Masters Degrees (Infectious Diseases)

Our Postgraduate Diploma in Paediatric Infectious Diseases, directed by Professor Andrew Pollard of Oxford University Department of Paediatrics, is designed to provide a variety of different teaching methods (face-to-face and online) directing students through the syllabus required in the EU for clinical training in the subspecialty. The Programme will also be appropriate for those outside the EU.

Visit the website https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/pgdip-in-paediatric-infectious-diseases

Description

The Postgraduate Diploma in Paediatric Infectious Diseases is supported by the European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID), the Paediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS (PENTA), and the IIC Course: Oxford.

Worldwide, two thirds of the deaths in children under five years of age are caused by infectious diseases, and the prevention and treatment of infections in children is the number one priority for global health.

Reflecting this imperative, we recognise that investment in research and intervention programmes related to leading causes of childhood morbidity and mortality, including acute respiratory infections, measles, infectious diarrhoea, malaria, HIV, and TB is vitally important. We believe that professionally-oriented education in paediatric infectious diseases is essential in the training of clinicians and clinical academics who will provide the future leadership in this key area for global health.

The Postgraduate Diploma also places the practice of paediatric infectious diseases in the broader context of applied sciences, such as pathogenesis, population biology and epidemiology. The Programme focuses on clinical (applied) aspects, underpinned by basic science to provide both breadth and depth.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Paediatric Infectious Diseases is a part-time two-year programme taught via a blend of online and residential components.

Syllabus:

- Infectious Syndromes
- Therapeutics and Infection Control
- Epidemiology, Immunity and Immunization
- Bacterial Infections
- Important Viral Infections and Prions
- Imported and Tropical Diseases and Mycobacterial Infection
- Congenital and Neonatal Infection, Sexually Transmitted Disease, and Parasitic Disease
- The Immunocompromised Host
- Fungal Infection

Dates:
The 2016 Paediatric Infectious Diseases Programme starts in September 2016. The next PENTA-ESPID HIV course online component beings in May 2016, with the residential component taking place in October 2016. The Infection and Immunity in Children: Oxford residential course takes place in June/July each year.

The Postgraduate Diploma is normally completed within two years.

The following course components can be taken before applying for the Postgraduate Diploma and if successfully completed and if taken within two years of starting the Postgraduate Diploma, then these elements of the Programme requirements will normally be dispensed:The Infection and Immunity in Children course, which runs each summer in Oxford, and thePENTA-ESPID online and residential HIV course. For example, the online PENTA-ESPID paediatric HIV Medicine course starts in May each year culminating in the residential course in October. Whether undertaken before registration for the Postgraduate Diploma or within the two-year duration of the Postgraduate Diploma, all components must be completed in order to satisfy the requirements of the Postgraduate Diploma. See the course structure above for further details.

Course aims

The Programme will provide students with:

- Knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of paediatric infectious diseases, and of the way in which those principles have developed

- An ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, including, where appropriate, the application of those principles the real world of paediatrics

- Knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in the paediatric infectious diseases and ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems

- An understanding of the limits of your knowledge, and how this influences analyses and interpretations based on that knowledge

At the end of the Programme students will know and understand how to:

- Use your broad knowledge of paediatric infectious disease in your practice and have learnt where to find the necessary resources when you have reached your limit of knowledge

- Understand how to find evidence-based information to facilitate rational decision making in diagnosis and management of children with infection

- Effectively communicate information, arguments, and analysis about paediatric infection, in a variety of forms, to specialist and non-specialist audiences

- Undertake further training, develop existing skills, and acquire new competences that will enable you to assume significant responsibility within organisations

- Qualities and transferable skills necessary for your future career in paediatrics and infectious diseases

Assessment methods

Assessment is via "formative elements" (online case rounds and discussions and multiple choice sessions) and "summative elements" (including written assignments, an oral presentation and an examination).

Formative elements:

- Online Case Rounds: at least seven ESPID case rounds over two years.
- Online Case Discussions in paediatric HIV medicine ([email protected]): actively participate in one four-week session over two years.
- Online multiple choice sessions: at least six sessions over two years.

Summative elements:

Written assignments:
Three written assignments of no more than 4000 words each over the course of two years.

Year 1: Oral presentation
A short oral presentation based on one of the written assignments.

Year 2: Examination
An examination consisting of multiple choice questions in paediatric infectious diseases.

Teaching methods

There are three main teaching elements to the Programme:

- A two-year online course in Paediatric Infectious Diseases which covers the full syllabus outlined above with online tutor support and student discussion forums

- Two residential courses in Oxford: Infection and Immunity in Children.

- A PENTA_ESPID online course Training for Paediatric HIV in Europe (paediatric HIV medicine) followed by a PENTA_ESPID residential course in Rome: Training for Paediatric HIV in Europe (paediatric HIV medicine).

Find out how to apply here - http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/applying-to-oxford

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This is a multidisciplinary programme that bridges the fields of epidemiology, laboratory sciences and public health. It includes a strong practical component and the opportunity to undertake a research project overseas. The course will train students in all aspects of the control of infectious diseases and prepare them for a career in a range of organisations.

