The Postgraduate Certificate Infection Prevention and Control is a part-time programme delivered online, running for 8 months from the date of first registration for the programme, currently September to April. The programme is designed on a module basis to meet the needs of working professionals.

Applicants must have a minimum Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ Level 8) in one of the following subject areas: biological sciences, nursing, medical and health sciences, public health and social sciences. Qualified nurses and midwives without a primary degree who are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland are also eligible to apply.

Applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements may be recommended for entry to the programme following a review of their individual qualifications and experience under the University Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) policy.

This programme will be delivered wholly online. As such, there are specific technical requirements that you need to meet.

1. You will need access to a laptop or desktop (either Mac OS or Windows) running a relatively recent operating system (Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 or Mac OSX 10.8, 10.9, 10.10 or later). Access to the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment is supported by UCC through IOS and Android apps, which are available from the respective App stores.
2. You will need access to a reliable broadband connection with at least 2MB download speeds.
3. You must have a modern web browser installed. The most reliable options for use with UCC online learning are Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. Download and installation instructions will be provided. Safari is not suitable.
4. You must have Java and Flash Runtimes installed. Download and installation instructions will be provided.
5. You will require an Office suite of software (Microsoft Office 2003 or later or equivalent) and a PDF reader (preferably Adobe Acrobat Reader XI or later). Please note that registered UCC students have access to discounted software from Microsoft and Adobe.

To engage productively and successfully with the content, basic technical computer skills such as familiarity with word processing, web browsing and email is recommended.

Students must satisfactorily complete modules to the value of 30 credits.

Core modules
BU6010 Leadership and Management of Infection Prevention and Control (10 credits)
EH6146 The Principles and Clinical Practices of Infection Prevention and Control (10 credits)
EH6147 Infection Prevention and Control Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (5 credits)
MB6009 Principles of Microbiology (Online) (5 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2020/2021 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2020/2021.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control (NFQ Level 9, Special Purpose Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practice of infection prevention and control.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the appropriate management of infections caused by different pathogenic microorganisms.
• Describe the transmission of endemic and epidemic infections from sufficient knowledge of the characteristics and transmission of causative organisms.
• Describe appropriate methods for control of hospital and community acquired infectious diseases and infections.
• Discuss the principles of microbiology in the prevention and control of infection.
• Design, implement and evaluate co-ordinated control methods utilising tools such as audit and surveillance.
• Discuss and apply effective quality improvement and patient safety strategies.
• Discuss and implement management and leadership theories and practices applicable to infection prevention and control.