Infectious diseases, both emerging and re-emerging, are growing at a rapid pace in developing countries. Population growth, urbanization, increased travel and migration (internal and external), and changing ecosystems are just some of the factors contributing to changes in disease epidemiology. There is an urgent need to develop the capacity of the health workforce in their knowledge of the theory and principles of control of infectious diseases in this evolving scenario.

The Graduate Diploma in Infectious Disease Intelligence aims to impart skills in effective management or control of infectious diseases. Students can study online or combine this with intensive coursework during Summer School. Student chooses from a range of specialty courses in infectious diseases including HIV control, immunisation practice, and current challenges in infectious Diseases. The program articulates with the Master of Public Health in Infectious Diseases Epidemiology specialisation as well as the Master of International Health.

This program is aimed at health professionals who seek to increase their capacity around the management of infectious disease control strategies and those who wish to change to a career in infectious disease epidemiology. This program offers an entirely web-based study program enabling participants to effectively integrate their learning into their daily professional life without the costly disruption that face-to-face coursework entails. Individual courses within the Program have been developed so as to provide a practice-based and authentic approach to this field of study.

At the completion of the Graduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases Intelligence students will be able to:

1. Apply advanced disciplinary knowledge and skills to contribute to protecting the health of populations and preventing communicable diseases using appropriate scientifically based methods and contemporary theories and techniques.

2. Demonstrate critical understanding of current international infectious disease issues and the capacity to plan, implement and evaluate surveillance and control activities.

3. Demonstrate capacity to engage in scholarly inquiry, ethical commitment and critical reflective practice for informing professional practice in public health.

4. Critically analyse priorities in infectious disease control and factors that influence current policy and funding at local, regional and global level.

5. Demonstrate high-level skills in communicating, working in teams and advocacy to promote and enhance interventions that prevent and control infectious diseases in populations.

The Graduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases Intelligence program comprises the following components, for a total of 36 units of credit:

A. Three Core Course (18 UOC)

AND

B. One (6UoC) course from recommended Infectious Diseases electives:

PLUS

C. Two (12UOC) more courses from the following electives, or the list above:

Students can also choose to enrol in EITHER PHCM9498 Epidemiology and Statistics OR PHCM9781 Evidence-informed Decision-making as an elective towards List C.

Students wishing to articulate from the Graduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases Intelligence program to a Master of Public Health or Master of International Public Health program are advised to include a relevant core course such as PHCM9498 Epidemiology and Statistics as the course they complete from List C for the Graduate Diploma, and to seek further advice from the relevant Program Director.

Students who complete the Graduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases Intelligence will be able to articulate with full credit to the Master of Public Health in Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, Master of Public Health or the Master of International Public Health.

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  UNSW Fee Website.

Applicants are required to have either an undergraduate degree or higher degree in a health-related or public health-related discipline* and one of the following: