This module will provide you with an overview of basic microbiology, common microorganisms and their pathogenesis. You will explore the cause and spread of infection, healthcare associated infection, new and emerging infections, the principles of decontamination and infection prevention control in the built environment. You will develop an understanding of standard infection prevention and control principles, antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial stewardship and relate this to associated legislation, surveillance, guidance, and governance.

By the end of the module, you will have developed an understanding of the evidence-based guidance that informs best practice and be able to recognise, interpret, apply, and disseminate infection prevention and control knowledge to improve and challenge practice.

Formative assessment – Completion of assignment plan template with feedback provided.


Summative assessment – A written critical evaluation of infection prevention and control practices in your workplace. These practices should be appraised in the light of national guidelines in relation to the management of health care associated infection and compared to these standards. This will involve you using your understanding and knowledge of infection prevention and control in order to critically evaluate the effectiveness of control measures in the care environment. You should make reference to, and apply, the appropriate guidelines and relevant policy provision. This addresses all learning outcomes.

Delivered content – 48 hours
Tutorials - 2 hours
Independent study - 150 hours

Module Learning Outcome
1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the principles of infection prevention and control.

University Learning Outcome
Knowledge and Understanding

Module Learning Outcome
2. Critically appraise and analyse current research and national guidelines in relation to the management of health care associated infection.

University Learning Outcome
Analysis, Problem Solving

Module Learning Outcome
3. Critically evaluate infection prevention and control practices within workplace settings.

University Learning Outcome
Learning, Problem Solving, Reflection

Access to University Virtual Learning Platforms – Blackboard and Microsoft Teams, library resources
Access to care settings.

Courtenay, M and Castro-Sanchez, E. (2020) Antimicrobial Stewardship for Nursing Practice. CABI: Oxfordshire.


Department of Health and Social Care. (2022) Health and Social Care Act 2008: code of practice on the prevention and control of infections. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-health-and-social-care-act-2008-code-of-practice-on-the-prevention-and-control-of-infections-and-related-guidance


Loveday et al., (2014) epic3: National Evidence-Based Guidelines for Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections in NHS Hospitals in England. Journal of Hospital Infection 86 S1 pp 1–S70. Also available on-line at:
epic3: National Evidence-Based Guidelines for Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections in NHS Hospitals in England (his.org.uk)


NHS England. (2022) National infection prevention and control manual for England. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/PRN00123-national-infection-prevention-and-control-manual-for-england-v2.5.pdf


UK Health Security Agency (2023) Healthcare associated infections (HCAI): guidance, data and analysis. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/healthcare-associated-infections-hcai-guidance-data-and-analysis


Wilson, J. (2019) Infection Control in Clinical Practice updated edition (3rd edn) Elsevier limited.

Staff working within health and social care environments.

The Coronavirus pandemic has emphasised more than ever the importance of effective infection prevention and control. Therefore, it is imperative that we can provide you with the essential knowledge to inform and improve practices with your workplace setting.

You will examine the evidence-based guidance that informs best practice. You will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to recognise, interpret, apply, and disseminate the principles of infection prevention and control, understand the challenges of use of antimicrobials, help improve patient/service user care and challenge practice in your workplace setting. This module is applicable for health and social care workers for who work in the NHS or the private sector.

The module will be delivered by highly experienced and qualified practitioners who possess expertise in the field of infection prevention and control.