Course Summary
The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Intensive Care) offers registered nurses a specialist qualification in intensive care nursing through a flexible, blended learning format.
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
Be a registered nurse on the General division of the register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI);
Have a minimum of six months’ post-registration experience (exclusive of post-registration courses);
Be currently working in Ireland in the required specialist area, i.e., Intensive Care, and have as a minimum six months’ clinical experience in this specialist area;
Provide written evidence of support from their Director of Nursing for the duration of the programme;
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) must demonstrate that they have successfully completed (in the previous two years) a module at Level 9 at: www.nuigalway.ie/pca/pca.html;
Applicants for this programme who have undertaken the National Foundation Education Module in Intensive Care Nursing at UCD or UCC may apply for exemption for the Specialist Module 1 on the Masters/Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Intensive Care) in University of Galway.
Application Details
Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.
An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).
Next start date September 2026
Fees
Fees: EU
€7,640 p.a. (including levy) 2024/25
Fees: Tuition
€7,500 p.a. 2024/25
Fees: Student levy
€140 p.a. 2024/25
Fees: Non EU
€17,500 p.a. (€17,640 including levy) 2024/25
Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2024/25). You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee. A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.
Postgraduate fee breakdown = Tuition (EU or NON EU) + Student levy as outlined above.
Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa
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
Graduates have found employment and promotion opportunities nationally and internationally in intensive care settings, in managerial positions and in educational roles.
Duration
Masters: 2 years full-time (if eligible for second year following Postgraduate Diploma)
