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Nursing: Gerontology (MHSc/PDip)

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Course Overview

This programme is for all nurses caring for older people in acute, community or long-term care settings. The programme recognises the need to enable and empower people to age with confidence, security and dignity. It also acknowledges the need for gerontological nurses to attain postgraduate specialist knowledge, skill and competence to effectively work with older people to achieve their individual goals and ambitions with regards to their personal health and wellness. The programme aims to equip nurses with the broad skills needed to meet the needs of older persons across a wide variety of settings acknowledging older people as valuable active citizens who deserve the support and empowerment of service provision to enact a fulfilled life. 
 
The programme is offered full-time over two calendar years. On completion of both theoretical and clinical modules in year 1 students have the option of being awarded a Postgraduate Diploma or (if they have achieved the minimum 60% average mark across these modules) they may progress onto the 2nd year to complete the MSc programme. 
 
The programme consists of both theoretical and clinical components. A blended learning approach is adopted in the delivery of this programme. Students are required to attend face to face workshops for an average of 12 days across the programme.  Students are also required to complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours working with and caring for older persons in order to complete the programme.  
 
 

SPECIAL FEATURES
The course has a clinical focus, offering opportunities to develop specialist skills in gerontological nursing. The programme is offered through a blended learning format—a combination of online and face-to-face learning and teaching. Blended learning is an innovative and flexible approach to learning, making it possible to combine working full-time with studying. This course is approved by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the NUI Galway Postgraduate Applications System. Please note if you are aiming for a postgraduate diploma in this specialist Master/Postgraduate Diploma programme you still need to choose ‘Academic Level’ of “taught masters” to find the programme you wish to apply to. 

Who Teaches this Course

See full staff list here.

Requirements and Assessment

The following supporting documentation is required on application 
 
  • A copy of your current NMBI registration 
  • Copies of your academic transcripts from completed educational courses 
  • Copies of your official awards (parchments) from completed educational courses 
  • Written evidence of support from your Director of Nursing and Clinical Unit Manager guaranteeing practice placement in a setting where you will an opportunity to care for older person patients/clients for the duration of the programme, or where  necessary, agreement that you will be freed to undertake additional practice in a suitable placement setting facilitating experience caring for older persons.  
  • You must also submit details of your work experience as stated on the application form. 
 
Modules are assessed using a combination of continuous assessments including online e-tivity, MCQ, and coursework.  

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

  1. Be a registered nurse on the General Nurse or Psychiatric or Intellectual Disability division of the register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI); 
  2. Have a minimum of one year of post-registration experience (exclusive of post-registration courses); 
  3. Be currently employed as a nurse in a setting where he/she has opportunities to care for older people and have a minimum of 6 months experience in this specific clinical setting. 
  4. Satisfy the selection panel of ability to complete the programme; 
  5. Provide written evidence of support from their Director of Nursing and Clinical Unit Manager guaranteeing practice placement in a setting where he/she has an opportunity to care for older person patients/clients in an appropriate setting for the duration mof the programme, or where necessary, agreement that the applicant will be freed to undertake additional practice in a          suitable placement setting  
  6. Have an honours bachelor’s degree at NFQ Level 8 in nursing or a comparable qualification. Applicants who do not hold an Honours degree or Higher Diploma (Level 8) or Postgraduate Diploma (Level 9) must demonstrate that they have successfully completed (in the previous four years) a module at Level 9. Please consult the professional credit awards at Level 9 at:  www.nuigalway.ie/pca/pca.html. 
  7. Provide the following supporting documentation on application:
  • A copy of your current NMBI registration 
  • Copies of your academic transcripts from completed educational courses 
  • Copies of your official awards (parchments) from completed educational courses

Additional Requirements

Duration

2 years full-time (option to leave with Postgraduate Diploma after successful completion of Year One)

Next start date

September 2022

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

20

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

Please refer to the review/closing date website.

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

Course code

1MGE1

Course Outline

Students will complete three core and three specialist modules in the first year (60 ECTS). Eligible students will then complete a research dissertation (30 ECTS) in the second year.

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Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Graduates have found employment and promotion opportunities nationally and internationally in service and care provision to older persons in the acute, long term residential and community healthcare sectors.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

 

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€6,816 (Yr1) & €3,230 (Yr 2) 2021/22

Fees: Tuition

€6,676 p.a. 2021/22

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. 2021/22

Fees: Non EU

€15,616 p.a. 2021/22 €15,116 (Yr 2)

PDip: EU €6,816; Non-EU €15,616

Top-Up to Masters: €3410 2021/22

Find out More

Marcella Kelly 
E: marcella.kelly@nuigalway.ie 
M: 087 3844119
 

Downloads

  • Postgraduate Taught Prospectus 2022

    Postgraduate Taught Prospectus 2022 PDF (14.3MB)