Course Summary
The aim of this programme is to facilitate health professionals to develop and augment their knowledge and skills in a manner conducive to the development of their professional practice and become skilled in research and evidence-based practice methodology.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must be registered as a nurse on the Register held by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. Applicants will normally have gained a primary degree (health science/studies or social science/studies related) Level 8 or evidence of equivalent academic credits. Applicants must also be currently employed in healthcare either in: clinical practice/ management/ research / education. For full details on the Entry Requirements for this programme please see the course webpage.
Recognition of Prior Learning: Yes.
Application Details
Flexible learning courses are popular, and they fill on a first come, first served basis. There are two major intake periods throughout the academic year, September and January.
For January start courses, applications typically open in October, and for September start courses, applications typically open in February. Closing dates for applications are listed on the individual course webpage.
Start Date: September 2025.
Fees
Total Fees: €6000
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
Many of our Masters programmes are structured in a way that includes recognised entry and exit awards. This means that you can apply for part of Masters first and learn at your own pace or if you are unable to complete the full programme, you can still gain a recognised qualification. Our entry and exit awards typically include Postgraduate Certificate award and a Postgraduate Diploma award.
Duration
Study Hours
A 10-credit module has a 20 hour per week workload and this includes class time, online directed work, self-directed work and assessment preparation.
On-Campus Attendance
In the Postgraduate Diploma phase, students undertake directed work and attend 2-4 seminar days per module on campus. In the Master of Health Science phase, students attend 3-4 seminar days per semester online.