Infection Control MSc
Validated by University of Essex Online
Duration
2 yearsStudy Mode
OnlineTotal Tuition
£13,884Monthly Payment
£578Qualification
Master’s Degree (MSc / MA / MPH)Start Date
January April July OctoberProgramme Overview
University of Essex Online | Delivered by Kaplan Higher Education UK
100% Online | Part-Time | 180 Credits | Indicative Duration: 2 Years
The MSc Infection Control from the University of Essex Online is a specialist postgraduate degree designed for professionals who want to develop advanced expertise in infection prevention, communicable disease control, microbiology, epidemiology and healthcare quality improvement. The programme examines how infectious diseases emerge and spread and, importantly, how healthcare professionals and public-health organisations can develop effective strategies to prevent and control outbreaks. Students explore infection control in healthcare settings while also considering its wider implications for public health and communities. The degree is particularly relevant in a world where healthcare-associated infections, emerging diseases, antimicrobial resistance and future outbreaks continue to create significant challenges for health systems.
A major advantage of this programme is its 100% online, part-time structure, allowing healthcare and public-health professionals to continue working while undertaking postgraduate study. Students have access to a virtual learning environment containing multimedia learning materials, discussion forums, live seminars and Q&A sessions, an eLibrary and academic/student support. The programme combines specialist infection-control knowledge with research, leadership, management and quality-improvement skills, making it relevant not only to clinical practitioners but also to professionals moving toward infection-control leadership, public health, environmental health and healthcare-management positions. The programme carries 180 UK credits and is awarded by the University of Essex. University of Essex Online is recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and registered with the Office for Students (OfS); the programme is delivered by Kaplan Higher Education UK. The University also highlights its Silver TEF 2023 teaching rating and describes the University of Essex as a top-20 UK university in the Guardian University Guide 2026.
The MSc is especially attractive to international students because it combines a globally relevant subject with flexible online delivery. Students can study without relocating or leaving their current employment, while developing knowledge that can be applied across hospitals, community healthcare, public-health agencies, laboratories, environmental-health services and other health-related organisations. The programme has an indicative duration of two years, with multiple intakes throughout the year. For 2026–27, the international tuition fee is £13,884, with flexible monthly payment options available. International students residing in specified regions outside the UK may also qualify for Global Scholarships of up to 15%, subject to eligibility.
Tuition Breakdown
Tuition fees and payment schedules may be subject to change. Contact UpCaria to confirm the latest information.
Entry Requirements
Applicants may qualify through one of two routes:
Academic Entry Route
Applicants must have:
An undergraduate degree from an approved institution equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or
A relevant professional qualification.
Work Experience Entry Route
Applicants who do not follow the academic route may be considered with:
At least three years of relevant work experience.
Applicants must also successfully complete the first assignment set during the two-week induction period in order to continue with the programme.
English-Language Requirement
For applicants from English-speaking countries, this requirement can be excluded from the UpCaria marketing information.
For applicants who do require evidence of English proficiency, the university states that an IELTS Academic equivalent of 6.5 is normally expected, with an online English assessment available where appropriate.
Documents Students Should Prepare
For the application process, prospective students should be prepared to provide documentation supporting their selected entry route, such as:
Completed application
Passport or government-issued identification
Academic certificate/degree certificate, where applying through the academic route
Academic transcripts
Relevant professional qualification, where applicable
Updated CV/resume
Evidence of relevant professional employment/work experience, where applying through the work-experience route
Any additional documentation requested by the University of Essex Online Admissions team
Who is this course for?
Registered nurses and nursing professionals seeking specialist infection-prevention expertise.
Infection Prevention and Control Nurses (IPCNs) seeking postgraduate advancement.
Doctors and other healthcare professionals involved in infection management or patient safety.
Healthcare managers and administrators responsible for clinical quality and patient safety.
Public-health professionals working with communicable diseases and population health.
Environmental health professionals dealing with infection risks and community health.
Laboratory and microbiology professionals seeking broader infection-control and public-health knowledge.
Epidemiology and disease-control professionals involved in monitoring and managing outbreaks.
Healthcare quality-improvement professionals responsible for developing and evaluating infection-control programmes.
Professionals with relevant healthcare experience who want to move into infection-control leadership or management.
Career Opportunities
Infection Prevention and Control Specialist
Infection Prevention and Control Nurse / IPCN
Infection Control Manager
Healthcare Quality Improvement Manager
Communicable Disease Control Specialist
Public Health Specialist
Epidemiology / Disease Surveillance Professional
Environmental Health Professional
Healthcare Risk and Patient Safety Manager
Healthcare Management / Clinical Governance Professional
Programme Highlights
This module establishes the scientific foundation for the degree by introducing students to microbiology, microorganisms, transmission and infection control. Students examine the historical development of microbiological knowledge and consider how scientific discoveries have shaped contemporary infection-control practices. The module is particularly valuable for healthcare professionals who want a stronger understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying infectious disease and prevention.
Students examine epidemiology, infectious diseases and practical approaches to communicable-disease control. The module considers how infection outbreaks can be managed in hospital and community environments and how organisations can reduce future risks. This is particularly relevant to professionals involved in outbreak response, public health, healthcare infection control and disease surveillance.
This module focuses directly on infection prevention within healthcare and clinical environments. Students examine infection-control interventions and quality-improvement tools while considering the protection of patients and healthcare workers and the wider public-health consequences of inadequate infection control. It is highly relevant for professionals responsible for developing, implementing or evaluating infection-prevention programmes.
Students develop an understanding of the research process within health and social care. The module covers theoretical and practical research issues, ethical considerations and quantitative and qualitative analysis. These skills are important for professionals who need to evaluate evidence, conduct healthcare research, analyse data or use evidence to improve infection-control practice.
The dissertation provides an opportunity to undertake an in-depth investigation into a specific area of professional practice. Working with an allocated supervisor, students apply appropriate research methodologies to a substantial project. The dissertation develops research, organisational, analytical and communication skills while allowing students to investigate an infection-control issue relevant to their professional or organisational environment.
This module examines how health-promotion activities can encourage healthier behaviours and contribute to disease prevention. Students use research and case studies to explore how health-promotion principles can be applied in real-world situations. It is particularly relevant for professionals working at the intersection of infection prevention, public health and community health.
Designed for professionals interested in advanced practice and management, this module develops capabilities in communication, leadership, management, reflective practice, problem-solving, personal development and action learning. It provides an important management dimension for healthcare professionals seeking to progress beyond technical or clinical responsibilities.
Students explore the principles of epidemiology, statistical concepts and the analysis of disease trends. The module combines theoretical and practical learning to help students understand patterns of disease and their significance within the wider public-health environment. It is particularly useful for professionals involved in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation and population-health planning.
This module develops knowledge of the physiological, pathological and pharmacological sciences relevant to disease management. Students examine clinical manifestations of disease and approaches to managing them. It can strengthen the clinical-science foundation of professionals whose roles involve disease prevention, treatment or healthcare decision-making.
This module focuses on leadership and management within healthcare organisations. Students examine leadership theories, organisational performance and diagnostic tools before developing personal development objectives based on their own assessment. It is particularly valuable for infection-control professionals preparing for supervisory, managerial or strategic leadership positions
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