Applied Infection Prevention and Control

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.

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.

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

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. This certificate in infection controls 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.

This micro-credential is delivered through the UCD online learning platform (Brightspace) and will consist of online lectures and seminars, videos, infographics and quizzes. 

A repository of resources will be available to support your learning, and as a UCD student, you will have full access to the library. 

This is a 10 ECTS micro-credential and involves approximately 200 hours of learner effort.

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.

• Individual IPC project- 40%
• In-module minor MCQ – 20%
• Exam (MCQ) – 20%

Module part of the Certificate in Infection Control, first module PHPS41270

If you have any questions about this micro-credential, or would like to speak to a UCD staff member, please contact (opens in a new window)microcredentials@ucd.ie.