Communicable Diseases Continuing Professional Development (Postgraduate)

Study infectious diseases and public health responses through on-campus learning

This campus-based Communicable Diseases module is part of the Master of Public Health (MPH) portfolio and is also available as a standalone Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course. It offers a focused opportunity to build postgraduate-level knowledge in infectious disease and public health, either as an individual module or as part of a full master’s qualification.

Delivered over a 10-week term, the module explores the biological, epidemiological and policy dimensions of communicable diseases. You will examine how infections develop and spread, how the immune system responds, and how public health systems design and implement strategies to prevent and control disease.

With ongoing global challenges such as emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance, this module provides the knowledge and critical skills needed to understand and respond to complex public health threats.

Course highlights

• Gain recognised postgraduate credits for your CPD
• Explore real-world infectious disease challenges and responses
• Learn alongside professionals from diverse backgrounds
• Informed by current developments in public health and epidemiology

Who is this course for?

This module is suitable for:

• Public health professionals undertaking CPD
• Healthcare practitioners involved in infection prevention and control
• Biomedical and laboratory professionals
• Policy and global health professionals
• Graduates with an interest in infectious disease and epidemiology

It is particularly suited to those who value in-person learning and collaborative discussion in developing their understanding of infectious disease control.

Skills and knowledge you’ll develop

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

• Explain how major communicable diseases are transmitted and how they interact with the human immune system
• Analyse patterns of infectious disease and assess the effectiveness of public health interventions such as vaccination and antimicrobial stewardship
• Critically evaluate ethical, legal and policy considerations in responding to infectious diseases, including emerging global threats

You will study one core 20 credit module called Communicable Diseases.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

This module is delivered on campus through a combination of structured teaching sessions and interactive learning activities.

You will learn through:

• Lectures and seminar discussions
• Case-based learning using real-world infectious disease scenarios
• Group work and peer discussion
• Guided independent study

Face-to-face teaching enables direct engagement with academic staff and fellow students, supporting deeper discussion and shared learning.

Support sessions will help you consolidate your understanding and prepare for assessment.

How you're assessed

Assessment is 100% coursework and is designed to develop your ability to critically analyse public health challenges.

You will complete a written assignment focused on evaluating approaches to communicable disease control, which will enable you to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios, assessing the effectiveness of interventions, policies and strategies used in public health practice.

This CPD module supports your professional development by strengthening your expertise in infectious disease and public health response.

You will develop skills in:

• Analysing disease patterns and risks
• Evaluating prevention and control strategies
• Understanding global and local public health responses
• Applying evidence to inform practice

Admissions to this programme are consistent with those of a Regulatory Framework for Postgraduate Taught Programmes.

Applicants should normally have:

EITHER
A minimum of a lower second-class Honours degree (2:2) or above in a public health related science from a UK university, the CNAA or an overseas equivalent with National Agency for the Recognition and Comparison of International Qualifications and Skills (NARIC) approval.

OR

Qualifications and experience considered to be equivalent to the above. All students applying via this route will be assessed and where necessary interviewed by the Programme Leader.

• GCSE grade C/4 or above in English language or certificated equivalences, regardless of previous educational qualifications
• Additionally, International students will be expected to demonstrate their proficiency in English and would normally be expected to have an IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6, in all areas, subject to academic discretion
• If applicants are using a WAEC qualification as certified evidence this must be at a minimum of C6 for English language

Please note: If you require a Student visa to study in the UK, you will not be eligible to enrol on this standalone module. We recommend applying to the full Master of Public Health (MPH) programme, which meets visa requirements.

The final decision regarding admission will be with the MPH Programme Leader.

English language qualifications

If English is not your first language, an IELTS of 6.5, with no less than 6 (or equivalent), in all areas is required.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.