• All applicants must hold a primary degree in Nursing (or equivalent in a related discipline). Applicants not holding a degree may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning.
• All applicants must be entered on to the appropriate division of the Register of Nurses and Midwives, which is maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
• All applicants at the time of application must have at least one year’s post-registration experience working in an Emergency Department.
• All applicants must be employed in an Emergency Department for the duration of the programme and work a minimum of 75 hours per month. To facilitate engagement and collaboration with your allocated mentor, the majority of these hours must be day shift hours. This is confirmed by a declaration form signed by the Director of Nursing at the student’s place of employment before the commencement of the programme.

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
• Other health care professionals: A current photocopy of registration with professional registration body
• Copy of Birth Certificate or Personal Page of Passport
• Signed Declaration Form by Employer
• Completed Professional Reference Form
• Nurse applicants: Clinical Competence Assessor Nomination Form signed by the nominee
• Evidence of proficiency in English language (applicants whose first language is not English)

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.

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

X616: Graduate Diploma Emergency Nursing (Adult) Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught

X751: Graduate Diploma Emergency Nursing (Adult) 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.