Entry Requirements
• All applicants must hold a primary degree in Nursing and be working in a cardiovascular setting for the duration of the course. RPL applications are considered for this programme.
• All applicants must be entered onto the appropriate division of the Nurses Register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) (be registered as an RGN).
• All applicants must have at least one year’s post-registration experience at time of application
• All applicants must be employed in a cardiovascular setting for the duration of the programme and work a minimum of 75 hours per month
• In addition, each student must provide documented evidence from the Director of Nursing in the clinical practice area, which guarantees a coronary care nursing
• placement for the duration of the programme
Documents Required
• Academic 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 from Employer (original form)
• Completed Professional Reference Form (original form)
• Nurse applicants: Completed Clinical Competence Assessor Nomination Form signed by the nominee
• Evidence of proficiency in English language (applicants whose first language is not English)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL may be granted in respect of individual modules if applicants can demonstrate that the modules' learning outcomes have been achieved through prior credentialled or experiential learning. In some cases, where an applicant does not meet the prerequisites for entry to a programme, an RPL application may be considered.

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 (https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax) for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:

Grad Dip Nursing (Critical Care - Cardiovascular) FT (X552)
Duration 1 Years
Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*

Grad Dip Nursing (Critical Care - Cardiovascular) PT (X744)
Duration 2 Years Attend Part Time
Deadline Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

X552: Graduate Diploma Critical Care Nursing (Cardiovascular)
Full-Time: Commencing September 2025

X744: Graduate Diploma Critical Care (Cardiovascular)
Part-Time: Commencing September 2025

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.