Program Overview

Infection Prevention & Control (Online)

Course Fact File

• Code: PCIPC
• Duration: 8 Months
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• Qualifications: PG Cert
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
• Non-EU Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
• Course Delivery Method: Online
• Start Date: 8 September 2025

Course Outline

Our Postgraduate Certificate in Infection Prevention & Control is a structured part-time QQI Level 9 certificate which is taught online. There is no requirement to attend face-to-face lectures on this programme.

Our innovative online Certificate in Infection Prevention & Control provides students with the core knowledge, theory, and skills that are necessary for the management and implementation of infection prevention and control in a clinical setting. We emphasise the use of evidence-based practice that enables our students to work and flourish in an infection prevention and control setting, while also emphasising the importance of patient safety principles, in both the research and professional context.

The PG Certificate in Infection Prevention & Control has Category 2 approval from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).

Programme Details

• 10-credit modules are delivered over 8 weeks and 5-credit modules are delivered over 4 weeks.
• Modules are delivered one after the other according to the pre-determined course calendar each year.
• The PG Certificate typically commences around the second week of September, and it runs for a full 8 months.

Modules

• Semester 1 (15 credits total):
  • EH6146 The Principles and Clinical Practices of Infection Prevention and Control (10 credits)
  • MB6009 Principles of Microbiology (5 credits)
• Semester 2 (15 credits total):
  • BU6010 Leadership and Management of Infection Prevention & Control (10 credits)
  • EH6147 Infection Prevention & Control Quality Improvement & Patient Safety (5 credits)

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

Course Practicalities

• The student workload for each 10-credit module consists of approximately 200 hours and 100 hours for a 5-credit module.
• Student workload includes online self-directed learning, required readings, and subject investigation; E-activities (e.g., student quizzes and regular participation in discussion boards); and preparation of a written and/or oral assignment.

Funding Options

• Some funding may be allocated from NMPDU for nursing and midwifery applicants working within the HSE.
• There may also be an option to fund a number of places for students from non-HSE organisations through Leading Healthcare Providers Skillnet.

Why Choose This Course

• This is a multi-disciplinary programme specifically designed to give healthcare professionals infection prevention and control knowledge and skills for application in the healthcare setting to improve patient safety.
• Our modules are developed and taught by a dedicated team of staff, who are experts in infection prevention and control, public health, microbiology, and management and our students will experience a wide range of teaching styles using the most up-to-date technology-enhanced learning methods.

Skills and Careers Information

• This course will equip healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills to implement infection prevention and control measures in the healthcare setting.
• Students who have successfully completed the UCC Postgraduate Certificate in Infection Prevention & Control with a minimum Second Class Honours Grade I will be eligible to apply for the MSc Infection Prevention & Control.

Requirements

• Applicants must have a minimum of a 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 and who are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland are also eligible to apply.

Technical Requirements

• This programme will be delivered wholly online.
• 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).
• You will need access to a reliable broadband connection with at least 2MB download speeds.
• You must have a modern web browser installed.
• You must have Java and Flash Runtimes installed.
• 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).

Fees and Costs

• See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
• Deposits: If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.
• Fee payment: Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.

How To Apply

• Check dates: Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the yellow fact file boxes at the top of this webpage.
• Gather documents: Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:
  • Original qualification documents listed on your application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
  • Any supplementary items requested for your course, if required.
• Apply online: Apply online by clicking the red 'Apply Now' button below. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.

Additional Requirements

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held.
• In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.
• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.