PG Diploma and MSc in Infectious Diseases

This course aims: to provide a broad understanding of infectious diseases through the core modules in public health, biostatistics and epidemiology, and the biology and control of infectious disease which are taken by all students, together with the subsequent opportunity for specialised study in areas of the student's own choice. A wide range of optional advanced modules are available in the specialised areas of: Biology of Infection; Epidemiology, Statistics and Disease Control; Major Infectious Diseases; Management and Evaluation; Health Policy, Social Science and Economics; Research Design, Management and Analysis. It is also possible for students to carry out an individual project in an area of their own choosing, for example based around original laboratory research.

Most of the students are in-service health professionals, working for example as doctors or laboratory staff, who take the course in order to acquire new knowledge in infectious diseases, or to update their current expertise.

The course is delivered in the form of comprehensive study materials including paper-based readings and exercises. There is e-mail tutorial support and group discussions through web-based and e-mail conferencing facilities.

Objectives

The study of Infectious Diseases will provide students with a solid foundation in this area, enabling them to understand the role of biology of infective agents and host on the outcome of infection. They will also be able to use this knowledge in combination with epidemiological and public health approaches to develop rational strategies for the control and treatment of infection.

Course Content

The degree provides core training in infectious diseases. You can choose from an MSc, Postgraduate diploma (core modules only) or individual modules. The last option is ideal if you wish to sample the degree or update your professional knowledge. You can tailor the MSc to fit your needs by choosing from a range of advanced modules.

Core Modules

The core (ID1) includes four compulsory subjects: (i) Principles of Public Health, Epidemiology & Statistics; (ii) Principles of Biology; (iii) Biology of Infectious Diseases, and (iv) Control of Infectious Diseases: social, economic and policy aspects.

Each core module will require 100-125 hours learning time. These four modules constitute the Postgraduate Diploma.

Advanced Modules

Students who proceed to the MSc must choose three compulsory advanced modules from ID2. Six further advanced modules may then be chosen from groups ID2, ID3, ID5, PH2, RD1.

ID2: Bacterial Infections; Food Microbiology; Hospital Infections; Nutrition & Infection; Parasitology; Immunology of Infection; Water & Sanitation; Diagnostic Methods; Viral Infections

ID3: Epidemiology & Control of Infectious Diseases in Developing Countries

ID5: AIDS; Tuberculosis; Malaria.

PH2: Analytical Models for Decision Making; Communicable Disease Control; Economic Analysis for Management & Policy; Economic Evaluation; Environmental Epidemiology; Environmental Health Policy; Health Care Evaluation; Financial Management; Globalisation and Health; Managing Health Services; Medical Anthropology in Public Health; Organisational Management; Principles & Practice of Health Promotion.

RD1: Research Design, Management & Analysis.

Project Report

Alternatively, with the permission of the Course Director, MSc students may choose to study six advanced module and complete a project report (maximum 10,000 words).

Course Duration

On successful completion of the core (ID1), students can exit the programme with a PG Diploma in Infectious Diseases or proceed to the MSc by studying advanced modules. MSc students have a minimum period of two years and a maximum of five in which to complete their degree. Diploma students have a minimum of one and a maximum of five years to complete their qualification.

Entrance Requirements

For the MSc: a second-class honours degree or equivalent in a scientific subject (e.g. biology, medicine, veterinary science, pharmacy) or in another scientific discipline which has included a suitable preliminary training.

For the PG Diploma: a first degree in a subject appropriate to the course or in another discipline which has, included a suitable preliminary training; or previous education and experience without a first degree, which satisfies the University that the applicant has obtained a level of academic proficiency equivalent to a first degree.

Students who do not satisfy the above requirements may still be admitted at the discretion of the School on the basis of their academic qualifications, work experience and references.

Applicants who successfully complete a PG Diploma may change their registration to the corresponding Masters degree and proceed to the advanced modules.