This course will equip students with specialised skills that will facilitate a career in the control of infectious diseases as staff of health ministries, health departments, national or international disease control agencies, aid organisations or universities.

The majority of the research projects are performed overseas, with collaborating public health or research organisations and NGOs. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this overseas opportunity, which is crucial to the nature of the course.

- Full programme specification (pdf) (http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/edu/qualityassurance/cid_progspec.pdf)
- Intercalating this course (http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/intercalating/index.html)

Visit the website http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/mscid.html

Objectives

By the end of this course students should be able to:

- investigate the transmission of endemic and epidemic infections

- select appropriate methods of control

- design, implement and evaluate co-ordinated control methods

- assess constraints of local public health delivery systems

- manage available resources in the context of the control of infectious diseases

- focus their efforts on particular geographical regions or specific diseases

Structure

Term 1:

After orientation, students take two compulsory modules: Basic Statistics and Introduction to Disease Agents & Their Control, which focus on the life cycle and characteristics of infectious disease agents according to their principal transmission routes; the principal intervention strategies used to combat infectious diseases; and examples of successes, partial successes and failures in intervention programmes against infectious diseases.

In addition, students take one of the following module combinations:

- Basic Epidemiology; Health Economics; and Health Policy, Process and Power
- Extended Epidemiology and Health Economics or Health Policy, Process and Power

An interdisciplinary approach is emphasised which takes account of the social, political and economic context in which health systems operate.

Terms 2 and 3:

Students take a total of five study modules, one from each timetable slot (Slot 1, Slot 2 etc.). The list below shows recommended modules. There are other modules which may be taken only after consultation with the Course Directors.

*Recommended modules

- Slot 1:

Designing Disease Control Programmes in Developing Countries*
Epidemiology & Control of Malaria*
Health Care Evaluation*
Childhood Eye Disease and Ocular Infections
Clinical Infectious Diseases 1: Bacterial & Viral Diseases & Community Health in Developing Countries
Clinical Virology
Economic Evaluation
Health Promotion Approaches and Methods
Maternal & Child Nutrition
Research Design & Analysis
Study Design: Writing a Study Proposal.

- Slot 2:

Clinical Bacteriology 1*
Conflict and Health*
Design & Analysis of Epidemiological Studies*
Population, Poverty and Environment*
Statistical Methods in Epidemiology*
Advanced Diagnostic Parasitology
Clinical Infectious Diseases 2: Parasitic Diseases & Clinical Medicine
Health Systems
Qualitative Methodologies

- Slot 3:

Applied Communicable Disease Control*
Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections*
Current Issues in Safe Motherhood & Perinatal Health*
Economic Analysis for Health Policy*
Medical Anthropology & Public Health*
Spatial Epidemiology in Public Health*
Tropical Environmental Health*
Vector Sampling, Identification & Incrimination*
Basic Parasitology
Clinical Infectious Diseases 3: Bacterial & Viral Diseases & Community Health in Developing Countries
Modelling & the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases
Nutrition in Emergencies
Organisational Management
Social Epidemiology

- Slot 4:

Clinical Bacteriology 2*
Epidemiology & Control of Communicable Diseases*
Analytical Models for Decision Making
Clinical Infectious Diseases 4: Parasitic Diseases & Clinical Medicine
Ethics, Public Health & Human Rights
Globalisation & Health; Sexual Health
Vector Biology & Parasite Infections

- Slot 5:

AIDS*
Applying Public Health Principles in Developing Countries*
Integrated Vector Management*
Advanced Statistical Methods in Epidemiology
Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
Integrating Module: Health Promotion
Integrating Module: Health Services Management
Mycology
Nutrition Programme Planning
Principles and Practice of Public Health

Further details for the course modules - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section2_coursedescriptions/tcid.html

Project Report:
During the summer months (July - August), students complete a research project studying aspects of an intervention programme, for submission by early September. If appropriate, this may take the form of an optional period in a relevant overseas location. Most students on this course undertake projects overseas. Students undertaking projects overseas will require additional funding of up to £1,500 to cover costs involved.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/mscid.html#sixth

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The MSc in Infectious Diseases has been designed for students who wish to gain an advanced education and training in the biological sciences, within the context of a range of human diseases that affect a significant proportion of the global population.

The programme provides training in the modern practical, academic and research skills that are used in academia and industry. Through a combination of lectures, small-group seminars and practical classes, you apply this training towards the development of new strategies to combat the spread of infectious diseases.

You learn skills in experimental design using appropriate case studies that embed you within the relevant research literature. You also gain experience of analysis and statistical interpretation of complex experimental data.

The programme culminates with a research project under the supervision of faculty that currently perform research on disease-causing microorganisms.

Visit the website: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/361/infectious-diseases

About the School of Biosciences

The University of Kent’s School of Biosciences ranks among the most active in biological sciences in the UK. We have recently extended our facilities and completed a major refurbishment of our research laboratories that now house over 100 academic, research, technical and support staff devoted to research, of whom more than 70 are postgraduate students.

