Host Defence and Protection CPD Award

Course code B99HD

What is special about this course?

Successful prevention and control of infectious diseases requires knowledge and understanding of the host-pathogen interaction. This CPD Award Host Defence and Protection module will explain how the components of the immune system act in a coordinated fashion to protect the individual from infectious diseases.

Vaccines have been developed to augment the protection given to an individual by their immune system and also protect the population as a whole. Whilst the use of antimicrobial agents has revolutionised the treatment of infectious diseases, their inappropriate use has led to the emergence of resistant organisms. Anyone working in the infection control field can improve their knowledge of antimicrobial agents and vaccines, and their strengths and weaknesses, with this module.

Who should apply?

  • NHS staff currently on bands 5 and 6 of the NHS Career Framework Ladder working in Infection Prevention and Control roles
  • Healthcare professionals working in roles associated with the control of infection who wish to acquire a better understanding of the immune system, vaccines and mechanisms of resistance

For more details and /or informal discussion about the module please contact: 
MSc.ic@uhi.ac.uk.

Special features

  • Fully online delivery gives flexible access to study and can therefore fit around work and personal commitments.

Entry requirements

  • 2:1 Degree in a relevant healthcare subject and at least 3 years professional experience in a related field OR
  • Evidence of study at SCQF level 10 in a healthcare subject and employment in related field

Recognised European or international equivalent qualifications are considered. If English is not your first language, you must have evidence of your English language skills. All non-UK students must have one of the three options below: 
 

  • IELTS at 6.5 or above, taken no more than two years prior to the start date of the course
  • TOEFL at 90-100, taken no more than two years prior to the start date of the course
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: C2 Proficiency

 

CPD Award

The module will cover:

  • Classes of antimicrobial drugs, their effect at a cellular level, spectrum of activity and hazards of use
  • Drugs of choice with reference to specific pathogens and to body systems 
  • Infections in the compromised host
  • Pharmacological principles in antimicrobial use
  • The acquired immune system, inappropriate immune responses and susceptibility factors
  • The advantages and disadvantages, and controversies surrounding commonly used vaccines
  • The host response to infection and innate defence mechanisms
  • The principles of passive and active immunity, common vaccines and vaccine schedules

How will I study my course?

  • Part-time (unstructured)
  • You will have regular tutorials, in addition to online study via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors.

How long will my course last?

  • Part-time (unstructured): 14 weeks @ approximately 14 hours per week

Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research.

Where can I study my course?

  • Inverness - this fully online course can be studied from anywhere in the world. You will be enrolled and supported by staff at UHI Inverness.

Start date

  • January

Fees

For the latest information on fees please see our fees policy.

Can I progress into further study?

You may wish to supplement this CPD Award with further modules from the MSc Infection Prevention and Control Programme, to complete a Post Graduate Certificate or Diploma.

Is there more information available online?

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Apply for Host Defence and Protection CPD Award

I want to start in Jan/Feb 2025 or Jan/Feb 2026

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.