University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The programme concentrates on core principles and applied practice in infection prevention and control (IPC). Typical subjects cover:

• Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control – microbiology basics, transmission pathways, standard and transmission‑based precautions.
• Surveillance and Epidemiology – methods for surveillance of healthcare‑associated infections, data interpretation and use of surveillance to inform practice.
• Outbreak Preparedness and Response – identification, investigation and management of outbreaks in healthcare and community settings.
• Leadership, Policy and Clinical Governance – development and implementation of IPC policies, risk management, audit and quality improvement.
• Antimicrobial Stewardship and Emerging Threats – principles of antimicrobial stewardship, emerging infectious diseases and the role of IPC in broader public health responses.

Delivery is typically a mix of taught coursework and applied assessment. Teaching methods include online lectures and readings, case‑based learning, simulation or practical demonstration where available, and workplace‑based projects or audits that connect learning to clinical practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised bachelor degree or equivalent in nursing and current registration as a Registered Nurse (or local equivalent). Relevant clinical experience in nursing is expected, with many students having at least one to two years of post‑registration practice. International applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements and provide evidence of their professional registration or authorisation to practise in their home jurisdiction. Where applicants lack full academic qualifications but have substantial, documented clinical experience and employer support, admission may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

Career prospects

Graduates develop the specialist knowledge and skills needed for roles such as:

• Infection Prevention and Control Nurse / IPC Practitioner
• Infection Control Coordinator or Advisor within hospitals and health networks
• Quality and safety or clinical governance roles with responsibility for IPC
• Public health positions involved in outbreak response and surveillance
• Positions in residential aged care, primary care, or private pathology and consultancy services

The qualification also provides a pathway to further study at postgraduate level (for example a Master of Nursing or public health programs) for nurses seeking leadership, research or academic careers in infection prevention and control.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide teaches IPC within a health‑focused faculty that combines clinical experience, research expertise and partnerships with South Australian health services. Students benefit from academics with clinical backgrounds in infection control and access to practical, workplace‑relevant learning activities. The programme is designed to reflect contemporary Australian and international IPC standards and can be studied with flexible delivery options to accommodate working clinicians. Graduates leave with skills immediately applicable to frontline practice, clinical governance and organisational policy development.