Course Summary
This programme is designed for UCD Graduate diploma holders in the following specialities: Critical Care–Intensive Care, Critical Care Cardiovascular, Heart Failure Nursing, Paediatric Critical Care, Peri-Operative Nursing and Emergency Nursing.
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
• All applicants must be listed on the Register of Nurses and Midwives, which is maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
• Applicants must be employed in clinical practice in Ireland while undertaking the programme
• Applicants must have completed a Graduate Diploma in one of the following specialities: Critical Care–Intensive Care, Critical Care- Cardiovascular, Heart Failure Nursing, Paediatric Critical Care, Peri-Operative Nursing and Emergency Nursing.
Documents Required:
§ Nurse applicants must provide a copy of their current registration and PIN with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
§ Professional Reference Form
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.
Application Details
Online Application.
Who Should Apply?
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No
XA20: Master of Science Critical Care Nursing Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
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.