Healthcare Associated Infection Control

Developed by UCL in association with the Healthcare Infection Society, the Diploma in Healthcare Associated Infection Control programme is designed to provide systematic training in the increasingly important area of the control and prevention of healthcare associated infections.

The programme aims to enhance the knowledge, skills and experience of individuals working in the field of Infection Prevention and Control via distance and reflective learning, a series of practical sessions and a research project.

An MSc and Certificate option are also available.

The programme will provide:

• A firm theoretical and practical foundation to the infection control practice including: strategies for infection control isolation precautions, health-care workers and related issues, organisation, roles, responsibilities and resource implications of effective infection control, developing management and communication skills, information technology and infection control.
• An understanding on the role of antimicrobial stewardship in infection control.
• An understanding of health economic aspects of infection prevention and control across the healthcare economy and in resource poor settings.
• An understanding of the regulations and legal requirements associated with notifiable infectious diseases, status of codes of practice and guidelines, as well as laws, preparing clinic-legal documents, appearing in court, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and clinical waste disposal.
• A firm theoretical and practical foundation on the use of the microbiological basis and use of the laboratory in the field of infection control.
• An understanding on modes of surveillance and statistical data analysis pertinent to infection control across the healthcare economy.
• An understanding on all matters concerning the decontamination of medical equipment, ventilation and related topics.

Who this course is for

This programme is offered to graduates with a degree in a scientific, nursing or medical discipline, or with suitable clinical experience.

A First or second class honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in biomedical or life sciences is required from a recognised university, or an appropriate professional qualification or work experience established by review.

Candidates will have an active professional involvement in the control of healthcare associated infections demonstrated by assessment of the curriculum vitae.

Course content and structure

The Diploma comprises 8 modules that are taught through week-long courses and via distance-learning. 

It will take a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years to complete the Diploma.

Though the majority of the programme is delivered via distance learning, support is offered through a supervisory structure of local and UCL-based tutors.