Infectious Disease

Module Aims
To develop an understanding of the immune system, basic biology of different pathogen classes and the interaction between them, in order to underpin and inform the remainder of the course modules.

Content Summary
This initial module will give an overview of key concepts and definitions, of interactions between host, pathogen and environment, infection/colonisation/incubation/latency and infectiousness.

Indicative Content

• The immune system
• Biology of bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens
• Pathogenesis of infection
• Modes of transmission
• Diagnosis of infection

Learning Outcomes

1. Display knowledge of key concepts in infectious diseases and specific methods of description, diagnosis and surveillance in special groups and specialist theoretical and methodological approaches.
2. Critically evaluate incomplete and/or contradictory data in key areas of infectious disease, developing advanced methodologies to support conclusions in unpredictable contexts.
3. Develop advanced interpersonal, team and networking skills to strategically enhance team performance in complex situations and contribute to the field of infectious disease.

Module Aims
Explore in more detail common clinical presentations in bacterial infections and specifics of therapy related to bacterial infection.

Content Summary
The module will have a strong clinical focus and students will discuss and gain a deeper knowledge around a range of systemic infections caused by bacteria, antibiotic therapy including mechanisms of resistance to antibiotics, and mycobacterial infections.

Indicative Content

• Sepsis, SIRS (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome)
• Neurological, respiratory; bone and joint
• Urogenital, intra abdominal and cardiovascular
• Antibiotic therapy
• Mechanisms of resistance
• Mycobacterial infections

Learning Outcomes

1. Apply a systematic understanding of bacterial infections, and specialist theoretical and methodological approaches to practice.
2. Appraise the impact of a variety of clinical approaches related to bacterial infections in the context of prevailing social, economic and healthcare systems in place.
3. Apply advanced concepts in varied approaches to bacterial infections to critically develop systematic responses to existing discourses and methodologies within this area of practice, suggesting new ideas in complex situations related to infections caused by bacteria.
4. Develop advanced interpersonal, team and networking skills to strategically enhance team performance in complex situations.

Module Aims
Explore in more detail common clinical presentations in viral infections and specifics of antiviral and antiretroviral therapy.

Content Summary
The module will have a strong clinical focus and students will discuss and explore key viruses causing human disease including respiratory pathogens, childhood viral infections, viral hepatitides, HIV infection, and the therapeutic options available for each.

Indicative Content

• Respiratory viral infections
• Viral rashes and exanthem
• EBV (Epstein–Barr virus) and CMV (cytomegalovirus)
• Viral Hepatitis
• HIV infection
• Antiviral therapy

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of viral infections.
2. Critically appraise a range of information sources and developments in the treatment of viral infections and their applicability in a range of settings/situations.
3. Critically examine novel treatments for viral infections in a variety of population groups.
4. Construct management strategies for the investigation and clinical management of presentations of viral infections to strategically enhance team performance in complex situations.

Module Aims
Explore in more detail common clinical presentations for major fungal pathogens. Understand the investigation and treatment of tropical disease and travel associated infection, with a major emphasis on malaria

Indicative Content

• Candidal infections,
• Spectrum of aspergillus lung disease,
• The endemic mycoses,
• Malaria,
• Neglected tropical diseases,
• Pre and post travel assessment.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically appraise a range of information sources and developments in the fields of mycology, parasitology and travel related infections and their applicability in a range of settings/situations
2. Critically evaluate current research in mycology, parasitology and travel related infection in a variety of situations and population groups.
3. Construct management strategies for the investigation and clinical management of mycology, parasitology and travel related infection.

Module Aims
This module will encourage a deeper understanding of the surveillance and reporting mechanisms around communicable disease, and population level disease prevention strategies including vaccination and infection control.

Content Summary
The first half of the module will cover concepts around infectious disease surveillance, epidemiology and public health controls including vaccination. Specific learning regarding antimicrobial stewardship and the threat of antimicrobial resistance. IPC (infection prevention and control) with a focus on outbreak management and a further in depth exploration of emerging infectious threats, pandemics and COVID-19.

Indicative Content

• Epidemiology, surveillance and notifiable disease
• Vaccination and disease prevention
• Antimicrobial resistance and stewardship
• Key concepts in IPC (infection, prevention and control)
• Outbreak management
• Pandemics and COVID-19

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically appraise the contribution of epidemiology and public health to infection control and pandemics.
2. Demonstrate reflection and creativity in addressing complex scenarios that involve many interacting factors in infection control and pandemics.
3. Apply epidemiological data systematically and creatively to complex and unpredictable contexts related to infection control and pandemics.

Module Aims
Explore in more detail infections in some of the key groups in clinical practice, and investigation of some common infectious disease conundrums.

Indicative Content

• Opportunistic infection in HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
• Congenital immunodeficiencies
• Solid organ and bone marrow transplants
• Infections in pregnancy
• Pyrexia of unknown origin
• Infections at the extremes of age

Learning Outcomes

• Critically appraise a range of information sources and developments in the treatment of infections in special groups and their applicability in a range of settings/situations.
• Display knowledge of specific methods for description, diagnosis and surveillance of infections in special groups and specialist theoretical and methodological approaches.
• Critically evaluate incomplete and/or contradictory data in infections in special groups, developing advanced methodologies to support conclusions in unpredictable contexts.
• Construct management strategies for the investigation and clinical management of presentations of infections in special groups to strategically enhance team performance in unpredictable contexts and contribute to the professional specialist community.

