current issues and drivers and activities are designed to represent real clinical scenarios. There may also be opportunities for focused visits if relevant and available.

- How you will be assessed

Module assessments will consist of a wide range of on-line innovative methods and will link closely with students’ role and responsibilities in clinical practice. Students will have full support from the module team to help them through assessments.

- What you will study (full time)

Students will study four modules over two semesters (8 months):

Semester 1: Enhancing Academic Skills and Applied Microbiology for Infection Prevention and Control

Semester 2: Developing Research Based Practice and Enhancing Infection Prevention and Control Understanding and Practice

An additional optional 30 point, Level 10 Module is available to take into the MSc Infection: Prevention and Control programme. This is a special study module over the summer period focusing on an infection prevention and control topic.

- What you will study (part time distance learning)

Students will study four modules over four semesters (16 months):

Advancing Academic Skills (September)
Improving Quality and Safety through Infection Prevention and Control (January)
Developing Evidence Based Practice (September)
Applied Microbiology and Evidence-Based Precautions for Infection Prevention and Control (September)

All modules are also available on a stand-alone basis

Employability

Throughout the programme students will be able to demonstrate to your employer your developing competence against the outcome competences for infection prevention and control.

On completion of the programme students will have the underpinning knowledge required to work as a practitioner within infection prevention and control practitioner. They will also have developed high quality reflective and critical thinking skills.

Completing the Level 10 special study module will count towards a MSc if the student wishes to continue progressing with their study.

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Promoting and developing best practice in the field of infection prevention and control is a pressing issue for professionals and the community as a whole. The issues facing hospital and community staff one day may well be the same as those confronting environmental health officers the next.

This innovative postgraduate course in Infection Prevention and Control has been designed to help you deal safely and effectively with infection risks. You will develop your confidence and expertise in the management and implementation of infection control change.

If you have to deal with infection as part of your job, or if you’d like to widen your knowledge and be in a position to apply for more senior posts in infection control, the MSc Infection Prevention and Control can help you achieve these goals.

Special Features

• Loans for tuition fees are available from the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for eligible Scotland domiciled and EU students, and loans for living costs for eligible Scottish students.
• The course is delivered online through the university’s virtual learning environment (VLE), enabling you to fit your study around your personal and professional commitments, wherever you are in the world
• You can choose to study individual modules for continuing professional development (CPD), or work towards the PgCert, PgDip, or full Masters degree
• Specialist modules at PgDip and MSc level allow you to specialise in areas of particular relevance to your career
• The course content contributes to the development of the core dimensions in the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF): communication; personal and people development; health, safety and security; quality; and equality and diversity
• Students undertaking module Informatics in Health and Social Care can continue their studies in health informatics by completing the Embedding Clinincal Informatics in Education (eICE) programme free which is accredited by the UK Council for Health Informatics Professions (UKCHIP)
• Students can complete the university’s Skills and Employability Award where by you gain recognition (not academic credit) for a range of activities you takee part in addition to your studies to help you stand out from the crowd and demonstrate the skills you have, prepare for a real interview and impress prospective employers

Modules

PgCert

Core modules are: Micro-organisms and Disease; Decontamination; Epidemiology and Surveillance of Healthcare Associated Infections

PgDip

Core module: Host Defence and Protection

Option modules, from which you choose two, may include:
 Advanced Infection Prevention and Control
 Healthcare Outbreak Management
 Informatics in Health and Social Care
 Qualitative inquiry*
 Research Methods and Techniques*
 Introduction to Patient Safety in Integrated Health and Social Care Environment
*You must choose one of these modules if you wish to continue to MSc

Msc

To achieve the award of MSc Infection Control you must complete a research dissertation related to your professional field

Locations

This course is available Online with support from Inverness College UHI, 1 Inverness Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA

Funding

From 2017, eligible Scotland domiciled students studying full time can access loans up to 10,000 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).This comprises a tuition fee loan up to £5,500 and a non-income assessed living cost loan of £4,500. EU students studying full time can apply for a tuition fee loan up to £5500.

Part-time students undertaking any taught postgraduate course over two years up to Masters level who meet the residency eligibility can apply for a for a tuition fee loan up to £2,750 per year.

