Host Defence and Protection CPD Award

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

Fees

For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes

• EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
• EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
• EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

	2024-25	2025-26
CPD award (20 credit module)	£584	£610

Rest of UK students

For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland) or assessed as rest of the UK for fee status, the following fees apply:

	2024-25	2025-26
CPD award (20 credit module)	£780	£840

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. These students will get an automatic fee scholarship.

This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

	2024-25	With scholarship	2025-26	With scholarship
CPD award (20 credit module)	£1,110	£833	£1,200	£900

International students

For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union, studying online from their home country, or assessed as international for fee status, the following fees apply:

	2024-25	2025-26
CPD award (20 credit module)	£1,110	£1,200

A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international postgraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.

This course is not available for international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.