Infection Prevention & Control

This wholly online programme will provide you with expert core infection prevention and control knowledge and skills enabling you to lead and manage an infection prevention and control service. We place emphasis on the use of evidence-based practice so that our students will know how to manage infection prevention and control services, putting patient safety principles into effect in both research and professional contexts. Our international and multidisciplinary perspective utilises the World Health Organization, European Centre for Disease Control, and Infection Prevention Society competencies in infection prevention and control to inform delivery and content.

Course Practicalities
This 90-credit MSc programme is delivered over two years and includes the 30-credit PG Certificate programme in Year 1. Each 10-credit module is delivered over 8 weeks and each 5-credit module is delivered over 4 weeks, with one module delivered at a time according to the pre-determined programme calendar.

The student workload for each 10-credit module consists of approximately 200 hours and 100 hours for a 5-credit module. The workload includes online self-directed learning, required readings, and subject investigation; E-activities (eg student quizzes and regular participation in discussion boards); and preparation of a written and/or oral assignment.

Technical Requirements

On this programme you will experience a wide range of teaching styles, using the most up-to-date technology-enhanced learning methods. In order to engage productively and successfully with the content, you will require basic technical computer skills such as a familiarity with word processing, email, and web browsing. As the programme is delivered wholly online you must meet specific technical requirements including:

You will need access to a laptop or desktop (either Mac OS or Windows) running a relatively recent operating system (Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 or Mac OSX 10.8, 10.9, 10.10 or later). Access to the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment is supported by UCC through IOS and Android apps, which are available from the respective App stores.

You will need access to a reliable broadband connection with at least 2MB download speeds. You can test your broadband or 4G speeds by visiting http://www.speedtest.net.

You must have a modern web browser installed. The most reliable options for use with UCC online learning are Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. Download and installation instructions will be provided. Safari is not suitable.

You must have Java and Flash Runtimes installed. Download and installation instructions will be provided.

You will require an Office suite of software (Microsoft Office 2003 or later or equivalent) and a PDF reader (preferably Adobe Acrobat Reader XI or later). Please note that registered UCC students have access to discounted software from Microsoft and Adobe.

Why Choose This Course
The online nature of this MSc in Infection Prevention and Control will allow you to improve your clinical practice without impacting work schedules. This innovative programme builds on the success of our online PG Certificate in Infection Prevention & Control and online MPH programme, the largest programme of its kind in Ireland.

Our modules are developed and taught by a dedicated team of staff, who are experts in infection prevention and control, epidemiology, public health, microbiology, and management.

We address the theory and practice of infection prevention and control.

We include specific measures to manage the transmission of infectious diseases and outbreaks.

The course has a special focus on management and leadership in infection prevention and control which will support implementation in any setting.

We address quality improvement strategies designed to improve patient safety and reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infection.

We explore the challenges and solutions in relation to the practical application of infection prevention and control.

The breadth of content and research methods are taught through a trans-disciplinary approach and its presentation is informed by the most up-to-date research evidence and applied to practice.

Programme Details
The MSc Infection Prevention & Control is a progression route from the Postgraduate Certificate in Infection Prevention & Control and comprises 90 credits, delivered online over two years, as follows:

Year 1 - Postgraduate Certificate in Infection Prevention & Control: 30 credits taken over nine months;
Year 2 - MSc Infection Prevention & Control: 60 credits (30 credits taught and 30 credits dissertation) taken over twelve months.
We designed this course on a module basis to meet your needs as a working professional. In addition to the 30 credits completed as part of the Postgraduate Certificate in Infection Prevention & Control, you will take the following modules to the value of 60 credits:

EH6148 Infection Prevention and Control in Practice (10 credits)
EH6157 Qualitative Research in Public Health (5 Credits)
EH6153 Quantitative Research & Epidemiology (10 credits)
EH6088 Systematic Reviews (5 credits)
EH6149 Dissertation in Infection Prevention and Control (30 credits)

Applicants must have successfully completed the UCC Postgraduate Certificate in Infection Prevention & Control with a minimum Second Class Honours Grade 1 to apply to the programme.

Applicants who have completed the Post Graduate Certificate in Infection Prevention & Control with less than a Second Class Honours Grade 1 are eligible to apply with a prior minimum of a Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honour's degree (NFQ, Level 8) in one of the following subject areas: biological sciences, nursing, medical and health sciences, public health and social sciences.

Applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements may be recommended for entry to the programme following a review of their individual qualifications and experience under the University Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) policy.
English Language Requirements

Applicants that are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Please visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

How Do I Apply
Enquiries to Dr Maura Smiddy on m.smiddy@ucc.ie.

The closing date for non-EU applications is 30 July 2023

12 months, part-time, online.

Skills and Careers Information
Completion of this course will equip you with the knowledge to lead the coordination and management of infection, prevention and control services;

Our graduates can also apply for jobs in regulatory agencies and industry;

Upon completion of this MSc programme, you can consider further research in this area at PhD level.