Infectious Disease MSc

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Now more than ever there is a growing need for healthcare professionals to engage with and study a master's in infectious diseases. As the spread of infectious diseases continues to grow, along with the emergence of new diseases, antibiotic-resistant organisms and a growing population across the world, the need for specialists in this area is rapidly increasing. It is therefore crucial that the provision of high-quality education in this subject area is readily available so that more healthcare professionals can enter this field.

With our quick-to-complete part-time, online infectious disease master's, you will be able to complete your studies around your work and life commitments, allowing you to further your knowledge without quitting your day job. The programme is led by experts in the industry and will provide graduates with the essential skills to confidently diagnose, treat and manage infectious diseases.

MSc Infectious Disease

Next intake: September 2024Key Facts

Awarding University
University of Buckingham
Commitment
Part-time
Class Size
15 - 20
Application Deadline
30th August 2024
Course start date
2nd September 2024 (view full module dates)
Format
100% Online
Total Fees
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Our multidisciplinary learning experience means that not only will you be learning from the very best leaders in the industry from across the globe, but you will be grouped with fellow students located all over the world. With our cost-effective, part-time master's in infectious diseases, you can complete your studies around your work and life commitments, allowing you to further your knowledge without quitting your day job. After completing the infectious disease course, you will:

  • Be equipped with a systematic understanding of major diseases, from pathogenesis through to diagnosis and treatment.
  • Have developed skills in critical appraisal and application of knowledge for ongoing professional development, service improvement and future study, as well as life-long learning and advanced problem-solving skills that they can apply to their clinical practice.
  • Be able to demonstrate the ability to lead complex tasks and teamwork in the field, and be enabled to deliver leadership to teams in multi-agency, multi-cultural and/or international contexts.
  • Be enabled to critically evaluate both the current and evolving evidence base in infectious disease.
  • Have relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches to address complex patient needs and implement best practice and innovation in complex scenarios.
  • Be able to extend your knowledge of research methods and application to practice.
  • Be able to extend your scope of practice in infectious disease by exploring a complex issue in more depth, utilising knowledge gained in the previous modules.


Next intake: September 2024 Key Facts

Awarding University
University of Buckingham
Commitment
Part-time
Format
100% Online
Duration
24 months
Class Size
15 - 20
Application Deadline
30th August 2024
Course start date
2nd September 2024 (view full module dates)
Total Fees

Why Study an Infectious Disease Master's with Learna

We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.

knowledge

100% Flexible

Our courses are 100% online. No fixed study times mean you can log in and learn whenever and wherever.

Multidisciplinary - study in a group of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.

Experts

Expert Led

All of our programmes are authored and developed by world leading experts in their field.

Our faculty are selected due to their subject expertise, experience and teaching abilities to ensure the highest standards of educational excellence.

confidence

Career Boosting

Get a University Validated postgraduate qualification in just 1 calendar year instead of 2 academic years.

40% of our alumni reported an increase in salary 2 years after studying with us.

Who is this course for?

This two year master's in infectious diseases is aimed at a variety of healthcare professionals looking to expand their knowledge and skillset in the topic of infectious disease. The MSc in infectious diseases is perfect for those looking to add value to their CV and will enable graduates to rise to the challenges of delivering high-quality care to their patients within a complex primary and secondary care environment.

How Will I Learn?

You will be supported throughout your studies by a committed team of internationally recognised educational experts.

Our courses are conducted through our interactive online learning platform, log in daily whenever and wherever you want. No fixed timetable empowers you to study when it suits you

These usually occur within groups of 10-20 students, allowing you to clearly communicate with both your tutor and fellow students.

Curriculum

The MSc in infectious diseases course is a two year course, consisting of seven modules (180 credits) with the first 120 credits deriving from the Postgraduate Diploma. The second year of the masters in infectious diseases course starts with an initial 10 week online module that will develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies. Students then complete the professional project module, which consists of a 1,500 word proposal and 10,500 word professional project (dissertation).

Year 1

To develop an understanding of the immune system, basic biology of different pathogen classes and the interaction between them, in order to underpin and inform the remainder of the course modules.

Explore in more detail common clinical presentations in bacterial infections and specifics of therapy related to bacterial infection.

