The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Infectious Disease Medicine (PgD IDM) is a specialised qualification designed for healthcare professionals seeking to advance their expertise in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of infectious diseases. This programme is not intended for fresh candidates; it is specifically tailored for experienced practitioners who wish to enhance their clinical knowledge, improve professional competencies, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Learners undertaking this diploma will gain a comprehensive understanding of infectious disease pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic interventions. The course emphasises evidence-based practice, clinical decision-making, and integration of research into daily clinical practice, equipping learners to manage complex infectious conditions across diverse healthcare settings.
This qualification is suitable for doctors, nurses, clinical microbiologists, and other healthcare professionals involved in infectious disease management, public health, and hospital or community-based care. Learners will develop advanced skills in patient assessment, laboratory investigations, antimicrobial stewardship, infection prevention, and outbreak management. Additionally, the programme fosters leadership, ethical practice, and multidisciplinary collaboration to improve patient outcomes and service delivery.
Centres delivering this qualification are required to have highly competent and qualified staff, access to up-to-date learning materials, and the facilities necessary to support both theoretical and practical learning. By maintaining rigorous standards of teaching, assessment, and learner support, centres ensure that learners acquire the expertise, confidence, and professional competence required to excel in infectious disease medicine.
The PgD IDM empowers healthcare professionals to advance their careers, contribute to improved patient care, and play a pivotal role in tackling infectious diseases globally.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Infectious Disease Medicine (PgD IDM):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Infectious Disease Medicine (PgD IDM), offers 120 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours, including 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credits | GLH | TQT |
| QC27214- 1 | Advanced Principles of Infectious Disease Pathophysiology and Epidemiology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27214-2 | Diagnostic Methods, Clinical Assessment, and Laboratory Investigations in Infectious Diseases | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27214-3 | Management of Bacterial, Viral, Parasitic, and Fungal Infections | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27214-4 | Infection Control, Prevention, and Public Health Strategies | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27214-5 | Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Decision-Making in Infectious Diseases | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27214-6 | Professionalism, Ethics, and Leadership in Infectious Disease Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Infectious Disease Medicine (PgD IDM):
- Minimum Age: Learners must be at least 21 years old at the time of enrolment.
- Educational Background: A relevant Level 5 qualification or equivalent in medicine, nursing, microbiology, or a related healthcare discipline is required.
- Experience: Applicants should have practical clinical experience, preferably in infectious disease management, hospital, or community healthcare settings.
- Language Proficiency: Learners must demonstrate proficiency in English, both written and spoken, to engage effectively with academic content, assessments, and clinical terminology.
- Commitment to CPD: Learners should show a commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), demonstrating motivation to enhance professional skills and clinical knowledge.
- Access to Required Resources: Learners must have access to digital learning tools, clinical laboratories, and healthcare environments where they can apply practical skills and consolidate theoretical knowledge.
These entry requirements ensure that learners undertaking this diploma have the necessary foundation, clinical experience, and professional dedication to succeed in infectious disease medicine, enhance career prospects, and contribute to improved patient care.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Infectious Disease Medicine (PgD IDM):
Advanced Principles of Infectious Disease Pathophysiology and Epidemiology
- Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of infectious disease mechanisms and pathophysiology
- Analyse patterns of disease transmission, prevalence, and risk factors
- Evaluate the impact of epidemiological data on clinical decision-making and public health strategies
- Apply evidence-based principles to assess emerging infectious threats
Diagnostic Methods, Clinical Assessment, and Laboratory Investigations in Infectious Diseases
- Conduct accurate clinical assessments and patient histories related to infectious diseases
- Utilise laboratory investigations to support diagnosis and management
- Interpret microbiological, serological, and molecular diagnostic results
- Integrate diagnostic information into effective treatment and management plans
Management of Bacterial, Viral, Parasitic, and Fungal Infections
- Develop treatment plans for a range of infectious diseases using evidence-based approaches
- Apply antimicrobial and antiviral stewardship principles
- Adapt management strategies for complex or resistant infections
- Evaluate patient response and modify treatment as required
Infection Control, Prevention, and Public Health Strategies
- Implement infection prevention and control protocols in clinical and community settings
- Assess public health strategies to prevent outbreaks and minimise transmission
- Promote vaccination, hygiene, and education initiatives for disease control
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of infection control programmes
Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Decision-Making in Infectious Diseases
- Critically appraise scientific literature relevant to infectious disease medicine
- Apply evidence-based practices to clinical decision-making
- Conduct or contribute to research projects and quality improvement initiatives
- Integrate research findings into clinical and public health practice
Professionalism, Ethics, and Leadership in Infectious Disease Medicine
- Demonstrate professional accountability and ethical decision-making in infectious disease care
- Apply leadership and team management skills in clinical and public health settings
- Promote continuous professional development and reflective practice
- Evaluate legal, ethical, and organisational policies affecting infectious disease management
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Infectious Disease Medicine is designed for healthcare professionals who already have clinical experience and wish to specialise in infectious disease management. This course is ideal for:
- Doctors, clinical microbiologists, and infectious disease specialists seeking advanced knowledge in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infections
- Nurses, physician assistants, and allied health professionals working in hospital, community, or laboratory settings
- Public health practitioners involved in outbreak management, epidemiology, or infection control
- Professionals aiming to enhance their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and advance their career prospects
- Practitioners committed to evidence-based practice, leadership, and multidisciplinary collaboration in infectious disease care
This qualification is not intended for fresh candidates. It targets experienced healthcare professionals who wish to expand their knowledge, develop advanced clinical skills, and assume leadership roles in the management of infectious diseases.
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Infectious Disease Medicine must maintain high standards of teaching, resources, and learner support to ensure successful outcomes. Requirements include:
- Qualified and Experienced Staff: Tutors, trainers, and assessors must hold recognised qualifications and substantial clinical experience in infectious disease medicine, microbiology, or public health. Staff must be capable of delivering advanced theoretical instruction and guiding learners in practical applications.
- Learning Resources: Centres must provide access to current textbooks, peer-reviewed journals, clinical guidelines, laboratory manuals, and digital learning platforms to support both theoretical study and practical skill development.
- Clinical and Laboratory Facilities: Centres should have access to clinical environments and laboratories where learners can apply diagnostic techniques, infection control protocols, and patient management strategies under supervision.
- Assessment and Quality Assurance: Centres must implement robust assessment procedures that are fair, reliable, and aligned with QualCert standards. Accurate records of learner progress must be maintained.
- Support Services: Learners must have access to academic support, pastoral care, and administrative assistance to facilitate successful completion of the programme.
- Health, Safety, and Compliance: Centres must provide a safe, professional, and accessible learning environment, complying with all relevant health, safety, and clinical regulations.
- Continuous Improvement: Centres should maintain systems to review and enhance teaching methods, resources, and staff development, ensuring ongoing high-quality delivery and learner success.
Meeting these requirements ensures that learners acquire the advanced knowledge, practical skills, and professional competence necessary to excel in infectious disease medicine, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to public health initiatives.