This diploma course is aimed at those who are seeking to establish a career which involves infection control, health care workers, managers involved in care settings, or those who may be carers themselves and wish to understand the principles and practice of infection control. There are few jobs or personal situations where we are not expected to engage in some kind of infection control. It is a subject and related activity which is no longer just confined to the hospital or medical domain. Even in our own homes we are now expected to have knowledge of antibacterial products, processes and practices. Increasing standards required for public premises also means that many individuals will be expected to manage infection control protocols and processes within their place of employment (for example schools, pubs, restaurants and even offices). The benefits of effective infection control are unquestionable in terms of wellbeing and the prevention of spread. We only have to think about influenza and threats of pandemics to realise the speed and extent of infections when they take hold. This course is based on learning outcomes which will be outlined at the beginning of each module. There will be self-assessment activities throughout the course, and completion of these, though formative, will contribute towards knowledge and understanding in preparation for each module assignment and the final examination. Each learning outcome will be fully explained and the self-assessment activities and assignments will be clearly linked to these. Your tutor will provide detailed feedback to you regarding how well you have met these learning outcomes, and together with your assignment and examination marks, you will therefore have a holistic overview of your course achievement. It is hoped that if you decide to undertake this course you will develop an enhanced knowledge base and practical skills ability, as well as fulfilling a professional or personal development requirement.