Research in the School of Biosciences revolves around understanding systems and processes in the living cell. It has a strong molecular focus with leading-edge activities that are synergistic with one another and complementary to the teaching provision. Our expertise in disciplines such as biochemistry, microbiology and biomedical science allows us to exploit technology and develop groundbreaking ideas in the fields of genetics, molecular biology, protein science and biophysics. Fields of enquiry encompass a range of molecular processes from cell division, transcription and translation through to molecular motors, molecular diagnostics and the production of biotherapeutics and bioenergy.

In addition to research degrees, our key research strengths underpin a range of unique and career-focused taught Master’s programmes that address key issues and challenges within the biosciences and pharmaceutical industries and prepare graduates for future employment.

Course structure

The MSc in Infectious Diseases involves studying for 120 credits of taught modules, as indicated below. The taught component takes place during the autumn and spring terms, while a 60-credit research project take place over the summer months.

The assessment of the course will involve a mixture of practical classes, innovative continuous assessment to gain maximise transferable and professional skills, and examinations.

In addition to traditional scientific laboratory reports, experience is gained in a range of scientific writing styles relevant to future employment, such as literature reviews, patent applications, regulatory documents, and patient information suitable for a non-scientific readership.

Modules

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year. Please note the modules listed below for this programme are compulsory core modules:

BI845 Research project (60 credits)
BI853 - Bacterial Pathogens (15 credits)
BI854 - Fungi as Human Pathogens (15 credits)
BI855 - Advances in Parasitology (15 credits)
BI856 - Viral Pathogens (15 credits)
BI830 - Science at Work (30 credits)
BI836 - Practical and Applied Research Skills for Advanced Biologists (30 credits)

Assessment

Assessment is by examination, coursework and the research project.

Programme aims

This programme aims to:

- provide an excellent quality of postgraduate level education in the field of infectious diseases, their biology and treatments

- provide a research-led, inspiring learning environment

- provide a regional postgraduate progression route for the advanced study of diseases that affect a high proportion of the global population

- promote engagement with biological research into infectious diseases and inspire students to pursue scientific careers inside or outside of the laboratory

- develop subject-specific and transferable skills to maximise employment prospects

- promote an understanding of the impact of scientific research on society and the role for scientists in a range of professions.

Research areas

Research in the School of Biosciences is focused primarily on essential biological processes at the molecular and cellular level, encompassing the disciplines of biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology and biomedical research.

The School’s research has three main themes:

- Protein Science – encompasses researchers involved in industrial biotechnology and synthetic biology, and protein form and function

- Molecular Microbiology – encompasses researchers interested in yeast molecular biology (incorporating the Kent Fungal Group) and microbial pathogenesis

- Biomolecular Medicine – encompasses researchers involved in cell biology, cancer targets and therapies and cytogenomics and bioinformatics.

Each area is led by a senior professor and underpinned by excellent research facilities. The School-led development of the Industrial Biotechnology Centre (IBC), with staff from the other four other schools in the Faculty of Sciences, facilitates and encourages interdisciplinary projects. The School has a strong commitment to translational research, impact and industrial application with a substantial portfolio of enterprise activity and expertise.

Careers

The MSc in Infectious Diseases provides advanced research skills training within the context of diseases that affect significant proportions of the UK and global populations. With the UK being a world leader in infectious diseases research and pharmaceutical development, and Kent having a strong research focus in this area, there are significant opportunities for career progression for graduates of this programme in academia (PhD) and industry.

There are also opportunities for careers outside the laboratory in advocacy, media, public health and education.

Find out how to apply here - https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply-online/361

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These courses provide a broad understanding of infectious diseases through the core modules in public health, biostatistics and epidemiology, and the biology and control of infectious diseases which are taken by all students, together with the subsequent opportunities for specialised study in areas of the student’s own choice. Most of the students are in-service health professionals working for example as doctors or laboratory staff, who take the courses in order to acquire new knowledge in infectious diseases, or to update their current expertise.

The Infectious Diseases courses draw upon the School’s long tradition in the study of clinical and epidemiological aspects of infectious and tropical diseases. Providing a broad understanding of infectious diseases, together with developing strategies for their control and treatment, the courses will be of particular relevance to in-service health professionals, such as doctors or laboratory staff who either wish to acquire new knowledge in infectious diseases or update their current expertise.

These courses are aimed both at recent graduates who wish to pursue an advanced degree, and at people who took their first training some time ago and wish to update their knowledge in this rapidly evolving field or who wish to change career direction.

- Full programme specification (pdf) (http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/sites/default/files/progspec-infectiousdiseases.pdf)
- Distance Learning prospectus (pdf) (http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/sites/default/files/prospectus/lshtm-prospectus.pdf)

Visit the website http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/dmsid.html

English Language Requirements

You will meet the English language requirement if you have passed, within the past three years:

- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English when a minimum overall score of B or 190 is achieved;

- (IELTS) International English Language Testing System when an overall score of at least 7.0 is achieved with a minimum of 7.0 in the Written sub-test and a minimum of 5.5 in Listening, Reading and Speaking; or

- Pearson Test of English (Academic) overall score of 68 or above, with a minimum of 68 in Writing and a minimum of 59 in Listening, Reading and Speaking

- (TOEFL) iBT Test of English as a Foreign Language overall score of 100 or above with at least 24 in Writing, 23 in Speaking, 22 in Reading and 21 in Listening

Course objectives

Students will develop:

- a comprehensive understanding of the role of biology of infective agents and hosts on the outcome of infection

- the use of this knowledge, in combination with epidemiological and public health approaches, to develop rational strategies for the control and treatment of infection

Method of assessment

All distance learning modules are assessed by means of a two-hour unseen written examination (with 15 minutes planning/reading time at the start of the examination).

