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Principles of the Prevention and Control of Infection in Health Care Setting Level 2 Certificate Part-time
Course Overview
Principles of the Prevention and Control of Infection in Health Care Setting Level 2 Certificate Part-time
The Level 2 Principles of the Prevention and Control of Infection in Health Care Settings Certificate provides you with the essential knowledge required to understand how infections occur, how they spread and the measures needed to prevent and control infection in clinical and care environments.
It is a knowledge only qualification, ideal for those working or aspiring to work in health or social care settings where infection control is a key responsibility.
This qualification develops the essential knowledge needed to prevent and control infection in health care settings. You will explore how infections are caused and spread, the conditions in which microorganisms thrive, and effective methods to break the chain of infection. The course covers personal hygiene, handwashing, PPE, decontamination, cleaning, waste management and the legislation that underpins safe practice. It also examines risk assessments and workplace responsibilities related to infection control.
The qualification provides you with:
A clear understanding of how infections develop, spread and can be prevented
Knowledge of best practice in personal hygiene, handwashing techniques and use of PPE
Confidence in applying cleaning, decontamination and waste management procedures safely
Awareness of legislation, standards and workplace policies relating to infection control
Skills to identify risks, complete risk assessments and contribute to safer practice in healthcare environments
A strong foundation for progression into Level 3 Health and Social Care or clinical support qualifications
Course content
You will study four mandatory knowledge-based units, covering:
Principles of the causes and spread of infection – terms, microorganisms, how infection spreads, the chain of infection and Healthcare Associated Infections
Importance of personal hygiene and health – personal hygiene, handwashing, PPE and workplace procedures for preventing infection
Decontamination, cleaning and waste management – maintaining a clean environment, colour coding, decontamination processes, sterilisation, laundry handling, waste categories and sharps safety
Infection prevention and control practice – legislation, policies, responsibilities, risk assessment, standard precautions and safe working procedures
Located at: Old Mill Lane campus
Course Start: 01 August 2026
Course length: 17 Weeks
Day(s) of study: Tuesday, at 4:30pm - 8:30pm
Study Mode: Part-time
Course Code: QHEAPPI211
Course Fees and Funding
How much does the course cost?
This course is FREE.
Aged 19 or over and thinking about studying a course?
You may be eligible for free or reduced course fees. Please visit the How to apply and fees page for further details.
Other funding information
Course Content
Other Resources
For further details, please contact our Information Unit by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk
Having good English and Maths qualifications are important for most careers and we want to give you the help you need to succeed.
If you are aged 16 - 19 and don't hold a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English and Maths, you will automatically be included in your study programme. If you want to work towards achieving a higher grade in English and Maths, we can help you do that too and we offer Level 3 Mathematical Studies (Core Maths) which maybe added to your study programme, subject to approval from your chosen department.
If you're aged 19 or above and don't hold a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English and Maths we can help. We offer FREE English and Maths qualifications that can be studied on a part-time basis, subject to eligibility.
If you need any further information, please contact our Information Unit by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk
Our Additional Learning Support team can provide you with the support you need. Call 01226 216 769 for further information.
Barnsley College has a range of sports opportunities for all students to take part in, gain professional training and compete nationally and internationally. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness village, the Sports Village, where students can make use of our fitness suite, spinning studio and classes for competitive rates.
Barnsley Sports Academy offers state-of-the-art facilities and diverse sports programs, enabling students to achieve academic and athletic excellence. Remember, you don't have to be studying Sport to join Barnsley Sports Academy.
Disclaimer: Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
The course information on this page was last updated 06 March 2026.
