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2. Postgraduate
3. Taught Courses
4. Postgraduate Certificates
5. Health Protection - Online

Course Fact File

Code	PCHPTN
Duration	6 Months Part-time
Teaching Mode	Part-Time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info.
Qualifications	PG Cert
NFQ Level	Level 9
Closing Date	Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Non-EU Closing Date	Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Course Delivery Method	Online
Start Date	25 August 2025

Course Outline

The programme aims to provide students, from a range of different professional backgrounds, with core knowledge and skills related to the practice of Public Health and Health Protection. This course supplies the knowledge and skills necessary for health protection (infection control) and public health on a global scale. The emphasis is on the use of evidence-based healthcare and practice that will enable participants to work in infection prevention and control, putting patient safety and public health principles into effect in both research and professional contexts. 

Learning Outcomes/Objectives

Completion of the course will equip students with the knowledge to support them in the coordination and management of infection prevention, control and health protection services in a broad number of settings.

On completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Protection students should be able to;

• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of public health.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the appropriate management of infections caused by different pathogenic microorganisms.
• Investigate the transmission of endemic and epidemic infections from sufficient knowledge of the characteristics and transmission of causative organisms.
• Select appropriate methods for control of hospital and community-acquired infectious disease.
• Design, implement and evaluate coordinated control methods utilising tools such as audit and surveillance.
• Assess constraints of health protection delivery services and provide possible solutions to barriers.
• Describe the global impact of infectious diseases and strategies which are effective, partially effective and ineffective in management and prevention.
• Discuss the wider aspects of Health Protection.
• Discuss and identify effective methods to bring about practice change.

Modules

The programme consists of a total of 30-credit modules; two 10-credit modules and two 5-credit modules. This is a structured online programme that requires approximately 15 to 25 hours of study commitment for the duration of each module. After successful completion and passing of the postgraduate certificate in health protection students will have the option of progressing to a Diploma and Master of Public Health.

Students take the following modules:

• EH6094 Public Health: Principles and Practice (10 credits)
• EH6150 Introduction to Health Protection (5 credits)               
• EH6151 Advanced Health Protection (5 credits)
• EH6101 Microbiology, Environmental Health and Infectious Diseases (10 credits)

See the Book of Modules for further information on the modules.

Additional Teaching Mode Information

This is a part-time course. This programme will be taught online over 7 months (September-March).

Course Practicalities

The course runs from September to March each year. The Certificate (30 credits) must be completed within 36 months (i.e. 3 years) of programme commencement. Progression to Diploma and Master of Public Health is possible once all assessment is successfully completed. However, acceptance onto the Diploma or MPH will only be considered within five years from the date of above Certification.

Each 10-credit module will be delivered over 8 weeks, and each 5-credit module is delivered over 4 weeks. Students take one module at a time according to the pre-determined programme calendar.  Each 10-credit module consists of an estimated student workload of 200 hours and a 5-credit module 100 hours.  This consists of online, self-directed learning, required readings and subject investigation, E-tivities and assignments for preparation, participation and submission.

The course allows for progression to an Online Master of Public Health, also delivered by the School of Public Health.

Assessment

A range of continuous assessments is used across the modules.  These may include essays, case studies, online presentations, quiz, accumulative report writing, reflective journal and E-tivities. 

Who teaches this course?

The course is delivered by the School of Public Health staff in conjunction with external lecturers with experience in relation to health protection and public health.

Requirements

• Candidates must possess a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in a relevant subject area. Relevant subject areas are biological sciences, medical and health sciences, public health and social sciences.

Note: In some circumstances, applicants without a primary degree or applicants without a relevant primary degree may be recommended for entry to the programme under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) following a review of their individual qualifications and experience by the course committee. Such applicants may be called for interview, and their admission will be subject to the approval of the School of Public Health's Executive Committee.

Technical Requirements

This programme will be delivered wholly online. As such, there are specific technical requirements that you need to meet.

1. You will need access to a laptop or desktop (either Mac OS or Windows) running a relatively recent operating system (Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 or Mac OSX 10.8, 10.9, 10.10 or later). Access to the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment is supported by

UCC through IOS and Android apps, which are available from the respective App stores.

2. You will need access to a reliable broadband connection with at least 2MB download speeds. You can test your broadband or 4G speeds by visiting http://www.speedtest.net.

3. You must have a modern web browser installed. The most reliable options for use with UCC online learning are Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. Download and installation instructions will be provided. Safari is not suitable.

4. You must have Java and Flash Runtimes installed. Download and installation instructions will be provided.

5. You will require an Office suite of software (Microsoft Office 2003 or later or equivalent) and a PDF reader (preferably Adobe Acrobat Reader XI or later). Please note that registered UCC students have access to discounted software from Microsoft and Adobe.

To engage productively and successfully with the content, basic technical computer skills such as familiarity with word processing, web browsing and email is recommended.

Fees and Costs

How To Apply

Additional Requirements 

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.

• In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.

• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

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