Elective modules (i.e. modules other than the IDM1 modules) are assessed partly by the two-hour unseen written examination (70%) and partly by an assessed assignment (30%), submitted electronically to the School by a set deadline.

Examinations take place once a year in June (please note: it is not possible to hold examinations at other times of year). These are normally held in a student’s country of residence. Details of available examination centres (http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/community-support-resources/current-students/examinations/examination-centres).

They are arranged mainly through Ministries of Education or the British Council. Students taking distance learning examinations will need to pay a fee to their local examination centre. Please note that if you fail an examination at the first entry you will be allowed one further attempt, if you have failed the module overall.

Study materials

You receive your study materials after you register. Study materials may include Subject guides, Readers, Textbooks, CD-ROMs/additional computer software (e.g. Stata), Past examination papers and Examiners’ reports, and Handbooks. You also have access to the School’s online library resources. We also provide all students with a student registration card.

Flexible study

We know that if you have a full-time job, family or other commitments, and wish to study at a distance, you will have many calls on your time. The course allows you to study independently, at a time and pace that suits you (subject to some course-specific deadlines) using the comprehensive study materials provided, with support available from academic staff.You have between 1-5 years in which to complete the Postgraduate Certificate, and between 2-5 years in which to complete the Postgraduate Diploma or the MSc.

The study year for most modules runs from the beginning of October through to the June exams, while two modules run from the beginning of January through to assignment submission at the end of August. Tutorial support is available throughout this time. Students carrying out projects are assigned personal supervisors to support their project work which is mostly carried out between June and the end of September in their final year.

Blended learning: taking modules in London

After successful completion of a minimum number of core modules, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc students may also be eligible for the 'blended learning option', which allows for the study of up to two modules only (from a restricted list) at the School in London during the Spring or Summer terms in place of distance learning modules. Please note that these options, and the dates when the modules are held at the School, are subject to change - full details will be sent to all distance learning students in July each year.

Support

- a web-based learning environment (including web conferencing, allowing you to engage in academic discussions with tutors and fellow students)

- personalised feedback from teaching staff and advice on assignments

- tutors are allocated to each module and are available to answer queries and promote discussion during the study year, through the online Virtual Learning Environment

- communicate with other distance learning students, either individually or through learning support groups

Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/dmsid.html#seventh

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This course combines theoretical knowledge and practical training in the immunology of infectious diseases through comprehensive teaching and research methods. Students will gain specialised skills in applying scientific concepts, evaluating scientific data and carrying out modern immunological techniques. Students will benefit from the unique mix of immunology, vaccinology, molecular biology, virology, bacteriology, parasitology, mycology and clinical medicine at the School.

Infectious diseases represent an increasingly important cause of human morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Vaccine development is thus of great importance in terms of global health. In parallel with this growth, there has been a dramatic increase in studies to identify the innate, humoral or cellular immunological mechanisms which confer immunity to pathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. As a result, increasing numbers of scientists, clinicians and veterinarians wish to develop their knowledge and skills in these areas.

The flexible nature of the course allows students to focus on attaining a broader understanding of infectious disease through attending taught units. Students can also undertake an extended research project within groups led by experienced team leaders. Such projects can involve basic investigations of immune mechanisms or applied field based studies.

Graduates from this course go into research positions in academia and industry, and further training such as PhD study.

- Full programme specification (pdf) (http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/edu/qualityassurance/iid_progspec.pdf)
- Intercalating this course (http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/intercalate)

Visit the website http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/msiid.html

Objectives

By the end of this course students should be able to:

- demonstrate specialist knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of host immunity to infection against the diverse range of pathogens which confront human populations

- apply this specialist knowledge to a range of practical skills and techniques, in particular modern molecular and cellular techniques for assessing immune responses to pathogens

- critically assess, select and apply appropriate research methods to investigate basic immunological mechanisms and applied issues in the immunology of infection

- critically evaluate primary scientific data and the published scientific literature

- integrate and present key immunological concepts at an advanced level, both verbally and in written form

Structure

Term 1:
There is a one-week orientation period that includes an introduction to studying at the School, sessions on key computing and study skills and an introduction to major groups of pathogens, followed by two compulsory modules:

- Immunology of Infectious Diseases
- Analysis & Design of Research Studies

Sessions on basic computing, molecular biology and statistics are run throughout the term for all students.

Terms 2 and 3:
Students take a total of five study modules, one from each timetable slot (Slot 1, Slot 2 etc.). The list below shows recommended modules. There are other modules which may be taken only after consultation with the Course Directors.

