Infection Prevention and Control - 2012 entry

Course content

The compulsory modules for the Infection Prevention and Control course are:

P44618 Introduction to Microbiology and Immunology

20 credits at M Level
Semester 1
Thursdays, 9:30 to 16:30

This module will introduce you to the agents of infection and infectious diseases. A series of lectures, practical laboratory work and organised visits to areas related to applied clinical microbiology will all be included. Specimen collection and laboratory culture methods will be an integral feature. The body's natural response to infection and the action of antibiotics will be included. The development of antibiotic resistance and associated concerns will be discussed and related to the global situation. The increased knowledge will assist in the development of informed practitioners who will have a much greater understanding of how and why infection occurs and how it may be prevented.

P44617 Infection Prevention and Control

20 credits at M Level
Semester 2
Taught sessions on alternate Fridays, 9:30 to 16:30

This module will enable you to develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the complexity of infection prevention and control. It will be applicable to students working in acute, community and mental health sectors. Influential factors such as clinical governance, risk management and change will be included. This will enable practitioners to make informed decisions that are cognisant of the many factors that will influence the outcome.

P44615 Communicable Diseases and Public Health

20 credits at M Level
Semester 2
One week course, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:30

This practice-focused module will examine the history, causes and epidemiology of communicable diseases from a broad public health perspective. Associated morbidity and mortality, both nationally and globally, will be considered together with trends in established and emerging infections. Methods to prevent and control infection will be discussed, including surveillance, screening and vaccination strategies. Practitioners will have the opportunity to increase their knowledge and understanding of the legal and ethical aspects of public health practice.

Additional compulsory modules for the PGDip and MSc:

P44612 Epidemiology

20 credits at M Level
Semester 2
Taught sessions on alternate Thursday mornings 9:30 to 13:00

This module provides you with an introduction to the concepts and methods of epidemiology and its application in primary and community health. It includes an introduction to epidemiology research, including different methods of statistical measurements used in epidemiology. Critical appraisal of the research evidence is an important feature of the module and students are encouraged to consider the uses of epidemiology in clinical decision-making, service development and health planning.

P49210 Advanced Research Design
20 credits at M Level
Semester 1 or 2
Blended learning module (1) Blended learning module (2)

This module is designed to help you develop greater independence in your ability to engage in your own investigative work. It aims to develop decision-making skills related to research design. You will also explore the theoretical and philosophical context relevant to a study of research methodology and consider its implications for research design. A broad and eclectic approach is taken to the study and choice of research paradigms and designs and their use in the investigation of contemporary health care problems. Learning will take place from a wide range of perspectives.

Acceptable modules for the Infection Prevention and Control course:

P49213 Work Based Learning in Infection Prevention and Control
20 credits at M Level
Semester negotiable, no timetable hours.  Students will be linked with a facilitator.

A single module designed to develop a range of work-based learning skills. It enables you to build on your professional knowledge and experience by studying in depth an aspect of health care pertinent to your own areas of practice. Assessment is by a portfolio of evidence of learning. You may carry out individual or group projects and must negotiate an overall plan that includes the evidence and method of assessment with an appointed supervisor. This option provides useful, practical public health work experience.

P49214 Independent Studyin Infection Prevention and Control
20 credits at M Level
Semester negotiable, no timetable hours. Students will be linked with a  facilitator.

This module allows you to undertake a negotiated individual study, focused on an Infection Prevention and Control topic that is pertinent to your area of practice. You are able to enhance your reflective and analytical abilities and build on existing knowledge and experience. An interdisciplinary/professional project would be particularly encouraged.

P44614 Advanced Health Promotion
20 credits at M Level
Semester 2
Taught sessions on alternate Thursday afternoons, 14:00 to 17:30

This module will explore practical aspects of health promotion, including how to develop strategic and action plans for health promotion. You will be introduced to behavioural theory as it relates to changes in health behaviour and lifestyle, as well as looking at the larger social dimensions related to lifestyle. The module will also provide tools for assessing community health needs, planning health promotion activities, using participatory methodologies that engage communities in developing their own healthy lifestyles, while also examining the pitfalls of participatory processes.

P44611 Foundations in Public Health
20 credits at M Level
Semester 1
Taught sessions on alternate Thursday afternoons, 14:00 to 17:30

A module that explores the grounding in public health theory, practice and leadership and enables students to deepen their understanding of; historic and current trends in public health, with emphasis on examining the key determinants of health; environmental, behavioural, socio-economic, cultural and disease factors; inequalities across groups, populations and countries; links between health inequalities and race, gender, employment status and class. You are encouraged to explore the different roles you, and others, have in the multi-disciplinary nature of the 'new' public health, and the creation of flexible and effective learning opportunities about past and current Public Health issues, whether this is formal, classroom settings or in non-formal practice settings.

P44820 Leadership in Health and Social Care
20 credits at M Level
Taught sessions on alternate Thursday mornings, 9:30 to 12:30

The module offers you the opportunity to develop and apply the knowledge, conceptual and practice skills needed to be an effective leader within health and social care environments, both in the public and private sector. Through a range of assessment and learning opportunities such as coaching, seminar/group work and guided personal study, you will deepen your awareness of key theories and the research evidence on leadership practice and its application at a personal, organisational and inter-organisational level.