See Scholarships tab below for full details

Top reasons to study at UHI

Do something different: our reputation is built on our innovative approach to learning and our distinctive research and curriculum which often reflects the unique environment and culture of our region and closely links to vocational skills required by a range of sectors.
Choice of campuses – we have campuses across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Each campus is different from rich cultural life of the islands; the spectacular coasts and mountains; to the bright lights of our city locations.
Small class sizes mean that you have a more personal experience of university and receive all the support you need from our expert staff
The affordable option - if you already live in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland you don't have to leave home and incur huge debts to go to university; we're right here on your doorstep

How to apply

If you want to apply for this postgraduate programme click on the ‘visit website’ button below which will take you to the relevant course page on our website, from there select the Apply tab to complete our online application.
If you still have any questions please get in touch with our information line by email using the links beow or call on 0845 272 3600.

International Students

If you would like to study in a country of outstanding natural beauty, friendly communities, and cities buzzing with social life and activities, the Highlands and Islands of Scotland should be your first choice. We have campuses across the region each one with its own special characteristics from the rich cultural life of the islands to the bright city lights of Perth and Inverness. Some courses are available in one location only, for others you will have a choice; we also have courses that can be studied online from your own home country. .http://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/studying-at-uhi/international

English Language Requirements

Our programmes are taught and examined in English. To make the most of your studies, you must be able to communicate fluently and accurately in spoken and written English and provide certified proof of your competence before starting your course. Please note that English language tests need to have been taken no more than two years prior to the start date of the course. The standard English Language criteria to study at the University of the Highlands and Islands are detailed on our English language requirements page http://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/studying-at-uhi/international/how-to-apply-to-uhi/english-language-requirements

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The programme is designed to enable you to develop your knowledge and competence in your role as an infection prevention and control or health protection practitioner, and is mapped against an international professional competency framework.

What is so good about this course?

The programme is delivered by a team of Infection Prevention and Control academics, researchers and practitioners with significant experience in supporting the development of infection prevention and control practitioners through online distance learning. Our team has expertise in hospitals, community and public health settings. Work-based learning is used to enable the integration of learning with clinical practice, with a high level of continuous guidance and support from the module team All modules are mapped against professional competencies.

Teaching & Assessment

- How you will be taught

Modules are very interactive allowing you to share your learning and experiences with colleagues from a variety of roles, countries and settings. Module material is constantly updated to be relevant to current issues and drivers and activities are designed to represent real clinical scenarios.

- How you will be assessed

All assessment is by coursework. This will include group work to help develop your collaboration, decision-making and reporting skills.

- What you will study (full time)

You will study two modules per year:

Applied Microbiology and Evidence-Based Precautions for Infection Prevention and Control
Communicable Disease Control OR Improving Quality and Safety through Infection, Prevention and Control
Leadership OR Learning, Teaching and Assessment
Developing Research and Evaluation Skills
A dissertation double module that must focus on infection prevention or control
All modules are available on a stand-alone basis, and you can exit with a post-graduate certificate after two modules or a post-graduate diploma after 4.

Employability

Throughout the programme you will be able to demonstrate to your employer your developing skills, mapped against the Infection Prevention Society or your own national competency frameworks.

On completion of the programme you will have the knowledge required to work as an infection prevention and control practitioner, along with the benefits that come with Master's level study such as developing critical research and enquiry skills.

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This MSc programme is designed to provide students with an in-depth working knowledge of the principles and practice related to Oral Sciences. The major strength of this programme is that the programme is aligned to and delivered by internationally renowned members from the Oral Sciences Research Group located within Glasgow Dental School. Students will experience and participate in cutting edge research within the theme while learning techniques widely relevant to biomedical sciences. This programme will be of particular interest to those interested in pursuing or furthering careers in oral and dental related occupations, as well as laboratory scientists or academics. This programme also enables graduates to gain experience in research before applying to a doctoral programme.

Why this programme

◾If you are passionate about oral sciences and keen to learn through an in-depth, evidence based, critical approach, and enthusiastic about specialising in a particular area – oral disease pathogenesis or infection control and decontamination, then this programme is for you.
◾Our staff are internationally experienced researchers and academics with both clinician and science backgrounds, experts in biofilm infections, oral inflammation and infection control.
◾There is a long tradition of excellence in Oral Sciences at the University of Glasgow, with pioneering research by MacFarlane, Samaranayake and Bagg, and other current Glasgow academics continue to make important contributions in the field of Oral Sciences.
◾A range of transferable skills are integrated and embedded into this programme, which will improve possibilities in the job market.
◾You will undertake research alongside pre- and post-doctoral researchers and learn how to work as a team and improve technical skills and communication.
◾Students can learn first-hand within a dedicated oral sciences research laboratory infrastructure linked directly to clinical research facilities.
◾There is a direct link with our doctoral research programme.