*Recommended modules

- Slot 1:
Advanced Immunology 1 (compulsory)

- Slot 2:
Advanced Immunology 2 (compulsory)

- Slot 3:
Advanced Training in Molecular Biology*
Clinical Immunology*
Extended Project*
Basic Parasitology
Clinical Infectious Diseases 3: Bacterial & Viral Diseases & Community Health in Developing Countries

- Slot 4:
Extended Project*
Immunology of Parasitic Infection: Principles*
Molecular Biology Research Progress & Applications*
Clinical Infectious Diseases 4: Parasitic Diseases & Clinical Medicine
Epidemiology & Control of Communicable Diseases
Ethics, Public Health & Human Rights
Genetic Epidemiology

- Slot 5:
AIDS*
Antimicrobial Chemotherapy*
Extended Project*
Molecular Cell Biology & Infection*
Mycology*

Further details for the course modules - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section2_coursedescriptions/tiid.html

Residential Field Trip

Towards the end of Term 1, students get the opportunity to hear about the latest, most exciting aspects of immunological research at the British Society of Immunology Congress. The cost is included in the £500 field trip fee.

Project Report

During the summer months (July - August), students complete a research project on an immunological subject, for submission by early September. Some of these projects may take place with collaborating scientists overseas or in other colleges or institutes in the UK. Students undertaking projects overseas will require additional funding of up to £1,500 to cover costs involved.

The majority of students who undertake projects abroad receive financial support for flights from the School's trust funds set up for this purpose.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/msiid.html#sixth

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In the past few decades there has been almost one new disease emerging each year and more than 75 per cent of these diseases derive from zoonotic origins. There is now more demand for investment and research to help us manage these diseases better.

This programme aims to address the challenges posed by infectious diseases in the 21st Century by offering you courses in surveillance, prevention and control of infectious diseases, as well as evaluating how they impact public health.

This is a professional postgraduate qualification for biomedical, medical, public health, and veterinary personnel with an interest in global health and infectious diseases.

The programme draws upon the parallels that exist between these diseases, learning from the challenges that exist and aiming to connect individuals to lay the foundations for a global community of practice. Our aim is to provide advanced qualifications for biomedical, medical, public health, and veterinary personnel. The course is designed to instruct students in the practice of formulating and implementing strategies and programmes aimed at renewing and strengthening scientific knowledge development and building human capital.

Our online learning system lets you work entirely from your home location while still earning your salary. This can enhance your learning experience and working knowledge while rewarding you with a highly regarded qualification.

• Programme overview

This programme is affiliated with the University's Global Health Academy.

• Global Health Academy

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 Edinburgh’s excellent resources, but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.

Programme structure

The programme normally takes three years, beginning with a series of courses and followed by an individual project or dissertation.

In Year 1 (certificate), you will take courses that include:

• Global Health: Fundamentals
• Understanding Infectious Diseases

And you will choose one from the following two options:

• a single course in Applied Epidemiology and Public Health
• a course each in Global Citizenship and Globalisation and Health

In Year 2 (diploma), you will choose sixty credits from a range that includes:

• Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Forensic Medicine and Science
• Global Health: Mortality
• Hospital-acquired Infections
• Neglected Tropical Diseases
• Newborn and Child Health
• Public Health Systems in the Developed and Developing World
• Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Water and Sanitation
• Zoonotic Disease

In Year 3 (masters), you will conduct a written reflective element of 10,000-15,000 words.

Find out more about how the programme is structured:

• 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.

Career opportunities

This programme has been designed to help you fulfil leadership roles in international and national organisations that manage health and disease issues. A number of students have also raised their academic profiles through the publication and dissemination of their final year research.

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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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Infectious diseases remain a major contributor to the global burden of disease, with HIV, malaria, measles, diarrhoeal disease and respiratory infections responsible for over 50% of premature deaths worldwide. However the availability of resources for interventions is limited in comparison with the scale of the challenges faced. Over the last decade there has been increasing recognition of the value of epidemiological analysis and mathematical modelling in aiding the design and interpretation of clinical trials from a population perspective and, downstream, to guide implementation, monitoring and evaluation of intervention effectiveness. The Epidemiology, Evolution and Control of Infectious Diseases (EECID) stream provides a research-based training in infectious disease epidemiology, mathematical modelling and statistics, genetics and evolution, and computational methods. The focus of the course is inter-disciplinary, with a strong applied public health element.

Based in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology in the Faculty of Medicine, the stream provides an opportunity to learn, in a supportive and stimulating environment, from leaders in the field who are actively engaged in research and advise leading public health professionals, policy-makers, governments, international organisations and pharmaceutical companies, both nationally and internationally, on a range of diseases include pandemic influenza, HIV, TB, malaria, polio and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

This stream is linked to the Wellcome Trust 4-year PhD programme in the Epidemiology, Evolution and Control of Infectious Diseases which includes up to 5 funded studentships each year. Up to 3 further 1+3 MRC studentships are also available each year.

The emphasis of the course will be to provide a thorough training in epidemiology, mathematical modelling and statistics, and genetics and evolution, as applied to infectious diseases. This research-orientated training will incorporate taught material, practical sessions in statistical software (R) and C programming as well as wider generic training in the research and communication skills needed to interact with public health agencies. Through the two research-based projects students will be exposed to the latest developments in the field and will gain first-hand experience in applying the methods they are taught to questions of public-health relevance.

