Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No

The course is ideal for working adults, in particular those looking to commence or expand their career as public health practitioners, healthcare workers and support staff, facilities managers, OSH personnel, university technical staff who have some responsibility for safety and health at work or those with an interest in health and wellbeing in the workplace.

We also welcome applicants from nursing and assistant roles who like to expand their knowledge in infectious diseases or move into infection prevention roles.

Please note:

Students are generally working adults with a level 9 degree as their minimum qualification. In addition, we recognise previous learning and experience if this level is not met. Please get in touch. Other requirements include:

• You should be able to write reports and have computer literacy.
• You should provide evidence of your highest academic qualification to date. (This refers to Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate, Third Level Certificate, Diploma, Higher Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, Graduate Diploma, Master’s Degree or PhD)

If your first language is not English then you must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTs 7.0 (no band less than 6.5 in each element), or equivalent.

Places are offered on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants.

The Professional Certificate in Infection Control is a fully online course, delivered at the students’ pace with a comprehensive range of learning materials and resources. Students will be guided through a linear learning journey, starting with an Introduction to Microbiology for Infection Control, and continuing with Applied Infection Prevention and Control, which will present case studies and practical examples of IC in the workplace.

This is a one-year Certificate course delivered between September and May each year.

With the increasing importance of Infection Control, there is a growing demand for professionals with specialised knowledge and skills to reduce risks in both non-medical and medical settings. The Professional Certificate in Infection Control aims to provide individuals with the knowledge, skills and expertise to effectively prevent, manage and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. The Certificate is aimed at professionals working in all industries and sectors where people gather. No previous experience or knowledge is assumed.

Learning takes place through a fully online, at the students’ own pace, providing a linear learning experience that guides the student through each topic. Teaching and assessment are problem based and workplace situated.

The flexible learning modules align with the fourth objective of the HEA, to enhance equality of opportunity to the diversity of abilities, learning modes and lifestyles in modern society.

Students will be able to demonstrate a good understanding of microbiological concepts of Infection Control, provide real-life examples of outbreaks and discuss various Infection Control measures, at individual and population level.

View All Modules Here

The 15-credit Professional Certificate consists of two modules:

PHPS41270: Introduction to Microbiology for Infection Control (5 credits), Autumn trimester

PHPS41280: Applied Infection Prevention and Control (10 credits), Spring trimester.

Introduction to Microbiology for Infection Control

Online- 20 contact hours – 5 ECTS

Content:

1. Biology of microorganisms
2. Infections
3. Diagnosis of infection
4. Antibiotics
5. Bloodborne viruses
6. Healthcare Associated Infections
7. Infections and Immunity
8. Infection control

Delivery and assessment:

• Online, asynchronised learning

Learning outcomes:

• Define the fundamental principles and concepts of microbiology, including the characteristics of microorganisms and their classification.
• Describe the importance of the environment in the transmission of microorganisms.
• Discuss common infections and control measures.
• Describe the investigative process in the diagnosis of infections.
• Define the role of antibiotics in the treatment of infections.
• Discuss the emergence and threat of antibiotic resistance.
• Describe the risk and spread of bloodborne viruses.
• Discuss the concepts of immunity and vaccination.
• Outline the transmission and spread of HAI.
• Identify and explore sources of (inter)national surveillance.
• Describe the implementation of infection prevention and control in healthcare settings.
• Identify and summarise scientific literature in relation to infection prevention and control.

Applied infection prevention and control

Online – 40 contact hours – 10 ECTS

Content:

1. Infection prevention and control theory and policies
2. IPC in different healthcare settings (Case studies)
3. Antibiotic resistance and stewardship
4. Outbreak control
5. Emerging infections
6. Quality improvement initiatives in IC
7. Surveillance of infections
8. Risk Assessing for Infection Control
9. Workplace Communication on Infection Control
10. Environmental Infection Control
11. Research in Infection Control

Learning outcomes:

• Define the principles and theories of infection prevention and control, including the chain of infection and modes of transmission.
• Identify common pathogens and their associated infections, including their epidemiology and risk factors.
• Discuss the implementing infection prevention and control measures in various healthcare settings and workplaces.
• Summarise the effectiveness of different infection prevention strategies, such as hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) use and environmental cleaning.
• Develop an outline for infection prevention and control protocols tailored to specific contexts and populations.
• Describe the role of (healthcare) workers in preventing and controlling infections, including their responsibilities in surveillance, outbreak management and adherence to standard precautions.
• Critically appraise research findings and evidence-based practices in infection prevention and control.
• Discuss principles of quality improvement and risk management to continuously monitor, evaluate and enhance infection prevention practices.

Delivery and assessment:

• Online - live online or pre-recorded lectures? Any live online tutorials or discussion classes?
• Review of literature on chosen topics OR develop ‘IC intervention protocol’
• Presentation of intervention
• MCQ

Final assessment currently developed and TBC, should be continuously assessed both for individual and group assignments; exam might be not necessary.

Assessments:

• Quizzes
• Online assessment of literature
• Project

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website

• You must be living in the Republic of Ireland to undertake this programme. Candidates whose first language is not English and whose primary degree was obtained in a country where English is not the official language of instruction must provide proof of proficiency in English such as IELTS or TOEFL. The original certificate of completion of an English language test must be submitted with the application. In all cases the test results must not be more than 2 years old. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS REQUIREMENT.
• Candidates whose existing degree was obtained in a country where the official language of instruction is English may, at the request of the School, still be subject to the same requirements where English is not the candidate's first language.

The following are the English language tests and scores accepted by the School:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System - Academic): Minimum Overall Band Score of 7.0 with a result NOT LESS than 6.5 in EACH of the individual sections.
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Internet Based Test: Minimum total score of 100 out of 120, with a score NOT LESS than 22 in Reading and Listening. NOT LESS than 26 in Speaking and NOT LESS than 24 in the test of written English
• Paper Based Test: Minimum total score of 600 with a score NOT LESS than 5.0 in the Test of Written English.

The following entry routes are available:

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

You can apply using the UCD online application system. To apply, simply click on http://www.ucd.ie/apply and follow the instructions. A non-refundable application fee applies. The application fee is paid online.