Programme structure

◾Translational research approaches
◾Evidence based medicine and statistics
◾Laboratory techniques in oral sciences
◾Principles of oral sciences
◾Research methods in oral sciences
◾Research dissertation in oral sciences

Core and optional courses

Core

Statistics 1

Evidence based medicine

Translational medical research approaches

Medical research and ethics

Principles and critical interpretation of laboratory methodologies

Research methods

Research Dissertation

Optional

Microbes in medicine

Translational immunology

Pathogenesis in oral disease

Decontamination and infection control

Career prospects

Graduates are well placed for a variety of employment opportunities in the oral and dental industries, as well as a wide array of the biomedical science sectors. This course provides a sound basis from which to apply for employment in laboratory positions in industry or in academia, or to continue professional training in dentistry and oral hygiene, or for further doctoral-level research training for academic or teaching careers.

A high proportion of our graduates go on to complete PhDs in Glasgow or other high quality institutions across the world. Careers of some of our recent graduates include:
◾Clinical research scientist (NHS)
◾Senior clinical scientist (GlaxoSmithKline)
◾Laboratory scientist (BluTest Laboratories)
◾Assistant professor (Khyber Medical University)
◾Associate professor (University Sains Malaysia)
◾Postdoctoral research fellows (University of Glasgow)
◾Scientist (Scottish Environmental Protection Agency)

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Address the big questions within practice and challenge the status quo with this innovative Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care course.

Who is it for?

This course is for students who are working in clinical and social care settings who want to pose challenging questions and confront the answers. It will appeal to those who want to create positive change by conducting evidence-based research which can be applied in practice. Our students come from a variety of careers in the health and social care sector; including emergency practitioners, health care managers and podiatrists. Students also come on to the course directly from undergraduate degree courses.

Objectives

The MSc in Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care is a scholarly Masters degree with a strong theoretical focus. We believe that to be effective, you need a future-proofed qualification; one which explores practice from a wider, research-based perspective.

Designed in consultation with users and carers, the course takes account of the user experience and has been developed around their expectations of professionals within the healthcare sector.

The MSc will challenge practices within the current healthcare sector and ask questions such as:
-How can we prove and measure our performance?
-To what extent should we challenge guidelines or established forms of practice?
-How can our actions within practice transform the user experience?
-How can we manage levels of stress in a way that promotes welfare?

The MSc also offers students the flexibility to tailor the modules they study to meet their professional needs by offering a range of elective modules from across the School’s programmes from management and leadership to infection control.

Academic facilities

Depending on your choice of elective modules you will have access to a wide range of excellent resources and facilities including a simulated clinical environment and the interactive website, Connect.

As part of the University of London you can also become a member of Senate House Library for free with your student ID card.

Teaching and learning

You will learn in large and small multi-disciplinary groups through a variety of methods including institution-based taught modules, e-learning and work-based learning. Modules are run by experienced practitioners and leading researchers, using a variety of direct and interactive teaching methods. We support and encourage you to become an independent learner and you will have access to Moodle, City's Virtual Learning Platform, for a more interactive learning experience.

One of the greatest advantages of this degree is the variety of students the course attracts. As a student on this programme at City you will be able to share your experience with peers from across the world and a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds.

Assessment

You may be assessed by coursework, examinations, portfolios, mini labs, case studies, reports, seminar presentations and skills schedules depending on your choice of elective modules. You may also be expected to take part in formative assessment activities in addition to the summative assessments.

Modules

Most students will study two core modules in the first or second term; Critical approaches to advanced practice and introduction to research methods and Applied data analysis . From this point onwards, you direct your programme of study choosing five elective modules from a wide range on offer within the School of Health Sciences.

Our expert lecturers will be able to advise you on the best elective modules to tailor the course to your own needs and interests. Full-time students can complete the course in a year, but most students undertake the taught modules in a year and conduct their dissertation in the second year. There is also the opportunity to complete the dissertation remotely.

The course constitutes 45 credits for the core modules, 75 credits for the elective modules and 60 credits for the dissertation. When it comes to the dissertation, you can choose your own area of interest and format, opting to submit a traditional research project where you source data and analyse it, or a literature review where you conduct a critical review of current practice.