Individuals who complete the course will have developed the ability to:

-Describe the biology, epidemiology and control of major global infectious diseases
-Interpret and present epidemiological data
-Undertake statistical analysis of infectious disease data including applying modern methods for statistical inference
-Develop and apply mathematical models to understand infectious disease dynamics, evolution and control
-Analyse genetic data using modern techniques and interpret their relevance to infectious disease epidemiology
-Critically evaluate research papers and reports
-Write and defend research reports and publications
-Communicate effectively through writing, oral presentations and IT to facilitate further study or employment in epidemiology and public health
-Exercise a range of transferable skills

This will be achieved through a course of lectures, seminars, tutorials and technical workshops. Please note that Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates for part-completion are not available for this course.

The stream will be based in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology on the St Mary’s campus of Imperial College London.

Each student chooses two projects over the course of the year from the wide range available. Students are guided in this choice by the stream organiser and their personal tutor and are advised to take contrasting projects to ensure a balanced training.

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The Gastrointestinal Sciences, Immunology, and Microbiology and Infectious Diseases graduate programs have recently merged under one program director.

Each program offers a unique research opportunity in a wide range of research interests including Physiology, Immunology, Immunopharmacology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Parasitology, Pathology, Epidemiology, and others. These Graduate Programs provide state-of-the-art training opportunities with researchers from both basic science and clinical disciplines.

Through coursework, regular seminars, and journal clubs, our students are able to study a specific research area in depth while gaining a broad understanding of their discipline. Our three specializations are part of a variety of research groups and students are able to take advantage of interdisciplinary training opportunities, professional development activities, and attend conferences both within Canada and around the world.

The objective of the Microbiology & Infectious Diseases program is to provide educational opportunities in microbiology and infectious diseases with emphasis on molecular approaches and microbial pathogenesis and therapy.

The Microbiology & Infectious Diseases program is comprised of faculty members who are part of many of the research Institutes in the Cumming School of Medicine. These research groups have been formed within the department to focus on such areas as lung infections in cystic fibrosis, systemic infections such as sepsis, autoimmunity in diabetes mellitus, molecular diagnostics and therapeutics and vaccine development.

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Global infectious diseases are rarely out of the news, as new communicable diseases - Ebola, Zika, bird flu - along with some old familiar ones - tuberculosis (TB), cholera, HIV, malaria - raise concerns about outbreaks and global pandemics. In our ever-changing, rapidly globalising world, the free movement of people and goods, social change, urbanisation and environmental degradation mean that microorganisms can move quickly between and across populations, crossing natural and human-made borders with ease. A communicable disease that develops in one country has the potential for global impact. On top of this, microorganisms are constantly adapting and developing resistance to existing antibiotic and other treatments, leading to the resurgence of old diseases and the evolution of new ones. 

In response, new and improved treatments are constantly required to combat parasitic, bacterial and viral infections. These pathogens have the potential to adversely affect the health of millions of people and they challenge scientists, particularly in the field of microbiology, to respond swiftly and preemptively. 

This course is ideal if you have an undergraduate degree in a relevant scientific subject and you would like to develop an academic or professional career as a researcher into global infectious diseases. The course is research-focused and it will help you develop the research skills and subject-specific, laboratory-based expertise you need to develop as a microbiological researcher. You will develop the knowledge and learn the skills you need to undertake an original, independent research project and dissertation. 

In addition to your own laboratory work, you will attend group laboratory meetings and seminars, to deepen your theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and to contextualise your research. 

Why study this course at Birkbeck?

HIGHLIGHTS

• Develop a range of research skills and subject-matter expertise in global infectious diseases.
• Undertake a laboratory project in a research-intensive environment, under the guidance of leading-edge researchers.
• The Department of Biological Sciences is part of the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology (ISMB), a joint initiative with University College London.
• In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), in a joint submission with UCL, Biological Sciences at Birkbeck were ranked 11th in the UK, with a research environment supporting world-leading and internationally excellent research.
• Ideal if you want to gain qualifications necessary for pursuing a research career.
• You will join an existing research group under the guidance of a research supervisor.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The research component of this degree occupies about two-thirds of the programme. The remaining third comprises postgraduate taught modules that will provide the necessary theoretical and practical background for you to pursue your chosen research topic.

You take the compulsory module Research in Microbiology (30-credit taught module, taught in the day), choose taught option modules (worth 30 credits) and complete a research project and dissertation (120 credits, full-time laboratory work, attendance at seminars, journal club, etc.).

COMPULSORY MODULES

• Research in Microbiology
• Research Project and Dissertation MRes Microbiology

OPTION MODULES

• Antimicrobials
• Bacterial Pathogenicity
• Medical Bacteriology
• Medicinal Chemistry of Natural Products
• Molecular Microbiology
• Parasitology

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Gain a prestigious MSc in Infectious Diseases

by distance learning

This online Masters degree provides a broad understanding of infectious diseases and is of particular relevance to in-service health professionals such as doctors or laboratory staff. You will develop strategies for the control and treatment of infectious diseases, acquiring new knowledge and updating your current expertise.

Course aims

The course aims to provide:

- a comprehensive understanding of the role of biology of infective agents and hosts on the outcome of infection

- the use of this knowledge, in combination with epidemiological and public health approaches, to develop rational strategies for the control and treatment of infection.

