Program Overview

Overview of the M.Sc. in Healthcare Infection

The M.Sc. in Healthcare Infection is a postgraduate qualification offered by the Department of Clinical Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin. This course is designed to meet the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to modern healthcare infection control. It provides specialist teaching delivered in conjunction with partner organisations, including St. James’s Hospital, Tallaght University Hospital, and the Health Service Executive.

Course Details

• NFQ Level: 9
• Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
• Number of Places: 15
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Course Coordinator: Prof. Michael Carty
• Course Director: Prof. Julie Renwick
• Closing Date: 30th June 2025

Admission Requirements

Applicants should provide:

• An upper second-class (2.1) honours degree in Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Nursing, Pharmacy, or Microbiology, or another relevant science subject.
• Evidence of relevant healthcare experience.
• Applicants whose first language is not English and who have not been educated through the English language must present a relevant qualification (such as an IELTS, at Grade 6.5 overall and no band grade below 6.0). Applicants meeting these requirements may still be required to attend an interview.

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Structure

The M.Sc. in Healthcare Infection is offered as a 1-year full-time degree or as a 2-year part-time degree. The P.Grad.Dip. in Healthcare Infection is offered only as a 1-year full-time degree. Students must be in attendance on additional scheduled module assessment dates and class times as notified by the module convener or course director/course coordinator.

Course Content

Students take four taught modules:

• Basic and Molecular Microbiology
• Antimicrobial Therapy & Resistance
• Epidemiology & Infection Control
• Multidisciplinary Management of Infection M.Sc. students will also undertake a laboratory research project on a subject relevant to contemporary infection control objectives. Students concluding their studies to qualify for a Postgraduate Diploma will not carry out a research project.

Career Opportunities

Past students from Biomedical and Health Science backgrounds have pursued careers in research, industry, and surveillance. Additionally, biomedical scientists have used this M.Sc. to gain fellowship to the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine (ACSLM).

Testimonials

Various testimonials from past students highlight the positive impact of the course on their careers, including promotions and new job opportunities in the biopharmaceutical industry, pharmaceutical sector, and as hospital-based Surveillance Scientists and Senior Epidemiologists.

Course Fees

For a full list of postgraduate fees, refer to the relevant section of the Trinity College Dublin website.

Related Courses

• Biomedical Sciences (Intercalated) (M.Sc. / P.Grad.Dip.)
• Genomic Medicine (M.Sc.)
• Health Policy and Management (M.Sc.)
• Molecular Medicine (M.Sc.)