The normal period of registration for a Masters degree is one year's taught programme for full-time students (plus up to one year for dissertation) or two years' taught programme for part-time students (plus up to one year for the dissertation). The normal period of registration for a Postgraduate Diploma is one years' taught programme for full-time students or two years' taught programme for part-time students. Full-time students must complete their Postgraduate Diploma in three years and part-time students in five years.

Postgraduate Certificates in health and social care are not offered on a full-time basis. Alternatively, students can take modules from this Masters degree as standalone Continuing Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) courses. In this case, course costs might vary. To find out more please click on the CPPD links below each module.

Core modules
-Introduction to research methods and applied data analysis (30 credits)
-Critical approaches to advanced practice (15 credits)
-Dissertation (60 credits)

Elective modules
Students have the opportunity to complete an additional five modules of 15 credits offered across the School of Health Sciences CPPD portfolio. There are over 50 modules to choose from including modules such as psychology for health and social care, leading and managing change, and infection control.

Students completing the two core modules plus one optional module totalling 60 credits can exit with a Postgraduate Certificate. On successful completion of seven modules (120 credits) students can exit with a Postgraduate Diploma. The completion of the dissertation leads to an MSc (180 credits).

Career prospects

Graduates from the Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care course go into management consultant positions, teaching and research. Many work for the NHS or local authorities, but there are opportunities to work in other health areas. The course also qualifies you to apply for research posts and to conduct independent research.

By successfully completing this course you will be able to enhance your skills in practice. You will also be able to apply your skills within posts in administration, management and health research in a variety of public and private settings.

Students also go on to advanced higher-grade senior health and/or social care practitioner roles in specific specialist areas. If you are a health professional with specific requirements for development, the flexible nature of the course will be particularly suitable. We can offer support if you would like more information about the different options available.

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This programme is designed for health and social care professionals working to generate healthcare associated infection improvement at (or supported at) a senior practitioner/middle management level. Academics from health and social care related disciplines will also find the postgraduate certificate highly beneficial as it enhances knowledge and develops specialist skills.

About the programme

You will enhance your knowledge and skills in infection control/ healthcare associated infection and quality improvement approaches in health and social care settings. In addition you can apply the knowledge and skills to design and implement a small scale change project, thereby facilitating healthcare associated improvement.

On successful completion of the course, there is the option to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma level of the MSc Advancing Practice programme which offers a range of pathways.

Your learning

The programme comprises three modules; two core and one option (from a possible two):
• Quality Improvement in Healthcare (core module)
• Leading Infection Control Improvement (core module)
• Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) Improvement in Practice (option module)
• Independent study (HSCE) (option module)

Our Careers Adviser says

Graduates will be equipped with specialised knowledge and skills to support and facilitate safe and effective practice and improvement of HAI. Enhanced knowledge, skills and awareness of the international, national and local policies underpinning prevention, control and improvement of infection will enable you to make a unique contribution in the promotion and maintenance of best practice within your area of employment.

State-of-the-art facilities

Our campuses are equipped with artificial simulated environments with contemporary healthcare technology, where you’ll learn in a realistic context, to put your knowledge into practice. The unpredictability of patient symptoms are mimicked using sophisticated software in a clinical ward setting, ranging from low to high dependency beds.

Investment in the Domus Initiative – an older adult artificial home environment – provides you with experience in caring for older people and dementia care. In a first for the Scottish university sector, we have established A Community Orientated Resource for Nursing (ACORN) where students can practice within a simulated primary care environment.

Lanarkshire and Paisley campuses also provide midwifery students with excellent learning and teaching environments with facilities and equipment that includes a birthing room with maternal simulator and a birthing pool for simulated water births.

Life-changing research

We work jointly with a range of partners, both nationally and internationally, on our research interests, and this directly informs teaching at UWS – which means that you’ll learn from the experts.

Our programmes are informed by practice and all of our academic staff are members of the School’s Institute of Healthcare Policy and
Practice. Some of our most recent initiatives include –

• the launch of a new resource, ‘Jenny’s Diary’, which will provide an invaluable tool for families and practitioners to help people with a learning disability understand their diagnosis of dementia

• the development of a new ‘Philosophy of Care’ in partnership with Broomfield Court Care Home in Glasgow, which will look at ways of enhancing the culture and care within a care setting

• we have collaborated with Ayrshire Hospice to launch the first University Hospice in Scotland to help improve the lives of people with life-limiting illness, their families, partners and carers across Ayrshire & Arran; and Ardgowan Hospice in Greenock, with it becoming a University Teaching Hospice and launching a two-year research project with the University aimed at revolutionising the way palliative
care is delivered to improve the patient journey