Prestige

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is the leading postgraduate medical institution in Europe in the subjects of public health and tropical medicine.

Excellent support

Comprehensive study materials include paper-based readings and exercises, and CD-ROMs (for some modules). There is email tutorial support and group discussions through web-based and email conferencing facilities.

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact our Student Advice Centre.

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Postgraduate Loans are now Open for Home/EU students - https://www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan/how-to-apply

Scholarships & Discounts available

• North West Progression Discount - LSTM are pleased to offer a 20% Discount for Undergraduate students to progress to Masters level study. Eligible students must be based, or have studied in the North West of England.  
• Alumni Loyalty Tuition Fee Discounts - Generous discounts available across all taught programmes.
• LSTM Merit Scholarships - Tuition Fee discount up to £1,500 for Home/EU students and up to £10,000 for International Students.

This programme develops research skills that are applicable to a wide range of problems in clinical and epidemiological settings. Emphasis is given to the scientific and empiric evidence for diagnosis, management and control of the most prevalent diseases in developing countries, with particular reference to high burden diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV and malaria, from a public health and clinical perspective. However, the programme does not include a clinical attachment and teaching at the bedside. Following a taught component, participants complete a dissertation including a period of applied research either overseas or in Liverpool.

AIMS

LSTM education courses are taught within a dynamic environment by staff working at the cutting-edge of research in tropical medicine and global health. They are designed to enable the professional development of the student, to be relevant to students from both the UK and overseas and to promote approaches to study that will enable students to continue their learning into the future. 

This course aims to: 

Provide doctors with previous experience in high burden diseases with research skills relevant to tropical and infectious diseases in low income countries.

Develop students’ knowledge and comprehension of the preventive and curative management strategies that promote health and well-being in tropical countries.

Enable students to comprehend and conduct health-related research.

Produce graduates who are experienced, committed, informed, proactive and effective professionals, capable of taking substantial and leading professional roles.

Facilitate high quality learning that is informed by critical analysis of current research.

Develop independent and reflective approaches to study that will enable graduates to continue to learn in the future.

CAREERS

The MSc Tropical and Infectious Diseases (MTID) provides a wide range of skills and training for doctors planning academic and clinical careers in resource-poor settings with endemic disease. It is an excellent qualification for doctors who wish to work in the field of health research in either a clinical or community context, as well as with international organisations specialising in health assistance-related activities. This MSc is a great springboard into clinical academic routes, previous students have been successful in Wellcome Trust Clinical PhD Fellowships. Also, many students have had their research projects published in peer reviewed journals, enhancing their standing in the academic research environment.

TESTIMONIALS

Why LSTM? the reputation of the institution and the calibre of the people who are on the faculty here and I know from lots of people who I've met through my work in Infectious Diseases that LSTM's got a great reputation for teaching. (Dr David Barr, student 2015. Following the course, David is now a Wellcome Trust PhD Fellow researching TB in South Africa)

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Changing environmental, social and agricultural conditions are a threat to animal and human health and welfare.

Many infectious diseases can pass between animals and humans, while food production, human diet and community stability are harmed by diseases that infect livestock and wildlife. Emerging veterinary infectious diseases and human diseases, such as highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, emphasise the threat posed by these issues.

The One Health approach recognises the relationship between health and disease at the human, animal and environment interfaces and has become an important focus in both medical and veterinary science. It promotes a “whole of society” treatment of health hazards and a systemic change of perspective in the management of risk.

Under the microscope

If you are interested in One Health and the control of infectious disease (particularly in the developing world), then this unique course could be for you. We welcome applications from individuals with a background in public health, veterinary sciences, animal or biological sciences, social and environmental sciences, ecology and wildlife health. If you are interested in this field, but do not have the relevant background, please speak with the course directors who can consider such cases on an individual basis.

The course is delivered jointly by the RVC, University of London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).

The course

The MSc consists of eight modules of 15 credits each, plus a compulsory research project (MSc only) of 60 credits -15 credits for integration of One Health principles learnt through development of and writing a research proposal and 45 credits for the empirical or trans-disciplinary innovative study.

The MSc consists of the following modules:
- Foundations of One Health
- Introduction to disease agents for One Health
- Infectious disease emergence core module
- Introduction to One Health epidemiology and surveillance
- Economics of One Health
- One Health skills development
- Medical anthropology and public health
- Optional module choice from; vector biology and vector parasite interactions, environmental epidemiology, epidemiology and control of communicable diseases, and globalisation and health
- Research project (MSc only)

How will I learn?

The MSc may be completed full-time in one year or part-time over two to three years, and consists of eight taught modules and a research project.

The PGDiploma is shorter (eight modules with no research project component) and may be completed in two terms.

The course starts in September each year and you will split your time between the RVC and LSHTM. Students studying the MSc will then undertake a four-month research project in an area and country of their choice.