The module will have a strong clinical focus and students will discuss and gain a deeper knowledge around a range of systemic infections caused by bacteria, antibiotic therapy including mechanisms of resistance to antibiotics, and mycobacterial infections

Explore in more detail common clinical presentations in viral infections and specifics of antiviral and antiretroviral therapy

The module will have a strong clinical focus and students will discuss and explore key viruses causing human disease including respiratory pathogens, childhood viral infections, viral hepatitides, HIV infection, and the therapeutic options available for each.

Explore in more detail common clinical presentations for major fungal pathogens. Understand the investigation and treatment of tropical disease and travel associated infection, with a major emphasis on malaria.

This module will encourage a deeper understanding of the surveillance and reporting mechanisms around communicable disease, and population level disease prevention strategies including vaccination and infection control.

Explore in more detail infections in some of the key groups in clinical practice, and investigation of some common infectious disease conundrums

Year 2

To prepare students for an independent research-based project by developing skills in selecting, appraising, discriminating, using evidence and appropriate research/investigative methods to address relevant topics for investigation. The professional project module provides students with an opportunity to complete an important, substantial and potentially publishable study of their own choosing.

Module outlines
This module will start by focussing on research methods using the Academic Forum. Students will learn about research methodologies and critical appraisal over a period of 8-weeks.

  • Quantitative Studies
  • Statistical Analysis Interpretation
  • Interpreting the Evidence
  • Meta-analysis and Systematic Reviews
  • Qualitative Studies
  • Evidence Appraisal: Interpreting, Weighing and Synthesising the Evidence
  • Audit, Governance and Quality Improvement, Health Economics
  • Preparing a Research Proposal: Research Committees, Consent, Ethics, Probity and Literature Review

Following the research methods, students will submit a professional project proposal for their chosen topic, this includes a proposal form and ethics application. Students are given a 4-week period after the research methods to complete this.

Students will then create a piece of work based upon a specific subject-related project relevant to the student’s practice. The students will have a further 24-weeks to complete this. This project may comprise:

  • Systematic literature review and appraisal of the evidence
  • Audit of non-patient data/organisational audit
  • Review and implementation of evidence-based practice
  • Literature review and qualitative or quantitative research proposal
  • Case(s)-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal
  • Case report, review of literature and organisational assessment
  • Secondary data analysis

Assessment Methods

Our online Infectious Disease masters places assessments at the heart of the learning process through the employment of clinical scenarios to enhance problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. Since the scenarios act as a focus for learning and assessment, the two are intrinsically linked.

The first six modules on the course have the same assessment format and for all modules, you will be assigned a dedicated expert tutor. Your tutor will then facilitate case discussions with the group, whilst monitoring, assessing and marking your work throughout. You will also participate in a combination of module activities that may be group and/or individual based, dependent on the module.

These innovative teaching methods enable you to envisage the translation of your studies into your every day work and practice.

For the final module of the course you will be required to produce a piece of work based upon a clinically-related project that is relevant to your practice. Once you have selected a specific project, you will submit a project summary/proposal of approximately 1,500 words. Following the approval of your proposal you will then complete a 10,500 word professional project.

To produce the professional project you will continue to study online. Much of the work is self-directed, however you will receive guidance from your tutor throughout the module.

Due to the online nature of the course, you will be expected to regularly login and participate in the course - ideally on a daily basis. Students are recommended to spend around two hours per day on their studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team are also available to help with any problems you may face. From navigating our online platform to advising you on deadlines, our team can assist with any questions or challenges you may have along the way.

Year 1

  • Every week students are presented with two/three clinical case-based scenarios that are reflective of every day clinical practice and research.
  • Tutors will post a number of questions and prompts to aid students in a formal discussion of each case.
  • These discussions are facilitated throughout by your tutor and are then assessed at the end of every module.

For this assessment, students will work on a group assignment and/or an individual assignment.

  • Group assignments are designed to hone skills in the multidisciplinary, holistic approach to modern treatments and patient management by requiring group participation in a single piece of work.
  • Individual assignments are designed to hone skills in academic career progression through such tasks as reviewing papers, developing scientific posters or abstracts, peer-reviewing, social media activities, patient information leaflets and essays.
  • Students are provided with case-based problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination.
  • The exam consists of 30 'Single Best Answer' questions.
  • Students are required to complete the exam online within the set time.

