Graduate Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control

In the context of infection prevention and control practice, graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control will have advanced knowledge of:

1. The role of the infection control practitioner in advanced practice within the various clinical, political and professional contexts.
2. The scientific and theoretical basis for the clinical assessment, management and care of individuals and groups with healthcare-associated infections and communicable diseases.
3. The multiple legal, social, ethical, organisational and scope of practice implications and considerations for effective and informed advanced practice and professional role development.
4. Contemporary concepts of leadership and management relevant to health services including standards, policies and legislation associated with advanced infection prevention and control practice.
5. Research and evidence-base that informs quality and safe health care with respect to infection prevention and control.

This degree prepares you for advanced practice in infection prevention and control, addressing local, national and international trends in communicable diseases and infections.  

As part of the longest-running tertiary infection prevention and control education program across Australasia, this degree combines technical health knowledge with a strong foundation in advanced research. 

Highlights of studying the Graduate Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control 

• Explore the epidemiology of infectious diseases across national and international populations. 
• Understand surveillance systems for disease control and prevention. 
• Develop skills to interpret research, design studies, apply ethical and legal principles and translate findings into practice for infection prevention and control. 
• Apply leadership and management strategies to drive change in healthcare. 
• Engage in interactive online learning while building professional networks and collaborating with peers. 

Explore the science behind infection and prevention 

Develop a deep understanding of the microbial basis of infection, including the science behind disease processes and how they disrupt homeostasis in the human body, leading to communicable diseases. This knowledge provides a strong foundation for understanding how infections spread, how the body responds, and how targeted prevention strategies can be applied in healthcare settings. 

Learn from Australia’s top nursing professionals 

Griffith is ranked No. 1 in Australia for nursing and midwifery, so you’ll learn from experienced specialists. Griffith academics are recognised as leaders in the field, providing invaluable expertise to advance your career in infection prevention and control. 

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Sciences of Infection and Disease
• Contemporary Infection Prevention Practices
• Foundations of Research Inquiry
• Health Leadership and Management.

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you. 

Award requirements

For the award of Graduate Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control (GCertInfecPreventionCont), you must successfully complete 40 credit points comprising:

• 40 credit points for all Core Courses.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $6,800

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

Learn more about Griffith University.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

20

To be eligible for this program, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• a recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a related discipline
• a combination of alternative admission criteria specified in the Prior Experience Application

Degrees from overseas institutions must be assessed as equivalent to a recognised Australian accredited qualification

Related disciplineincludes health, medical, nursing or scientific

Prior Experience Application is a procedure for registered nurses who do not have an undergraduate qualification. The School of Nursing and Midwifery will determine eligibility for admission based on the application, curriculum vitae and referee reports

The School of Nursing and Midwifery has instituted a Recognition of Prior Experience procedure for registered nurses who do not have an undergraduate qualification. Applicants will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate eligibility requirements. The School of Nursing and Midwifery will determine eligibility for admission into the requested program based on application, curriculum vitae and referee reports.

Registered nurses who do not have an undergraduate qualification will also need to complete the following form:

• Recognition of Prior Experience (PDF 270k)

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) pathway is not accepted for this program.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University procedure for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Admission Procedure

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE.
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.