Applicants must hold an NFQ Level 8 qualification. However, applicants who do not hold a Level 8 qualification may still be eligible to join the programme through our supported-entry pathway programme. This is subject to an assessment of prior learning and experience.

Must have an active registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland or other registration in a country in which they are practicing if international students.

Must be working in the specialist practice of the programme for the duration of the programme.

Must provide a clinical learning agreement signed by a director of nursing or designate.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
If you do not meet the minimum academic requirements above, you may still be eligible to apply through recognition of prior learning (RPL). RPL is the assessment of knowledge, skills and competence previously acquired.

Learning occurs in many contexts which include work, involvement in social and community activities, or learning through life experience generally. RPL does not give credit for experience as such; rather it considers the learning that was acquired as a result of the experience.

RPL may be used to gain:

Admission to courses/programmes where a person may not have obtained the standard entry requirements.
Exemptions from course modules which duplicate the learning outcomes an individual has already demonstrably acquired through prior learning.

English language requirement exceptions
English language requirements for RCSI Postgraduate programmes are published at https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/postgraduate/policies-and-guidelines/english-language-requirements

If you have completed undergraduate/postgraduate full-time studies in the medium of the English language (three or more years cumulatively) or are registered with the NMBI, you are exempt from these requirements.

How to apply
There are two strands to this programme:

Strand A: Care in the perioperative setting
Strand B: Pre and postoperative care

Please click on "Application Weblink" below, choose the strand you would like to apply for and submit an online application by clicking on the relevant apply button.

During the application progress you will need to submit the following:

- A non-refundable application fee of €50
- Scanned copies of your transcripts

The closing date for applications is Friday, 30th June 2023.

Next start date September 2025

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.