The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine (PgDIDTM) is an advanced qualification designed for healthcare professionals, researchers, and medical practitioners seeking expertise in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of infectious and tropical diseases. With the global rise of emerging pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and increased international travel, this programme addresses critical healthcare challenges by equipping learners with the skills required to respond effectively to complex infectious disease scenarios.
Infectious diseases and tropical medicine represent one of the most demanding and vital fields of modern medicine. This postgraduate diploma provides a comprehensive framework for understanding disease epidemiology, advanced diagnostic methods, treatment approaches, public health strategies, and research methodologies. Learners will develop the clinical and analytical skills necessary to manage infectious disease outbreaks and improve healthcare outcomes globally.
The programme integrates advanced theory with practical application, focusing on diseases of global significance, including bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. It explores the role of immunisation, public health interventions, and global health strategies in preventing disease spread. Designed to meet international standards, the diploma also emphasises research, evidence-based practice, and professional ethics to prepare learners for senior roles in healthcare and academia.
Graduates of this programme can progress to senior clinical and academic roles within infectious disease and global health sectors. The diploma also provides a solid foundation for doctoral research or further postgraduate studies in epidemiology, microbiology, or global health sciences. Career pathways include hospital consultancy, research fellowships, public health leadership, and academic teaching positions.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine (PgDIDTM):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine (PgDIDTM), 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 |
| QC27229- 1 | Advanced Principles of Infectious Disease Pathophysiology and Epidemiology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27229-2 | Diagnostic Methods, Clinical Assessment, and Laboratory Investigations in Infectious Diseases | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27229-3 | Management of Bacterial, Viral, Parasitic, and Fungal Infections | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27229-4 | Tropical Medicine: Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27229-5 | Infection Control, Prevention, and Public Health Strategies | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27229-6 | Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Decision-Making in Infectious Diseases | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine (PgDIDTM):
Minimum Age:
- Learners must be at least 21 years of age at the commencement of the course.
Educational Background:
- A recognised Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, or a related life/health sciences discipline.
- Applicants with postgraduate qualifications in relevant fields will be given preference.
Experience:
- At least 2 years of relevant clinical, laboratory, or healthcare experience in infectious diseases, tropical medicine, or public health is strongly recommended.
- Experienced healthcare professionals without a degree may be considered on the basis of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and extensive work experience.
Language Proficiency:
- As this qualification is delivered in English, learners must demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
- For non-native English speakers, this may be evidenced by:
– IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with no band lower than 6.0), or equivalent recognised qualification.
– Proof of having completed a previous degree or professional qualification in English may also be accepted.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine (PgDIDTM):
Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Infectious Disease Pathophysiology and Epidemiology
Upon successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Analyse the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying infectious disease processes
- Evaluate host-pathogen interactions and immune system responses
- Critically assess global epidemiological patterns of infectious and tropical diseases
- Apply epidemiological models to predict disease outbreaks and control strategies
Unit 2: Diagnostic Methods, Clinical Assessment, and Laboratory Investigations in Infectious Diseases
Upon successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Apply advanced clinical assessment techniques for infectious disease diagnosis
- Interpret microbiological, serological, and molecular laboratory test results
- Integrate imaging and diagnostic technologies into clinical decision-making
- Critically evaluate diagnostic limitations and challenges in resource-limited settings
Unit 3: Management of Bacterial, Viral, Parasitic, and Fungal Infections
Upon successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Formulate treatment strategies for a wide range of infectious conditions
- Critically evaluate antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic therapies
- Assess the implications of antimicrobial resistance on patient outcomes
- Design patient-centred care plans integrating pharmacological and supportive therapies
Unit 4: Tropical Medicine: Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases
Upon successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Investigate clinical presentations and complications of tropical diseases
- Analyse the influence of globalisation, climate change, and migration on disease emergence
- Design context-specific strategies for managing tropical diseases in endemic regions
- Evaluate international case studies of outbreak response and management
Unit 5: Infection Control, Prevention, and Public Health Strategies
Upon successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Apply infection prevention and control measures within clinical and community settings
- Critically evaluate global and national infection control policies
- Develop public health interventions to reduce disease transmission
- Assess pandemic preparedness frameworks and international health regulations
Unit 6: Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Decision-Making in Infectious Diseases
Upon successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Conduct systematic literature reviews and critical appraisal of current research
- Apply evidence-based practice models in clinical and public health decision-making
- Design and implement independent research projects in infectious diseases
- Critically reflect on ethical, social, and cultural issues in tropical medicine research
The Course is ideal for ;
This programme is designed for healthcare professionals and advanced learners who wish to deepen their expertise in the management, prevention, and research of infectious and tropical diseases. It is particularly suitable for:
- Medical doctors, physicians, and specialists seeking advanced training in infectious and tropical medicine
- Nurses and nurse practitioners working in infectious disease wards, clinics, or public health programmes
- Pharmacists and biomedical scientists involved in antimicrobial stewardship, diagnostics, or laboratory medicine
- Public health officers and epidemiologists working in outbreak response, global health, and disease surveillance
- Healthcare managers and policy makers developing strategies for infection control and global health security
- Professionals working in NGOs, humanitarian organisations, and international health agencies operating in endemic regions
- Postgraduate students and researchers aiming to pursue academic or research careers in infectious diseases, epidemiology, and global health
To deliver this qualification, approved centres must ensure the following:
- Centre Approval
• Centres must be formally approved and recognised by the awarding organisation prior to offering this qualification.
• Compliance with all regulatory and quality assurance frameworks must be demonstrated. - Staffing and Faculty
• Tutors, lecturers, or assessors delivering the programme must hold a postgraduate degree (Level 7 or higher) in Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine, or a related field.
• Teaching staff should have at least 3 years of relevant clinical, academic, or professional experience.
• Assessors must be appropriately qualified and trained in assessment and verification procedures. - Learning Resources
• Centres must provide access to appropriate teaching and learning resources, including up-to-date medical journals, textbooks, case studies, and research databases.
• Adequate laboratory or simulated practice facilities should be available for applied diagnostic and clinical training, where required.
• Access to online learning platforms and digital resources must be ensured for blended or distance learners. - Quality Assurance
• Internal quality assurance systems must be in place to monitor teaching, assessment, and learner support.
• Regular standardisation meetings and assessor/verifier training must be conducted to maintain consistency. - Learner Support
• Centres must provide learners with academic guidance, research support, and access to supervisory staff for project or dissertation work.
• Learners should have access to library services, IT facilities, and e-learning platforms.
• Clear policies must exist for equality, diversity, safeguarding, and inclusivity. - Assessment and Verification
• Centres must implement fair and transparent assessment methods aligned with international postgraduate standards.
• Assessments must be internally verified and subject to external quality assurance by the awarding organisation.