Entry Requirements
• Hold a minimum of a BSc degree or equivalent in Nursing (Note: Applicants not holding a bachelor’s degree may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning)
• Given the cross-border nature of the programme; Nurses must be registered with the NMBI.
• PSNI as well as Garda clearance will be required. Clinical placements in both Belfast and CHI at Crumlin are programme requisites.
• Must be currently employed in a Children’s Cardiology setting, in a 0.5 FTE capacity at a minimum, and provide written evidence that they will be supported in completing the minimum required hours of practice, including throughout the clinical practicum.
• RGN without RCN qualification will have a minimum of 2 years’ experience working in Children’s Cardiology.
• RCNs with relevant prior experience must have a minimum of 18 months working in Children’s Cardiology.
• Completion of ‘Introduction to Children First’ E-learning module on hseland.ie and certification submitted.
• Reference from Clinical Nurse Manager/ Clinical Nurse Education Facilitator.

Documents Required
• Original transcript(s) including date and grading of degree award (non UCD Graduates only) & notarised English translations where relevant
• Nurse applicants: A current photocopy of NMBI registration
• Copy of Birth Certificate or Personal Page of Passport
• Signed Declaration Form from Employer (original form)
• Completed Professional Reference Form (original form)
• Completed Clinical Competence Assessor Nomination Form signed by the nominee
• Evidence of proficiency in English language (applicants whose first language is not English)
• Complete UCD Garda Vetting
• Evidence of completion of ‘Introduction to Children’s First’ online learning module www.hseland.ie

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

This programme is designed to meet the professional development needs of Registered Nurses who wish to specialise in Children’s Cardiac Nursing.

§ Applicants should be registered as an RCN, RCN/RGN with a minimum of 12 months experience in Children’s Cardiac Nursing in consultation with the Clinical Course Coordinator.

§ Applicants registered as an RGN with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in Children’s Nursing may be considered for registration to the programme.

§ Applicants should be employed in either cardiac services in Children’s Health Ireland at CHI at Crumlin, or Clark Clinic in The Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.

§ Outside of these centres applicants may be working in a specialist role caring for children with a heart condition.

§ Places are allocated on the programme subject to successful interview, and availability of places.

Online Application.

Who Should Apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: No

Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No

XA16: Graduate Diploma Children's Cardiac Care
Full-Time: Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught

X962: Graduate Diploma Children's Cardiac Care
Part-Time: Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught

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.