The reflective journal is used by students throughout each module to monitor personal progress. This is guided by weekly feedback from your tutor and is graded at the end of every module. The journal typically includes the following:

  • Initial expectations and reasons for taking the course.
  • Module and/or personal learning objectives.
  • Description of events, issues and learning points within current personal practice.
  • Change in every day practice due to knowledge gained on each module.
  • A description of what has been learned during the module.

Year 2

This module runs over an 8 week period and is designed to develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies. The module consists of mandatory formative assessment activities to support your learning and development prior to the Professional Project module.

  • Students will work with their supervisor to submit a professional project proposal for their chosen topic.

  • Students will deliver an abstract (1000 words) outlining their proposal and, if deemed necessary, develop and submit documentation for the University’s ethical committee approval.

  • Students will create a dissertation, the theme of which has been developed in discussion with their tutor.
  • Supervision will normally involve direct online support involving planned progress, supporting research activity and reading student work.
  • Supervisors and students will agree on a communications plan, which may involve emails or online chats. Some students may employ the use of freely available chat or audio conferencing facilities for live discussion with supervisors.
  • Students will have access to online forums where they can develop their research capabilities together.
  • All communications with tutors will be logged on the Professional Project forum by the student, and consist of brief summaries of discussion.

Entry requirements

Since our MSc in Infectious Diseases is conducted entirely online, it is accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals.

Applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare field.

Registered healthcare professionals, without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account. In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.

Documents Required

  • A copy of your updated CV including your address and date of birth.
  • A copy of your undergraduate degree certificate
  • The name and email address of someone who is able to provide a reference, this can be a work colleague, employer or former tutor.
  • A detailed personal statement explaining why you would like to undertake the course.
  • A copy of your proof of English competency (see below).

English Language Requirements
Proficiency in the English language is also essential to completing our courses. If English is NOT your first language, we ask for proof of competency during the application process. We are able to accept an IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.

If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. You can also contact our Admissions team on admissions@learna.ac.uk for more information on the qualifications we accept.

Due to the online nature of the course, you will be expected to regularly login and participate in the course - ideally on a daily basis. Students are recommended to spend around two hours per day on their studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team are also available to help with any problems you may face. From navigating our online platform to advising you on deadlines, our team can assist with any questions or challenges you may have along the way.

Course Fees

Total Course Fees for UK & International Students for September 2024:
£9,629
Application deadline - TBC

Option 1: Upfront Payment in full. Option 2: Interest free payments every other month for the duration of the course.

DateInstalmentsUp-Front Payments
Deposit£874£9,629
1st November 2024£871
1st January 2025£871
1st March 2025£871
1st May 2025£871
1st July 2025£871
1st September 2025£733
1st November 2025£733
1st January 2026£733
1st March 2026£733
1st May 2026£733
1st July 2026£735

† Deposits are non-refundable

†† Prices are subject to review following each intake

Option 3: Lower your monthly payments by spreading the cost for between 2 and 8 years with a loan from our lending partner Lendwise*.

*Subject to eligibility criteria.

lendwise

Learna | Diploma MSc has a partnership with Lendwise which is a leading private student loan provider, to help UK students fund their course fees should they require financing. Lendwise is a UK-based education finance platform through which candidates can fund their postgraduate and professional qualification studies at leading educational institutions.

A Lendwise loan comes with a fixed interest rate for the duration of the loan (between 2 and 8 years) and no early repayment penalties. The interest rate offered will depend on the overall applicant profile and the application process is entirely online.*

*Other sources of funding are available.
Learna | Diploma MSc does not offer financial advice, recommend or endorse any financial product. You should always check the suitability of the product that is of interest to you. If you are in any doubt as to its suitability, we suggest that you seek independent professional advice.

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Why Learna

We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online diploma courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.

Our courses are some of the most affordable of their kind, providing value for money without compromising on quality. We also don't apply an international surcharge. No fixed timetable means you can log in & learn on the go, at your convenience.

Being totally online means we can select the very best tutors and resource editors, no matter where they’re located.

Connect with multidisciplinary people around the world to expand your insights & broaden your career prospects.

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