PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
MSc/PG Dip/Certificate Healthcare associated Infection Control
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
MSc/PG Dip/Certificate Healthcare associated Infection Control
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
2015 onwards
(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
University College London
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Faculty of Medical Sciences
Parent Department:
Department of Infection
(the department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
Departmental web page address:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/medicalschool/infection-immunity/
(if applicable)
Method of study:
Part time, flexible
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
First or second class honors degree (or overseas equivalent) in
biomedical or life sciences from a recognised University, or an
appropriate professional qualification or work experience
established by review.
Candidates for the MSc/DipHIC will have an active professional
involvement in the prevention and control of healthcare associated
infections demonstrated by assessment of their curriculum vitae.
Length of the programme:
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such
as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
(see Guidance notes)
Distance Learning Web-based Programme
MSc - minimum 2 years, maximum 5 years
PG Dip – minimum 2 years, maximum 4 years
Certificate - minimum 1 year, maximum 3 years
Level 7
At date of production - no relevant post-graduate benchmark.
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme
and
its
assessment
methods:
(see guidance notes)
This programme comprises nine modules (eight for the Diploma),
which are taught through online lectures, online materials and 2
external week long courses. There is a strong practical element and
the MSc includes a requirement to complete a project based on
original research and a research methods module.
For all modules, coursework will be submitted electronically and
examinations will require attendance at UCL.
Certificate
4 modules
Reflection (maximum 2000 words) as required for each module.
Multiple Choice Question, Laboratory write-ups and exercises.
One unseen written examination: 1 question on each module,
where an examination is required
Diploma:
8 modules
Reflection (maximum 2000 words) as required for each module.
Multiple Choice Question, Laboratory write-ups and exercises.
Two unseen written examinations: 1 question on each module,
where an examination is required
MSc: An additional one 10,000 word dissertation based on
original research.
Board of Examiners:
Name of Board of Examiners:
UCL, Healthcare Infection Society and Public Health England
Representatives
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
RCPath, RCP, RCN, BMS
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The programme aims to enhance the knowledge, skills and experience of individuals working in the field
of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) via distance and reflective learning, a series of practical sessions
and, for the MSc, a research project and research methods module.
On completion of the programme we anticipate that you will be able to:



Access, understand and apply published research evidence as applied to the practice of infection
prevention and control;
Develop, evaluate and maintain best practice within the field of infection prevention and control;
Develop the necessary skills to continue your own professional development.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:

A firm theoretical and practical foundation to
the IPC practice including: strategies for IPC
isolation precautions, health-care workers and
related issues, organisation, roles,
responsibilities and resource implications of
effective IPC, developing management and
communication skills, information technology
and infection prevention and control (IPC).

An understanding on the role of antimicrobial
stewardship in IPC.

An understanding of health economic
aspects of IPC across the healthcare
economy and in resource poor settings.

An understanding of the regulations and legal
requirements associated with notifiable
infectious diseases, status of codes of
practice and guidelines as well as laws,
preparing clinico-legal documents, appearing in
court, Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health
(COSHH) and clinical waste disposal.

A firm theoretical and practical foundation on
the use of the microbiological basis and use of
the laboratory in the field of IPC.

An understanding on modes of surveillance
and statistical data analysis pertinent to IPC
across the healthcare economy.

An understanding on all matters concerning
the decontamination of medical equipment,
ventilation and related topics.
Assessment:
A/A
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Each course unit introduces topics which will help
students gain a sound basis of understanding and
knowledge in the clinical practice, research and provision
of service in healthcare associated infection control.
Assessment:
A/A
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Through
 the writing of essays and dissertation
 face to face tutorials/lectures
 undertaking an original research project
 attendance at compulsory external courses
 multiple choice questions
Assessment:
A/A
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
 Completion of all course units, self-assessment
exercises, essays and dissertation, reading,
searching library resources.
 Use of web-based technology to complete course
units, using databases, consulting on-line library
catalogues, using web-based material, electronic
submission of word-processed essays,
communicating via electronic mail.
Assessment:
A/A
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements);
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually
by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Dr Susan Hopkins
Name(s):
Date of Production:
May 2015
Date of Review:
7th May 2015
Date approved by Chair of
November 2015
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
November 2015
Teaching Committee