• the launch of Dumfries & Galloway Recovery College – the first of its kind in Scotland – which offers short courses designed to enhance self-belief, identify ambitions and encourage learning

• in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Edinburgh, the mental health team lead research into the relationship between emotional intelligence and clinical and academic performance in student nurses

• we are working with the Glasgow Improving Cancer Journey Programme to evaluate this groundbreaking intervention in cancer care in Scotland

• we have launched a new state-of-the-art microbiology lab which will form a research base in the fight against Healthcare Associated Infection

• a collaboration with a number of European partners to develop shared academic and practicebased programmes to prepare family health nurses in Europe

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This module addresses the following issues:
-Introduction to communicable diseases - patterns of infection; infectious disease threats, surveillance systems and epidemiological investigation
-Contact diseases - skin and eye conditions; sexually transmitted diseases; HIV/AIDS; malaria; diseases spread through faeco-oral route; air-borne diseases; Tuberculosis, hepatitis viruses, hospital acquired infection
-Global patient safety challenge - sterilization and cross infection control; trends, / prevention and control measures; effectiveness of a number of key national disease control programmes, for example: working on the efficacy, safety and uptake of vaccines in routine use; the uptake and effectiveness of national screening, antibiotic use and misuse
-Role of NGO, WHO, policy and government targets, surveillance of targets. Service planning; contingency, responsibility, inequality, public perception of threat, organizational responsiveness. Role of the media, UK infection control and management of public health threats

Why Bradford?

At the Faculty of Health Studies, University of Bradford, you can choose to study for individual modules, a named award or build module credits through the SSPRD Framework for Flexible Learning to achieve an award relevant to your professional needs.

The Framework for Flexible Learning in Health and Social Care is a Faculty-wide academic structure for Specialist Skills and Post-Registration Development. It offers students increased flexibility and choice in the modules and courses that can be undertaken and it is also responsive to employer needs. The flexibility also allows you to move from one award to another if your career changes or you take time out from regular studying. Shared teaching and research expertise from across the Faculty is offered through interdisciplinary teaching across our core research modules.

The Faculty of Health Studies is regionally, nationally and internationally recognised for its teaching and research, and works with a number of healthcare partners to ensure clinical excellence.

Modules

This module is provided as part of this interdisciplinary Framework within the Faculty of Health Studies. The Framework enables students to create an individualised programme of study that will meet either their needs and/or the employers’ needs for a changing diverse workforce within a modern organisation.

The modules and academic awards are presented in areas representing employment practice or work based or clinical disciplines.

Whilst some students can build their own academic awards by choosing their own menu of module options, other students will opt for a named academic award. The Framework also provides the option for students to move from their chosen named award to another award if their job or personal circumstances change and they need to alter the focus of their studies. The majority of named awards also offer students, the option of choosing at least one module, sometimes more, from across the Faculty module catalogue enabling them to shape their award more specifically to their needs.

Career support and prospects

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

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The language and concepts of infection and immunity, from basic science to translational clinical research, are taught by our world class investigators. The programme emphasises data interpretation, critical analysis of current literature and culminates in a full-time research project: excellent preparation for a research career.

Degree information

The programme provides insight into state-of-the-art infection and immunity research, current issues in the biology of infectious agents, the pathogenesis, prevention and control of infectious diseases, and immunity and immune dysfunction.

Students learn from UCL scientists about their research and are trained in the art of research by carrying out a full-time research project in a UCL laboratory.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of five core modules (75 credits), three optional modules (45 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma comprising four core modules and four optional modules (120 credits, full-time nine months, part-time, flexible study two to five years) is offered. A Postgraduate Certificate comprising four core modules (60 credits, full-time three months, and flexible study up to two years) is offered.

Core modules
-Laboratory Introduction to Basic Bacteriology
-Molecular Virology
-Immunology in Health and Disease
-Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases
-Data Interpretation

Optional modules
-Microbial Pathogenesis
-Tropical Microbiology
-Advanced Virology
-HIV Frontiers from Research to Clinic
-Immunological Basis of Disease
-Immunodeficiency and Therapeutics
-Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Global Health Policy

Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake independent research which culminates in a 4,000-word dissertation.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, paper review sessions, laboratory practicals, an independent research project and self-directed learning. A diverse range of assessment methods is used; coursework may be in the form of presentations, essays, data interpretation exercises, poster preparation, and group working. Many modules also have unseen written examination.

