Infection Prevention & Control PGDip

Aimed at healthcare and nursing professionals, this distance learning course will enhance your expertise in infection prevention and control practice

School of Health Sciences

Start date
September 2026
Attendance
Part time
Duration
24 months max
Location
Dundee / Kirkcaldy / Online

Are you passionate about keeping patients and healthcare settings safe from infection?

This postgraduate course is designed for healthcare professionals from around the world who want to build their expertise in infection prevention and control (IPC).

It doesn't matter whether you’re just starting out in IPC or stepping into a leadership role. This course will give you the specialist knowledge and practical skills to become a confident, expert practitioner.

What you will learn

Our course covers a wide range of essential topics, including:

  • an introduction to medical microbiology and immunology
  • applying microbiology to practice
  • communicable disease control
  • advanced practice in IPC
  • healthcare-associated infections and the healthcare environment

By joining this course, you will gain the specialist knowledge and confidence to become an expert in infection prevention and control.

Designed with your career in mind, the programme goes beyond theory. It will help you build advanced leadership and management skills that opens doors to new opportunities.

You will graduate ready to lead change and shape best practice. You will be able to make a real difference in protecting patients and improving healthcare outcomes.

The course has a fixed programme of six compulsory modules. These modules focus on a variety of areas including: 

  • Developing your Academic Skills 
  • Applying Microbiology to Practice
  • Infection Prevention and Control in Practice
  • Healthcare Associated Infection and the Built Environment
  • Leading Innovation and Change in Healthcare Organisations or Quality Improvement

This fully online course allows you to study on your own schedule. Materials will be delivered through the University's virtual learning environment My Dundee. You will have 24/7 access to all materials.

Develop as a leader or innovator

We know that professional growth looks different for everyone. That’s why we offer two routes tailored to your goals:

  • If you start in January: Your focus will be on leadership to strengthen your ability to inspire and guide others
  • If you start in September: Your focus will be on quality improvement to drive positive change and enhance patient safety.

You will also learn how to manage and respond to outbreaks effectively. You will use evidence-based strategies to reduce the spread of infection and protect both patients and staff.

Join a global community of healthcare professionals dedicated to making a real impact in infection prevention and control — and take the next step in your career with confidence.

“I would highly recommend the MSc Infection, Prevention and Control to any nurse (or AHP) wishing to enhance their knowledge and clinical expertise in this area. The content was fascinating and stimulating, challenging my critical thinking and enabling me to use contemporary evidence to look objectively at clinical practice.”

Jo McEwen, Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Advantages of online learning with the University of Dundee

Studying online with the University of Dundee is a flexible way to gain a degree that is highly valued by employers.

Learn more about the benefits of our online degrees

Questions? Need help?

Contact our Health Sciences enquiry team

[email protected]