To prepare students for an independent research-based project by developing skills in selecting, appraising, discriminating, using evidence and appropriate research/investigative methods to address relevant topics for investigation. The professional project module provides students with an opportunity to complete an important, substantial and potentially publishable study of their own choosing.

Module outlines
This module will start by focussing on research methods using the Academic Forum. Students will learn about research methodologies and critical appraisal over a period of 8-weeks.

• Quantitative Studies
• Statistical Analysis Interpretation
• Interpreting the Evidence
• Meta-analysis and Systematic Reviews
• Qualitative Studies
• Evidence Appraisal: Interpreting, Weighing and Synthesising the Evidence
• Audit, Governance and Quality Improvement, Health Economics
• Preparing a Research Proposal: Research Committees, Consent, Ethics, Probity and Literature Review

Following the research methods, students will submit a professional project proposal for their chosen topic, this includes a proposal form and ethics application. Students are given a 4-week period after the research methods to complete this.

Students will then create a piece of work based upon a specific subject-related project relevant to the student’s practice. The students will have a further 24-weeks to complete this. This project may comprise:

• Systematic literature review and appraisal of the evidence
• Audit of non-patient data/organisational audit
• Review and implementation of evidence-based practice
• Literature review and qualitative or quantitative research proposal
• Case(s)-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal
• Case report, review of literature and organisational assessment
• Secondary data analysis

As each Medical Council has their own rules/regulations with regard to Postgraduate study we recommend that you contact your local Medical Council with regard to recognition.

Upon completion of the course the University would invite you to a graduation ceremony and provide your certificate which makes no reference to the fact that the course was studied online and is therefore typically recognised the same as any other UK University qualification.

Rest assured, the overall Postgraduate Diploma carries a total of 1,200 CPD points, with the MSc an additional 600 CPD points, and all official certifications are issued directly by the University.

When you study one of our programmes you may be surprised to find that there are no lectures or seminars. Your learning will be self-directed meaning that rather than being told information you find it for yourself (with tutor guidance and support). We do this via a series of clinically rich scenarios which your tutor will post on our academic forum which you and your classmates will research, respond to and discuss.

You will be assessed through the Academic Forum, Reflective Journal and Assignments. Learning will be carried out using our online learning platform: Moodle.

You can study whenever and wherever you want - our programmes are totally flexible to fit around your other work and life commitments.

The course is specifically designed so that part of your study is the application of theory to practice in your day job.

We typically suggest that students aim to log into the Moodle platform daily. We recommend a "little and often" approach for reading, reflection and/or posting. High achieving students will typically spend 1-2 hours dedicated to their studies a day; 10 hours per week is sufficient time to spend on the platform.

Those who cannot dedicate more time than once/twice per week may struggle with the demands of this postgraduate programme.

Yes, everything is done entirely online through our learning platform, Moodle. You do not need to attend the University.

All of our courses are delivered in English, so proficiency in the English language is essential for success. If English is not your first language, we require proof of competency as part of your application. We accept the following as proof of English Language skills:

We Accept a Range of English Language Qualifications
While IELTS and TOEFL are among the most commonly used English tests, we understand that students come from diverse backgrounds — and we’re happy to work with you to accept a wide range of other recognised English language qualifications.

We accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Our most commonly accepted test, IELTS is globally recognised and widely used for university admissions.

We accept TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Another widely accepted test, TOEFL assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in an academic setting.

We accept English Medium of Instruction (EMI) Letters
Many of our international students provide an EMI (English Medium Instruction) letter from their previous institution. This letter should confirm that you were taught in the medium of English. It is a popular and widely accepted form of proof, especially if you have completed prior academic studies in English.

Our University partners Requirements
The University of South Wales accepts an overall score of 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 for each band) and The University of Buckingham accepts an overall score of 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 for each band).

Our Flexible Instalment Plan is designed to offer ultimate flexibility to pay for your programme. You have the choice of two payment options:

Make an Upfront Payment in Full: For those who prefer to settle their fees upfront, you can pay the full amount at the beginning of your programme.

Interest-Free Payments: Alternatively, you can choose to spread your payments out with interest-free instalments every month for the duration of your course.

These options are separate from our existing lending partners, which you can explore further on our programme pages. We believe that education should be accessible to all, and our Flexible Instalment Plan is just one of the ways we are committed to supporting you in your academic journey.

We currently offer two discounts: the Early Bird Discount and the Action Taker Discount. The Early Bird discount allows you to save up to £500 or more, available only to self-funders and is a limited-time offer that runs for the entirety of November for the March cohort or the entirety of May for the September cohort. Our Action Taker Discount allows you to save up to £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify for Action Takers, you must pay the deposit within 7 days of acceptance.

For Early Bird Discounts, the discount is visible if your application and acceptance are completed within the required timeframe. For Action Taker Discounts, it will reflect once conditions are met.