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Masters Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc in Infectious Diseases

These courses aim: 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.

(by Distance Learning)

For those studying the Postgraduate Diploma or MSc 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. MSc students may also choose to carry out an individual project, for example based around original research.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 courses are delivered in the form of comprehensive study materials including paper-based readings, interactive CDROMs (some modules only) with supplementary textbooks and readings. Students receive administrative and tutorial support via email and web-based conferencing forums. 

In addition, students will have access to resources within the LSHTM library.

An example of the content of two of the CDROM-based modules follows:

Academic Inspiration Session

'Fighting Dirt with Disgust'

University of London academic Dr Val Curtis (below) looks at a key issue relevant to the Infectious Diseases MSc - improving hygiene to reduce the spread of infectious diseases in the developing world. 

http://www.youtube.com/user/UniofLondon#p/u/2/kYP9JIQnmeo [video, 5.14 mins].

Computing Requirements

The list below describes the specifications of a computer capable of operating the software supplied for the Infectious Diseases courses. A computer with the minimum rather than recommended specifications will be capable of handling the software, but may be rather slow.

Computer: PC capable of running Windows and accessing the internet.

Processor: Pentium or better, 90MHz or higher (recommended).

Memory (RAM): 512MB or higher (recommended).

Hard disk space: 200MB or higher (recommended).

CD-ROM drive: Double speed or faster recommended. Some modules may require use of a DVD drive.

Operating System: Windows 2000 or later (Windows XP).

Graphics: 256 colours (minimum), 65536 colours or higher (recommended).  Resolution 640 x 480 or higher.

Internet connection: Email account and regular web access are essential.

Printer: Laser or ink jet recommended.

A sound card and headset are recommended, or sound card, speakers and microphone.

Course Duration

On successful completion of the core modules students can exit the programme with a Postgraduate Certificate in Infectious Diseases or transfer their registration to either the Postgraduate Diploma or MSc. Postgraduate Diploma and MSc students have a minimum period of two years and a maximum of five in which to complete their degree. Postgraduate Certificate students have a minimum of one and a maximum of five years to complete their qualification.

 

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.

The Programme specification gives a more detailed breakdown of how elements of the courses support and achieve learning objectives.

The courses provide core training in infectious diseases. Students can choose to study an MSc, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate (core modules only) or individual modules. The last option is ideal if you wish to sample the degree or update your professional knowledge.

Credits awarded

Credits will be awarded to all modules (15 credits each) and (MSc only) the project (45 credits) successfully completed. To successfully pass an award the following credits must be gained:

Postgraduate Certificate – 60 credits
Postgraduate Diploma – 120 credits
MSc – 180 credits

Course structures

The compulsory core modules, which are common to the Certificate, Diploma and MSc courses, comprise:  

These four modules constitute the Postgraduate Certificate.

After completion of the core modules, those registered for the Postgraduate Diploma and MSc must successfully pass a required number of elective modules to complete the award.

Students registered for the Postgraduate Diploma must choose four elective modules to complete the award; three of these must be from the IDM elective module list below.

Students registered for the MSc must choose four elective modules from the IDM elective list below. Four further elective modules may then be chosen from either the IDM modules or from the PHM2 list below.

Note that restrictions and pre-requisites may apply to some of the modules below. Not all modules will be available every year.

IDM elective modules

PHM2 elective modules

Blended Learning Options

After completion of the 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 (from a restricted list) at LSHTM in London during the Spring or Summer terms, in place of distance learning modules. Please note that these options are subject to change.

Project Report

Alternatively, with the permission of the Course Director, MSc students may choose to study five elective modules (four must be ID modules) and complete a project report (maximum 10,000 words) in their final year of study.

 

Entrance Requirements

All applicants are required to have a second-class honours degree or equivalent, from a university or other institution acceptable to the University of London, in a scientific subject (e.g. biology, medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary science, pharmacy) or in another scientific discipline which has, in the opinion of the University, included suitable preliminary training. Applicants with an appropriate technical qualification and work experience, or equivalent qualifications, may also be considered.

For all applicants, an advanced level of ability to work in English is required. Applicants may be required to pass or to have passed within the last five years, at the appropriate level, a test of proficiency in English acceptable to the University. Further information on the English language tests and scores accepted by the School are available in the How to Apply section of the University of London International Programmes website.

Application for Study by Distance Learning

Application for MSc by distance learning courses should be made using the University of London’s application form which can be obtained from the University at the addresses given below. Application forms should be submitted by post to the University by 30 June together with the accompanying documentation detailed on the application form. Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted.

The application form is available at: www.londoninternational.ac.uk/

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7862 8360/8361/8362 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7862 8358 E-mail: enquiries@london.ac.uk

Applications and requests for further information for distance learning courses should be addressed to: The Information Centre, The University of London International Programmes, Senate House, University of London, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU, United Kingdom.

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