Additional compulsory modules for the MSc in Infection Prevention and Control course:

P49215 Dissertation for Infection Prevention and Control
60 credits at M Level
Semester 1 or 2
10 hours of negotiated supervisor-student contact

This module provides you with the opportunity to engage in a piece of investigative research which allows you to demonstrate the development of your skills in scholarship and your ability to focus on a specific research question(s). In addition, it provides sufficient scope to display a wide appreciation of the context of your chosen topic within the infection prevention and control field. The research questions posed by students are expected to vary considerably; however, you will be required to justify an appropriate methodology. Support will be given to you through the allocation of an academic supervisor for the duration of the dissertation. The investigation undertaken will encompass a systematic collection and analysis of data and reflect awareness of the implications of the research for practice, theory, education, management and future research within the infection prevention and control field.

Please note: as courses are reviewed regularly, the list of modules may vary from that shown here.

Faculty

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Social Work and Public Health

Course length

Full-time: PGCert: 9 months, PGDip: 9 months, MSc: 12 months
Part-time: Up to 36 months for all awards. January entry only available as part-time study.

Teaching location

Headington Campus, Marston Road site

Start date

September 2012
January 2013

UKPASS code

P038301

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a UK or overseas degree from a recognised institution, or an equivalent professional or other qualification. The course is open to practitioners who meet the following criteria. You must:

• be registered as a health or social care professional
• normally have twelve months' post-qualifying experience.
  

Scholarships and funding

A limited number of scholarships are offered by Oxford Brookes University. Applicants who have been offered a full-time place on this master’s course are eligible to apply for the following scholarships:

John Henry Brookes Scholarship

The John Henry Brookes Scholarship is awarded to home/EU and international applicants for academic excellence. Each scholarship will be paid towards the tuition fee for a taught master's degree. The awards do not include a maintenance grant. For further details, email shscspgscholarship@brookes.ac.uk.

Abbey Santander Scholarships

Abbey, part of the Santander Group, will be awarding scholarships to new master's students wishing to study at Oxford Brookes University. The scholarships are awarded to applicants from 11 specific countries. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, see the university website.

Funding

UK applicants:  you may be eligible for funding or sponsorship to undertake the course through your local strategic health authority, your employer or another source (note: these sources are not open to international students). Self-funding applicants are also welcome to apply.

International applicants will be asked to pay a deposit of £1,000 to secure a place on the course. General sources of information about finance and financial support for international applicants can be found at: www.brookes.ac.uk/international/finance

All applicants (UK, EU and international) will be required to provide details of their funding arrangements prior to enrolment on the course.

For general sources of financial support, see:

• funding for students from the UK and EU
• funding for students from outside the EU

Why Oxford is a great place to study Infection Prevention and Control

As a student in Oxford you'll be at the heart of the UK's most successful economic region and in a centre for leading industries which provides you with a host of learning opportunities.

Because Oxford is one of the world's great academic cities, it is a key centre of debate, with conferences, seminars and forums taking place across education, science, the arts and many other subjects.

In addition to our own excellent libraries and resource centres, our postgraduate students have access to the world-renowned Bodleian Library, the Bodleian Law Library and the Radcliffe Science Library. 

Support for students studying Infection Prevention and Control

All our courses adopt a student-centred approach to teaching and learning and are strongly focused on encouraging you to attain your full potential as lifelong learners.

There is a range of support mechanisms for students, such as academic advisers, who will facilitate your academic development, and student support co-ordinators, who provide a drop-in service for queries about any aspect of student life, covering both academic and personal welfare.

The university’s support services include Upgrade, which provides advice on study skills such as planning and writing essays, assignments and dissertations, research, or preparing for an exam. They also give advice on statistics and maths. There is a dedicated Student Disability and Dyslexia Service, which provides support for students with disabilities including sensory and mobility impairments, dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties, mental health problems and medical conditions. Here, staff offer advice and support on a range of issues, including physical access, funding, alternative assessment arrangements and liaison with teaching staff to ensure that they are aware of your requirements.

EU/International Students

As a new EU or international student you will join the Academic and Cultural Orientation Programme, which has been set up to enable you to make a smooth transition into study at the university. Within the sessions, you will explore the culture of the university, which will assist you in developing the appropriate academic skills required for your programme of study. The university also provides a comprehensive range of support networks and services to EU/international students. For more information, go to www.brookes.ac.uk/international/support

How Brookes supports postgraduate students

Supporting your learning

From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.

Personal support services

We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.

Research excellence

We have a number of both promising and experienced researchers working in established areas including cancer care, children and families, drugs and alcohol, physical rehabilitation and enablement and interprofessional education & collaborative practice. Over the past few years, these researchers have won external research and consultancy contracts including grants, fellowships and studentships for NHS staff. Our research staff collaborate with researchers from across Oxford Brookes University and from the Institute of Health Sciences at Oxford University, along with research teams from many other UK and international centres.

We are very pleased with the results received in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). 70% of our research in Allied Health Professions and Studies was rated as being of international significance in the assessment of research, of which 10% was rated as world-leading. The university has been careful to nurture emerging research strengths, and the international standing achieved by subjects allied to health demonstrates significant progress since 2001.

For more details about our research portfolio, go to our website.