100% Online

Graduate Certificate in Nursing Science (Infection Control Nursing)

Postgraduate | 2026

Mode

100% Online

Start date

January, March, May, July, August, October

Duration

0.5 year(s) full-time

Program code

XGCNS

Study as

Full-time

Time commitment

10-15 hours per week per course

Indicative annual fees

$42,000

Non-tuition fees

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

A completed bachelor (AQF level 7) degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.

International non-student visa holders

This program is delivered online. It is open to international students who:

are studying online outside of Australia; or
do not require a student visa to undertake this program in Australia.

It is not available to international students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 7.0
IELTS Reading 7.0
IELTS Listening 7.0
IELTS Speaking 7.0
IELTS Writing 7.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

Note:

Applications for 100% online study at Adelaide University will open in July 2025, to commence study in 2026.

Why Graduate Certificate in Nursing Science (Infection Control Nursing)?

Provide advanced protection for vulnerable patients.

Nurses are highly respected members of the community. They care for patients in diverse settings – touching lives with their empathy, compassion, and support.

Our online graduate certificate equips working nurses for senior and specialist positions in infection control.

During one year of part-time study, you’ll build the specialised skillset to succeed in the frontline of health care.

Play a vital role in managing outbreaks and protecting community health with Adelaide University’s 100% online Graduate Certificate in Nursing Science (Infection Control Nursing).

Overview

Infection control nurses play a crucial part in preventing the spread of infectious diseases – ensuring patient and staff safety. As a registered nurse, you’ll gain specialised knowledge of infectious diseases and enhance your current skillset.

Adelaide University’s 100% online Graduate Certificate in Nursing Science (Infection Control Nursing) is delivered part-time over one year. Build clinical management skills to provide care for vulnerable patients. Explore contemporary issues in infection control. Enhance your knowledge of infection control nursing, microbiology, and epidemiology.

Contribute to developing new safety protocols and practices. Guide and educate other healthcare professionals on infection control practices. Develop specialised expertise to increase your earning potential. With our graduate certificate, you’ll open doors to career advancement and future leadership roles.

What you'll learn

Adelaide University’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing Science (Infection Control Nursing) is delivered 100% online. Over one year of part-time study, you’ll complete the following two courses:

Infection Control Nursing, and
Microbiology & Epidemiology.

In semester one, you’ll study nursing and medical science focusing on infection control. You’ll explore the importance of medical device decontamination and sterilisation. Learn about patient clinical management. Discover contemporary issues impacting infection control.

In semester two, you’ll develop your existing knowledge of basic microbiology. Consider the epidemiology of common infectious diseases within the Australian population. Examine the role of the infection control nurse – and their place in education and disease surveillance.

You’ll also learn about infection diagnosis, transmission, and surveillance.

Assessments may include essays, case studies, discussion board participation, presentations, critiques, portfolios, and exams.

What courses you'll study

Complete 24 units comprising:

24 units for all Core courses

Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Microbiology and Epidemiology	Course code NURS5036	Units 12
	Course name Infection Control Nursing	Course code NURS5037	Units 12

Career outcomes

With our graduate certificate, you’ll be equipped to pursue a rewarding career as a specialist registered nurse.

Your future might be training healthcare professionals on infectious disease prevention. Or leading community infection prevention efforts. Perhaps you’d like to lead infection control teams and develop facility-wide strategies.

You could create a career as a:

Infection control nurse
Infection prevention and control manager
Public health specialist
Infection control educator
Quality improvement specialist.

Infection control nurses play a crucial role in maintaining safety – minimising infection risks across healthcare and community settings. You could work in hospitals, outpatient centres, public health departments or home healthcare agencies.

Industry trends

With the increased focus on infection prevention in healthcare settings, infection control nurses are in high demand (ACN, 2023). Play a crucial role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and ensure the safety and wellbeing of your community.

How to apply

Applications for 100% online study at Adelaide University will open in July 2025, to commence study in 2026.

