Infectious diseases are a global threat. There are new emergent and re-emergent pathogens identified every year. With epidemics and outbreaks like Ebola and Dengue virus often making headlines, and COVID demonstrating an unprecedented speed of worldwide spread, it’s never been more important to stay ahead of the curve to save lives.

Study Infectious Diseases to gain a better understanding of pathogenic infections in global contexts. Taught by active researchers in a flexible online format, you’ll learn about and apply cutting-edge strategies for the control and treatment of a broad range of infections.

Your chosen selection of thought-provoking modules will equip you with the tools to implement the latest evidence into your day-to-day practice, ready to become a future leader in the field.

What you will learn

Discover how the basic principles of biology, biostatistics, epidemiology and public health apply to the control of infectious diseases
Build your specialism within the general area of infectious diseases, and look at infectious diseases in various contexts such as healthcare settings, nutrition and water and sanitation
Develop your knowledge of research methods and increase your critical and evaluation skills to apply independent scientific judgement
Study the current issues that dictate the direction of research in infectious diseases
Find out how to apply your knowledge to design control programmes and solve complex problems

Being a flexible online degree means you can study whenever and wherever it suits you. Your study materials are provided to you online via our virtual learning environment so you can learn at your convenience and balance your studies with existing work or personal commitments. Once you have completed the compulsory core modules, you can apply to come to London to study for part of your degree, as part of a blended learning approach.

Our academics have a reputation for being specialists in their subject area, with many working on ground-breaking research which they use to inform your modules. And you’ll be encouraged to follow your interests when choosing from a range of elective modules and completing your research project.

Who is it for?

Medics, nurses, pharmacists, research scientists, medical journalists – this course is perfect for anyone with a scientific or medical degree who’s keen to grow expertise in this rapidly evolving field. Or perhaps you don’t have a relevant degree but have relevant technical, lab or clinical experience, and you’re looking to develop new knowledge in infectious diseases.

Our students have varied career ambitions. Some are promoted within their field, while others want to launch their career in a different direction, such as infectious disease control. You’ll also be able to progress to a higher research degree in science, public health or medicine if you complete the full MSc. Whatever you want to do next, you’ll graduate with a range of skills and strategies that could apply to a wide variety of roles anywhere in the world.