Undergraduate Certificate in Infectious Diseases

What will I be studying?

The programme is arranged into three complementary units each of which explores a different group of pathogens.

Unit 1: Viruses

Learn about virus biology and pathogenesis. Investigate topics such as: viral replication strategies, antiviral therapy and vaccination, commensal viruses, bacteriophage, emerging viral infections, and viruses and cancer. Synchronous sessions will be delivered on Saturday 21 October and 11 November 2023.

Unit 2: Bacteria

Find out about the different types of bacteria, how they are classified and what this means for how they live, and how they are targeted therapeutically. You will also cover topics such as: bacterial replication; antibiotics and antibiotic resistance; bacterial epidemiology; commensal bacteria and the microbiome. Case studies will be used to support learning and enable the collection of information from a variety of reliable sources. Synchronous sessions will be delivered on Saturday 3 and 24 February 2024.

Unit 3: Parasites and Fungi

Explore the major different types of parasitic and fungal pathogens. Be introduced to the different classes of parasite and fungi and consider the implications for their replication and control. A strong focus will be given to case studies from both human and veterinary parasitic and fungal infections. The epidemiology of infection will be considered in the context of control and human induced environmental changes. Synchronous sessions will be delivered on Saturday 27 April and 18 May 2024.

Who is this course for?

Anyone with an interest in Infectious Diseases. No previous experience in the subject is necessary.

What can I go on to do?

The Certificate in Immunology is a complementary course. Successful completion of both programmes of study would enable you to be awarded an Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education in Infection and Immunity worth 120 credits at FHEQ level 4.

Credit awarded by the Institute can be transferred into the degree programmes of some other higher education providers. The amount of credit which can be transferred into degree programmes varies from institution to institution and is always at the discretion of the receiving institution.

Entry requirements 

There are no formal academic entry requirements for this course but as it is taught at university level applicants should be able to read, write and speak English fluently.

English language requirement: If English is not your first language, you need to be able to prove you meet the University of Cambridge English language requirements on application. Please refer to our English language requirements pages for further information. 

Technical requirements 

For the 2023-2024 Academic Year this course is being taught remotely. The course will be delivered, and the learning outcomes met, through the use of video-based teaching platforms and a dedicated course Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), along with your own self-directed study. There will be no face-to-face teaching and you will not need to be present in person in Cambridge. You should, however, aim to attend the synchronous teaching sessions.

You will therefore need to have access to: 

• the internet via a computer, laptop, tablet or other smart device.  
• speakers or headphones in order to hear any pre-recorded material 
• a webcam and microphone for any interactive sessions which may be available 

The tuition fee for this course is £2,750.

You can pay in two ways:

• in full on enrolment by credit or debit card 
• in three equal instalments credit/debit card: the first on enrolment, the second on 1 January and the third and final instalment on 1 April. The exact dates will be confirmed in the student’s individual booking details.

Please note, your place on the course is not secured until payment is received by the Institute of Continuing Education accompanied by any necessary documentation, i.e. proof of English language proficiency.

ICE Cancellations and Refunds policy 

Information on sources of funding, bursaries and Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) 

This course will require a minimum number of students in order to run. Applicants for this course will be notified one week after the application deadline if the course is not going to be running at which point students will be offered to transfer their application to another course or receive a refund of the fees they have paid so far (please see our ICE Cancellations and Refunds policy). 

Applying

Please apply via the link at the top of this page. Your application will be assessed and you will be notified of the outcome by email. If you are offered a place, you will receive instructions as to how to register and pay. Please note that places are limited and on a first-come first-served basis.

Closing date for applications

Applications for this course can be received until midday (12 noon) on Monday 4 September 2023. If you are offered a place on the course, we will ask you to complete your booking within a limited time and to pay the fees or if paying fees by instalments, the first instalment of fees to secure your place.

If you would like an informal discussion on academic matters before making your application, please contact the Academic Director, Dr Tom Monie: tpm22@cam.ac.uk