Learning outcomes

The course will provide you with:

- A comprehensive foundation on the principles of diseases in the context of socio-ecological systems, global health and food safety
- Knowledge and skills in relation to One Health methodologies, transdisciplinary interactions and in using a systems approach

At the end of the course you will be able to:

- Understand the One Health concept and approach problem solving using a trans-disciplinary methodology
- Understand the origin, context and drivers of infectious disease at the human, animal and environment interface
- Evaluate impacts of multi-host infections on human, animal and ecosystem health and economics directly, or indirectly, via food, disease vectors or the environment.
- Develop a One Health systems approach to complex disease issues in monitoring, surveillance, diagnosis, prevention and control
- Critically review published literature
- Design a research project (MSc students only)

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Research profile

This programme is organised by Edinburgh Infectious Diseases (EID), which is hosted by the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine and the College of Science and Engineering.

It provides an introduction to research methodology for biologists, medics and veterinarians. The training also provides an entry into PhD studies. Previous students have undertaken projects in the following areas:

• antibiotic resistance and hospital-acquired infections
• arthropod vector biology and vectorborne diseases
• epidemiology and mathematical modelling of animal and human infections
• functional genomics and bioinformatics
• molecular diagnosis and point-of-care detection of infectious diseases
• the immunology of bacterial and parasitic infections (including major tropical diseases such as malaria, lymphatic filariasis and river blindness)
• the immunology of ruminant infections (for example Johne's Disease)
• the pathogenesis of prion and viral diseases (animal and human, including herpes and HIV)

The learning process includes a one-year research project and during the study period students will be required to attend research seminars and lectures, including those on the related areas of immunology, microbiology and pathology. Training will also be given in generic skills including: statistics; project management and planning; oral and written presentational skills.

Depending on the project selected, students will learn how to apply modern molecular and biochemical techniques to the investigation of pathogenesis of infections, or the use of statistics and mathematical models to study the epidemiology of diseases.

Programme structure

The learning process includes a one-year research project and during the study period students will be required to attend research seminars and lectures, including those on the related areas of immunology, microbiology and pathology. Training will also be given in generic skills including: statistics; project management and planning; oral and written presentational skills.

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This programme is delivered jointly by the School and the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). It addresses a broad range of topics under the One Health paradigm and provides a foundation in the principles of diseases in the context of sociological systems, global health and food safety. Students develop skills related to methodology, transdisciplinary interactions and using a systems approach.

This course is also available as a Postgraduate Diploma

Graduates from this programme will have the knowledge and skills provided by experienced scientists in order to be able to respond rapidly and effectively to outbreaks of disease as well as controlling endemic disease at the interface between humans, animals and the environment.

Visit the website http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/onehealth.html

Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

- understand the One Health concept and approach problem solving using a transdisciplinary methodology

- understand the origin, context and drivers of infectious disease at the human, animal and environment interface

- evaluate impacts of multi-host infections on human, animal and ecosystem health and economics directly, or indirectly via food, vectors or the environment

- develop a One Health systems approach to complex disease issues in monitoring, surveillance, diagnosis, prevention and control

- critically review published literature

- design and complete a research project (MSc only)

Structure

Term 1:
There is a one-week orientation period that includes an introduction to studying at the School and the Royal Veterinary College, followed by four compulsory modules:

- Foundations of One Health
- Introduction to Disease Agents for One Health
- Infectious Disease Emergence
- Introduction to One Health Epidemiology

Terms 2 and 3:
All students take three compulsory modules:

- One Health Economics
- One Health Skills
- Medical Anthropology and Public Health

In addition, students choose a fourth module from the following:

- Vector Biology and Vector-Parastite Interactions
- Environmental Epidemiology
- Epidemiology and Control of Communicable Diseases
- Globalisation and Health

Project report (MSc only):
During the summer months (July - August), students complete a research project on a topic in one health, for submission by early September.

Assessment:
Assessment takes place by eight end-of-module examinations, in-course assignments and by project report and an oral examination.

Intercalating this course

Undergraduate medical students can take a year out either to pursue related studies or work. The School welcomes applications from medical students wishing to intercalate after their third year of study from any recognised university in the world.

Why intercalate with us?:
Reputation: The School has an outstanding international reputation in public health & tropical medicine and is at the forefront of global health research. It is highly rated in a number of world rankings including:

- World’s leading research-focused graduate school (Times Higher Education World Rankings, 2013)
- Third in the world for social science and public health (US News Best Global Universities Ranking, 2014)
- Second in UK for research impact (Research Exercise Framework 2014)
- Top in Europe for impact (Leiden Ranking, 2015)

Highly recognised qualification: possessing a Master's from the School will give you a focused understanding of health and disease, broaden your career prospects and allow you to be immersed in research in a field of your choice.

Valuable skills: you will undertake an independent research project (summer project) in your chosen topic, equipping you with research skills that will distinguish you in a clinical environment. While your medical qualification will give you a breadth of knowledge; undertaking an intercalated degree will allow you to explore your main area of interest in greater depth.

Alumni network: the School has a strong international and diverse alumni community, with more than 20,000 alumni in over 180 countries.

MSc vs. BSc: undertaking an MSc is an excellent opportunity to develop in-depth specialist knowledge in your chosen topic and enhance your skills in scientific research. Postgraduate qualifications are increasingly sought after by clinicians and possessing a Masters qualification can assist you in your future career progression.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/onehealth.html#sixth

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