Programme Overview

The Infection Prevention & Quality Improvement online professional course from the University of Essex Online provides learners with a focused understanding of infection prevention, infection control and quality improvement within healthcare and clinical environments. The course examines how healthcare organisations can identify infection risks, implement appropriate interventions and develop effective infection-control programmes to reduce the risk of outbreaks. It also explores the relationship between quality improvement, healthcare standards, patient safety, staff protection and wider public-health outcomes. The course is delivered 100% online and part-time, making it suitable for healthcare professionals and other learners who need to develop specialist knowledge while continuing to work. The indicative study duration is 13 weeks, including a one-week induction.

The course is a 20-credit postgraduate-level online professional qualification, with the University of Essex as the awarding body. It is also accredited by The CPD Certification Service, an independent CPD accreditation organisation recognised in more than 100 countries. This makes the course particularly relevant for professionals seeking a formal record of continuing professional development (CPD). On successful completion, learners receive a digital certificate identifying the course and credits awarded, together with a transcript. The programme is designed around contemporary infection-control principles and quality-improvement practices and is taught by experienced subject specialists and industry professionals.

The programme is particularly suitable for healthcare professionals, clinical and non-clinical healthcare workers, public-health professionals, healthcare managers, infection-control personnel and individuals seeking to develop their knowledge of healthcare quality and patient safety. However, no formal academic qualifications or previous professional experience are required, making the course accessible to a wider international audience. Applicants whose first language is not English normally require English proficiency equivalent to IELTS Academic 6.5, although Essex provides a free online English assessment for applicants who do not hold IELTS or an equivalent qualification. Nationals of, or applicants who have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, countries listed by Essex are exempt from providing English-language evidence.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements
No formal academic qualifications are required.
No previous professional experience is required.
Applicants should have a strong interest in healthcare, infection prevention, quality improvement, public health or a related area.
English-Language Requirement

Applicants whose first language is not English normally require English proficiency equivalent to IELTS Academic 6.5. Applicants who do not have IELTS or an equivalent qualification can use Essex Online's free online English test. Certain nationals and applicants who have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in specified countries are exempt from providing English-language evidence.

Documents / Application Information

Because no formal qualifications or experience are required, Essex Online does not specify a mandatory academic-document package for entry to this professional course on the programme page. Applicants apply through Essex Online's dedicated online professional-course application process. Where applicable, applicants should be prepared to provide evidence of English proficiency or complete the University's online English assessment.

Who is this course for?

The programme can be particularly valuable for:

Nurses and nursing professionals
Doctors and medical practitioners
Allied health professionals
Infection prevention and control personnel
Healthcare quality-improvement professionals
Hospital and clinical managers
Public-health professionals
Healthcare administrators
Patient-safety professionals
Clinical governance professionals
Healthcare workers involved in risk management
Professionals seeking postgraduate-level CPD
Individuals looking to enter or transition into healthcare-related roles

Because there are no formal academic or experience requirements, the course can also provide an accessible route for individuals who want to build specialist knowledge before progressing to further postgraduate study.

Career Opportunities