Paediatric Infectious Diseases

The Diploma in Paediatric Infectious Diseases at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous training program designed for medical professionals, researchers, and clinicians dedicated to advancing their expertise in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of infectious diseases in children. This postgraduate qualification provides an in-depth understanding of the epidemiology, microbiology, immunology, and clinical features of a wide range of infectious diseases affecting pediatric populations worldwide. The course is structured to combine theoretical knowledge with practical clinical insights, enabling participants to enhance their diagnostic skills, develop effective treatment strategies, and implement evidence-based infection control measures in diverse healthcare settings.

Participants will explore topics such as bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections, the unique aspects of infectious disease presentations in children, and the challenges of managing infections in immunocompromised pediatric patients. The program emphasizes current research developments and emerging trends in pediatric infectious diseases, preparing participants to contribute to clinical practice, research initiatives, and public health policies. The curriculum incorporates lectures, seminars, case discussions, and opportunities for independent study, fostering an interactive learning environment.

This diploma is ideal for pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, general practitioners, and healthcare professionals involved in pediatric care who seek to deepen their understanding of infectious diseases and enhance their clinical competence. Participants will also benefit from access to Oxford’s world-class academic resources, expert faculty, and a global network of peers. Upon successful completion, graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve patient outcomes, contribute to infectious disease research, and address global health challenges related to pediatric infections. The program is delivered in a flexible format designed to accommodate working professionals, ensuring access to high-quality education while managing professional commitments.

The Postgraduate Diploma is a two-year, part-time course taught via a blend of online and residential components, providing you with an in-depth understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of paediatric infection. It also places the practice of paediatric infectious diseases in the broader context of applied sciences, such as pathogenesis, population biology and epidemiology. 

The course will appeal to doctors who have experience in paediatrics, including trainees in paediatrics who have a specialist qualification equivalent to the Membership Examination of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH), specialist trainees in paediatric infectious diseases or relevant medical subspecialties, and clinical research fellows. 

The syllabus covers the following topics:

• infectious syndromes
• therapeutics and infection control
• epidemiology, immunity and immunisation
• bacterial infections
• viruses
• imported tropical disease and mycobacterial infection
• congenital and neonatal infection, sexually transmitted diseases and parasitic disease
• the immunocompromised host
• fungal infections
• PENTA-ESPID Tr@inforPed Paediatric HIV Infection Course

The majority of the teaching takes place online through a virtual learning environment (VLE), with online teaching discussions, interaction with tutors and other students, and access to an extensive resource library. This enables students from around the world to participate in the programme. In addition to the online teaching, you are also required to attend three residential courses during the two years – two in Oxford and one in Rome. 

To complete the PGDip in Paediatric Infectious Diseases, you will need to: 

• complete three 4,000-word written assignments, a short oral presentation, and an examination consisting of multiple choice questions;
• attend two Infection and Immunity in Children (IIC) residential courses, held in Oxford;
• attend the PENTA-HIV (Tr@inforPedHIV) residential training course in paediatric HIV medicine, held in Rome;
• complete the online PENTA-ESPID (Tr@inforPedHIV) module and online case discussion in paediatric HIV medicine;
• participate in seven ESPID Online Case Rounds; and
• participate in six online multiple choice sessions.

The course is a result of a close collaboration between the University of Oxford Department of Paediatrics, the Department for Continuing Education and the European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID).

The international panel of tutors is led by Andrew Pollard, Professor of Paediatric Infection and Immunity at the University of Oxford, and Honorary Consultant Paediatrician at the Children’s Hospital, Oxford. 

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in an appropriate subject. All applicants should have an appropriate medical qualification equivalent to MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery).

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA normally sought is 3.6 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

All applicants should also hold a specialist qualification equivalent to the Membership Examination of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH).

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement:One page
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

The University of Oxford offers a range of funding opportunities for students pursuing the postgraduate diploma, master's, and doctoral programmes in Paediatric Infectious Diseases. These funding options are designed to support students financially throughout their course duration and include scholarships, bursaries, grants, and loan schemes. The university provides a variety of scholarships specifically for international students, which may cover partial or full tuition fees, and sometimes include a stipend to assist with living costs. Applicants are encouraged to explore external funding sources, including national and international organizations, charitable foundations, and professional societies related to pediatrics, infectious diseases, and global health. Many students benefit from research grants and stipends available through departmental or faculty-specific funds, which support research activities, conference attendance, and research dissemination. The university’s financial support programs are competitive and require applicants to demonstrate academic excellence, relevant experience, and financial need where applicable. Students are also advised to apply early, as many funding sources have fixed deadlines. For domestic students, government loans and funding schemes may be available, while international students should look into scholarships offered by their home governments or international agencies. The university provides comprehensive guidance on the application procedures, eligibility criteria, and deadlines on its official website, ensuring students can access the most up-to-date information. Overall, funding for Paediatric Infectious Diseases programmes at Oxford aims to reduce financial barriers, encourage talented students to pursue advanced training, and foster research and clinical excellence in this vital area of global health.

The Postgraduate Diploma or MSc in Paediatric Infectious Diseases at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive postgraduate education focused on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of infectious diseases in children. This programme is designed for medical practitioners, specialists, and healthcare professionals aiming to enhance their understanding and expertise in this specialized area of pediatric medicine. The programme combines rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical experience, allowing students to gain a deeper insight into infectious disease pathogenesis, epidemiology, antimicrobial therapies, and public health strategies relevant to pediatric populations.

Participants will study a diverse curriculum covering topics such as viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections impacting children, alongside emerging infectious threats and vaccination strategies. The programme emphasizes evidence-based practice, critical evaluation of research literature, and the application of knowledge to clinical scenarios. Students will engage in problem-based learning, case discussions, and clinical placements to develop practical skills and improve patient outcomes.

The MSc component involves a research project or dissertation, encouraging students to undertake original work in paediatric infectious diseases, often in collaboration with renowned clinicians and researchers at Oxford. This research element promotes analytical skills and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field. The programme is delivered through a combination of online learning, seminars, tutorials, and optional face-to-face sessions at the university or affiliated hospitals.

Graduates of this programme typically progress into specialized clinical roles, academic research, or healthcare policy development, benefiting from Oxford’s reputation for excellence and its extensive network of health institutions. The programme provides a solid foundation for those pursuing subspecialty training in paediatric infectious diseases or related fields, equipping them with the latest scientific knowledge, clinical skills, and professional competencies required in this dynamic and vital area of pediatric healthcare.