QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases (PgDID)

The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases (PgDID) is a highly specialised qualification designed for healthcare professionals seeking to advance their expertise in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of infectious diseases. This postgraduate-level programme goes beyond foundational knowledge, equipping learners with the advanced clinical, analytical, and leadership skills required to excel in modern healthcare settings.

This qualification is not intended for fresh candidates; rather, it is tailored for experienced professionals who wish to enhance their career prospects, broaden their clinical understanding, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Learners will develop the ability to critically assess infectious disease outbreaks, apply evidence-based strategies, and contribute to improving patient care and public health outcomes.

Centres delivering this qualification must ensure that training is led by highly competent and qualified staff with relevant clinical and academic expertise. In addition, centres are required to provide access to appropriate resources, modern learning materials, and supportive facilities that foster professional growth and learner success.

By undertaking the Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases, learners will position themselves at the forefront of healthcare practice, gaining the confidence and knowledge to respond effectively to global health challenges, emerging infections, and complex patient care needs. This qualification not only enhances professional recognition but also contributes to improving standards of care in hospitals, research institutions, and community health environments.

Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases (PgDID):

The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases (PgDID), offers 120 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours, including 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Unit Ref#Unit TitleCreditsGLHTQT
QC27209- 1Advanced Principles of Infectious Disease Pathophysiology and Epidemiology20100200
QC27209-2Diagnostic Methods, Clinical Assessment, and Laboratory Investigations in Infectious Diseases20100200
QC27209-3Management of Bacterial, Viral, Parasitic, and Fungal Infections20100200
QC27209-4Infection Control, Prevention, and Public Health Strategies20100200
QC27209-5Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Decision-Making in Infectious Diseases20100200
QC27209-6Professionalism, Ethics, and Leadership in Infectious Disease Medicine20100200

Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases (PgDID):

Minimum Age

  • Learners must be 18 years or above at the time of enrolment.

Educational Background

  • A Level 5 qualification or equivalent in a relevant discipline (such as medicine, nursing, biomedical sciences, or public health) is recommended.
  • Applicants with alternative qualifications may also be considered if they can demonstrate appropriate professional knowledge or training.

Experience

  • Prior clinical, healthcare, or laboratory experience is strongly advised to support learning and practical application.
  • Learners without formal experience may be accepted based on recognition of prior learning (RPL) or related academic study.

Language Proficiency

  • Learners must have a good command of English language skills (reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension) to engage with course materials, complete assessments, and participate effectively.
  • Evidence of English language ability may be required for non-native speakers.

Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

  • This diploma is designed for professionals committed to lifelong learning and career progression.
  • Learners should demonstrate motivation to expand their knowledge of infectious diseases and apply evidence-based practices in healthcare.

Access to Required Resources

  • Learners must have access to a reliable computer or laptop, stable internet connection, and essential academic resources to support independent study and research.
  • Access to professional practice environments (e.g., clinical or laboratory settings) will further enhance learning outcomes.

Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases (PgDID):

Advanced Principles of Infectious Disease Pathophysiology and Epidemiology

  • Explain the mechanisms of infectious disease pathophysiology at cellular and systemic levels
  • Analyse patterns of disease transmission and epidemiological trends globally and locally
  • Evaluate risk factors and determinants influencing the spread of infectious diseases
  • Apply advanced knowledge to assess disease outbreaks and emerging health threats

Diagnostic Methods, Clinical Assessment, and Laboratory Investigations in Infectious Diseases

  • Demonstrate understanding of diagnostic tools used in clinical and laboratory practice
  • Apply appropriate methods for the detection and classification of infectious agents
  • Interpret clinical and laboratory findings for accurate diagnosis of infectious conditions
  • Critically evaluate the role of advanced technologies in infectious disease diagnosis

Management of Bacterial, Viral, Parasitic, and Fungal Infections

  • Describe the clinical manifestations of major infectious diseases across categories
  • Apply evidence-based strategies for treatment and management of infections
  • Assess the use of antimicrobial therapies and resistance considerations
  • Develop management plans for complex and multi-drug resistant infections

Infection Control, Prevention, and Public Health Strategies

  • Explain principles of infection prevention and control in healthcare and community settings
  • Apply standard and advanced precautionary measures to reduce infection risk
  • Evaluate public health policies and frameworks for infectious disease prevention
  • Design effective infection control strategies in response to outbreaks

Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Decision-Making in Infectious Diseases

  • Critically evaluate current research in infectious disease medicine
  • Apply evidence-based approaches to clinical practice and patient care
  • Develop skills in research methodology, data interpretation, and critical analysis
  • Demonstrate decision-making grounded in clinical evidence and patient outcomes

Professionalism, Ethics, and Leadership in Infectious Disease Medicine

  • Apply ethical principles to complex clinical and research scenarios
  • Demonstrate leadership skills in multidisciplinary healthcare settings
  • Uphold professional standards in patient care, confidentiality, and medical practice
  • Promote continuous improvement and innovation within infectious disease medicine

The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Infectious Diseases is designed for healthcare professionals and practitioners who are already working in medical, clinical, or public health settings and wish to deepen their expertise in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of infectious diseases. This qualification is not intended for fresh candidates but is tailored for individuals who have prior academic background or professional experience in medicine, nursing, biomedical sciences, or related healthcare fields.

It is particularly suitable for:

  • Medical doctors, nurses, and clinicians seeking to advance their knowledge in infectious disease medicine
  • Public health professionals and epidemiologists focusing on disease prevention and outbreak management
  • Laboratory scientists, microbiologists, and diagnostic specialists involved in infectious disease testing and research
  • Health policymakers and healthcare managers aiming to strengthen their role in infection control and global health strategies
  • Professionals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and enhancing their career prospects in infectious disease care and management

This course is ideal for learners who wish to expand their clinical expertise, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to tackling global health challenges through evidence-based practice and leadership in infectious diseases.

Centres delivering the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Infectious Diseases must ensure they have the appropriate facilities, resources, and academic expertise to maintain the highest standards of teaching, learning, and assessment. To deliver this qualification effectively, centres are required to meet the following criteria:

  • Qualified Staff – Teaching and assessing must be carried out by professionals with relevant qualifications and substantial experience in infectious diseases, medicine, public health, or related healthcare fields. Staff should also demonstrate ongoing commitment to professional development.
  • Learning Resources – Centres must provide access to up-to-date textbooks, journals, research databases, laboratory resources (where appropriate), and digital learning platforms to support learner success.
  • Assessment Facilities – Appropriate systems should be in place for fair, transparent, and reliable assessment. Centres must ensure learners are supported through feedback and academic guidance.
  • Quality Assurance – Centres are expected to maintain internal quality assurance processes, ensuring assessments are consistent, valid, and aligned with qualification standards.
  • Learner Support – Adequate academic and pastoral support should be available, including access to tutors, mentors, and online resources to enhance learner experience and achievement.
  • Compliance and Standards – All centres must comply with QualCert’s regulations and demonstrate the ability to provide a safe, professional, and inclusive learning environment.

These requirements are in place to guarantee that learners receive high-quality training, equipping them with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to excel in infectious disease medicine and related healthcare fields.