If you want to start your studies earlier, consider applying to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now, and continue onto Adelaide University in 2026.

Find an education agent in your country

100% online

Fit study around your life

From 24/7 access to specialised support, discover the benefits of studying online with Adelaide University.

Learn more

Ask Adelaide University

You’ll access all your learning resources, submit assessments, and engage with your academic team and peers via Adelaide University's unique online learning platform, available 24/7.

You'll learn through a mix of interactive experiences including videos, virtual forums, online discussions and activities, with no need to attend an Adelaide University campus, not even for assessments or exams.

Our degrees are specifically designed for online learning, and you'll be fully supported throughout your studies by our local student support team and our expert academics, available seven days a week. You'll stay engaged with networking opportunities and virtual events, and once you graduate, you're invited to either join us in Adelaide, or celebrate via livestream with your family and friends.

As a general rule, any desktop or laptop computer produced in the last three years will be capable of meeting the online learning requirements. While mobiles and tablets are able to access most of your online content, we recommend using a desktop or laptop computer to make the most of the online learning experience. You'll also require a reliable internet connection, and you may need a webcam.

As an Adelaide University student, you'll have free access to the full Office 365 ProPlus suite, which includes Word, Excel and PowerPoint. If your degree requires specialised software, you'll also be able to download this to your device for free.

You'll have 24/7 access to your learning resources via the online learning platform, and can study when and where it suits you. In some rare instances, assessments or contact with your online academic team may require you to be online at a set time, however these times are generally flexible. You'll be able to discuss your requirements with your academic team or speak to our student support team if you need assistance.

If your course has an exam, you will generally need to sit this at a designated date and time.

Yes, if you have studied at university or completed a VET qualification (Certificate IV or above), or can demonstrate significant and relevant work experience, you could be eligible to receive credit towards your degree.

Your eligibility for credit will be assessed once you have submitted your application, and you will be informed of your credit outcome before your application is approved and you need to enrol. If you don't have the information required to be considered for credit when you apply to study, you will still be able to apply for credit after your application has been approved, with an outcome usually determined within a few days.

No, if you are enrolled in a 100% online Adelaide University program, you are not able to enrol into an on-campus course as part of your degree. However, as an Adelaide University student, you are welcome to visit our Adelaide campuses and participate in student events and clubs, utilise our sporting facilities and libraries, and attend your graduation ceremony in-person.

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Studying 100% online with Adelaide University means joining a dynamic community of learners – all supported by dedicated teams committed to your success. From day one to graduation, you’ll have access to comprehensive academic, student and technical support teams to ensure you get the most out of your online learning journey.

Student support services

Need help with enrolments, managing your study load, or setting your academic goals? Our student support team is here to assist. They’re your first point of contact for advice and are available seven days a week, including out-of-hours and on weekends. Get the help you need – when it suits you.

As an online student, you’ll also have access to our specialised on-campus student support services. Whether you’re looking for career advice, health and wellbeing support, international student assistance, accessibility services, or something else, we’ve got you covered. Visit the Support webpage to explore the services available.

Online academic support

From understanding course content to tackling assignments, writing, and referencing, our expert academics are here to guide you. Available seven days a week, they’ll provide personalised support to help you progress through your studies.

Tech support

We’ve got your back when it comes to technology. Our IT support team is available 24/7 to resolve any tech challenges you might face. With fast response times and tailored solutions, we’ll ensure nothing stands in your way. You’ll also enjoy free access to software downloads required for your program.

Study hours

Adelaide University’s 100% online programs offer the flexibility to fit your lifestyle. You can engage with course materials at any time that works for you – there’s no need to log in at set times. To stay on track, we recommend setting aside 10 to 15 hours per week for each course, but you can adapt your schedule and your study load to suit your needs.

Assessment

All assessments, including exams (if required) are conducted 100% online – so you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or sit an exam. Depending on your program, your assessments might include:

An industry-relevant project or case study
An online presentation
Essays and reports.

Graduate Certificate in Nursing Science (Infection Control Nursing)