Two people in white lab coats closely examining a transparent object held by one of them wearing green gloves, in a laboratory setting.

MSc Infection Control

Advance your career in healthcare with specialised infection control skills. Gain the expertise to prevent and manage infections in clinical settings and improve patient safety.

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Time investment: 2 years

Location: Online

Cost: £12,858 International Price £13,427

Language: English

About this degree

Grow your expertise in public health with a master’s in infection control and prevention

Unearth the dynamic world of infection control with the University of Essex’s MSc Infection Control. Designed for professionals looking to advance their career without putting their other commitments on hold, this online degree empowers you to make a substantial impact in healthcare settings worldwide.

You’ll delve into a comprehensive curriculum tailored to cultivate your expertise in infection prevention, control, and management, setting you up to tackle modern challenges in the healthcare sector and expand your career prospects while contributing to the advancement of public health standards.

Gain in-depth knowledge in medical microbiology and immunology

You’ll explore the biological complexities of infectious diseases through the foundational module, Introduction to Medical Microbiology and Immunology.

This essential subject equips you with the knowledge needed to comprehend the interactions between pathogens and the human immune system, granting you a molecular perspective vital for effective infection control.

Master strategies for communicable disease control

Next, you’ll develop strategic expertise in communicable disease control, gaining the skills to implement evidence-based interventions, manage disease outbreaks, and enhance community health.

You’ll learn how to navigate real-world health crises, using informed decision-making and strategic planning to protect public health.

Develop skills in infection prevention and quality improvement

Then refine your ability to create and implement infection prevention strategies in the Infection Prevention and Quality Improvement module.

By focusing on patient safety and healthcare service enhancements, you’ll gain essential skills in safeguarding both patients and healthcare professionals while driving quality improvements.

Enhance research capabilities in healthcare

You’ll also strengthen your research proficiency through the Research Methods in Healthcare module, where you’ll develop the ability to conduct insightful investigations and critically evaluate healthcare practices, contributing to meaningful advancements in infection control.

Finally, you’ll apply your expertise to a real-world issue in a final dissertation. This capstone project allows you to explore pressing healthcare challenges, demonstrating your ability to drive change and enhance public health standards. Through this research, you’ll bolster your professional credibility and leadership potential.

Where you’ll be studying

Studying at the University of Essex Online

The University of Essex Online offers over 80 industry-led undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business, computing, criminology, education, health, law and psychology.

Teaching is delivered 100% online and students benefit from a flexible approach to learning that allows them to fit study around their other commitments. Degrees are awarded by the University of Essex – ranked 12th in the Guardian University Guide 2026.

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Learning outcomes

Understand the fundamentals of microbiology and infection control.

Assess the role of infection control in healthcare settings.

Apply epidemiology and disease control strategies in practice.

Conduct an in-depth research project on infection control.

Additional information

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience.

Proficiency in English is required, with an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.

The MSc Infection Control is delivered entirely online in a part-time format over two years, offering flexibility for working professionals. Each module spans approximately 20 weeks, allowing you to balance your studies with personal and professional commitments.

Your assessments include discussions, journal entries, presentations, and written work. You’ll receive clear feedback, with provisional grades available from the start. Marks are updated in your gradebook, with a 7-day turnaround, and your Student Support team is always available.

With a growing demand for infection control specialists, this MSc prepares you for a range of impactful careers:

Infection control specialist: Develop and implement infection control programmes in hospitals and healthcare settings, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
Public health advisor: Design and evaluate policies to control infectious diseases at governmental and international levels.
Healthcare quality improvement coordinator: Lead initiatives to improve patient care quality and safety, focusing on infection prevention and management.
Epidemiologist: Conduct research and field studies to track infectious disease trends, providing critical data for public health decisions.
Clinical research associate: Oversee clinical trials and investigations into infectious diseases, contributing to medical advancements and patient safety.