Careers

The programme produces graduates who are equipped to embark on research careers. Immersion in the superb research and teaching environment provided by UCL and the Division of Infection & Immunity, gives our graduates a unique understanding of the cutting edge of infection and immunity research and how world-class research is carried out.

Opportunities for networking with UCL senior investigators with international reputations and their world-wide collaborators can provide the inside track for career development. Graduates are well placed to move onto PhD programmes, research positions in diverse biomedical fields, clinical research positions, further training and positions in associated professions.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Research Assistant, UCL (University College London)
-Research Officer, A*STAR Agency for Science, Technology and Research
-Biology, The University of Cambridge
-Research Assistant, Stanford University
-PhD Immunology, Cardiff University (Prifysgol Caerdydd)

Employability
Graduates are exceptionally well prepared for a career in research. The combination of research-informed teaching and practical research training provides an ideal preparation for a PhD and is equally applicable for clinicians seeking specialist training or wishing to pursue the clinical academic career track.

More broadly, a rigorous grounding in scientific method, critical analysis, data interpretation and independent thinking provides a pallet of marketable and transferable skills applicable to many professional career paths.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The UCL Division of Infection & Immunity is a vibrant and world-class research community. Students are embedded in this superb training environment which provides a challenging and stimulating academic experience.

Programme content reflects the research and clinical excellence within the division as well as cross-disciplinary research from all over UCL. First-class teaching and research supervision is provided by UCL academics, many of whom have international reputations.

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Programme description

This new three-year, part-time, online postgraduate programme leads to the degree of Masters of Science in Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (CMID).

Aimed at junior doctors currently undergoing, or about to undertake, specialty training in an infection discipline, this programme is open to trainees in the UK and worldwide.

This degree will also be attractive to those who have completed their training but wish to fulfill continuing medical education requirements or those who wish obtain a formal qualification in Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.

The programme is aligned with JRCPTB and RCPath training in infection disciplines: Combined Infection Training and Higher Specialty Training in Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Medical Virology.

This programme is designed to support trainees/specialists in preparation for FRCPath Part 1/Diploma in Infection, Infection Specialty end of training assessments and hospital-based practice.

Programme participants will have access to key texts and research bases and will have direct contact with leading clinicians and clinical scientists, providing a repository of information on infection disciplines that can be accessed at any time.

Online learning

Our online learning technology is fully interactive, award-winning and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.

Our online students not only have access to the University of Edinburgh’s excellent resources, but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.

• More information on how you will learn

Programme structure

This programme is taught entirely online. The structure of the degree is designed to meet the needs of trainees and specialist practitioners from all over the world.

Courses are offered as five week courses, each worth 10 credits. Courses in Year 1 are compulsory. Year 2 is a mix of compulsory and optional modules.

Year 1:

• Introduction to Immunology
• Science and biology of bacteria
• Science and biology of viruses
• Science and biology fungi, parasites and prions
• Laboratory practise in microbiology, virology and serology
• Anti-infective therapy and resistance

Year 2:

• Immunopathology
• Molecular diagnostics of infection
• Community acquired infections and public health
• Infection prevention & control
• HIV infection and other immune-compromised patients
• Clinical syndromes and infection
• The returning traveller: Diagnosis, investigation and management of imported infection
• Bioinformatics and study design in infectious diseases
• Emerging Infectious Diseases

Year 3:

• Research in Infection Medicine, written reflective element (project)
• More information on programme structure

Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD)

Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through a postgraduate-level course(s), without the time or financial commitment of a full Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years through our PPD scheme. These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit. Alternatively, after one year of taking courses you can choose to transfer your credits and continue on to studying towards a higher award on a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme. Although PPD courses have various start dates throughout a year you may only start a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme in the month of September. Any time spent studying PPD will be deducted from the amount of time you will have left to complete a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.

Please contact the programme team for more information about available courses and course start dates.

Flexible study

The programme also offers the opportunity to take a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), either part-time over 9 months or on an intermittent basis over 2 years; or a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits), either part-time over 21 months or on an intermittent basis over 4 years.

Please contact us before submitting an application if you are interested in applying to the Certificate or Diploma programme.

• Online learning options

Career opportunities

This unique programme will offer the student the knowledge and skills required to enhance their career progression in clinical or academic medicine. The programme will offer an alternative to traditional classroom based research training for those candidates who do not wish to take time away from their professional commitments.

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