Course Summary
The aim of this course is to develop postgraduates’ theoretical knowledge, professional values and skills to enable them to plan and implement evidence-based interventions and person-centred approaches for older people across a variety of health and social care contexts.
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
A Level 8 Bachelor (Hons) degree with a minimum grade classification of H2.2 or equivalent (nursing, health science/studies or social science/studies related) or evidence of equivalent academic credits. Applicants who have successfully undertaken and passed at a H2.2 performance standard, a minimum of one 10 ECTS module (Level 9), as a standalone module or equivalent (in the previous four years) will be eligible to apply. Applicants will hold registration as a nurse on the live Register of NMBI (or equivalent) in the General, or Psychiatric, or Intellectual Disability division, or hold registration as an allied health and social care professional on the live Register of CORU (or equivalent), and have a minimum of 1-year post-registration experience including six months in a care of the older person setting and be currently employed in a setting where he/she has opportunities to care for older people.
Recognition of Prior Learning: Yes
Application Details
Flexible learning courses are popular, and they fill on a first come, first served basis. There are two major intake periods throughout the academic year, September and January.
For January start courses, applications typically open in October, and for September start courses, applications typically open in February. Closing dates for applications are listed on the individual course webpage.
Start Date: September 2026.
Fees
Total Fees: €7,200.
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.
Career Progression
Many of our Masters programmes are structured in a way that includes recognised entry and exit awards. This means that you can apply for part of Masters first and learn at your own pace or if you are unable to complete the full programme, you can still gain a recognised qualification. Our entry and exit awards typically include Postgraduate Certificate award and a Postgraduate Diploma award.
Duration
Study Hours
Students will be required to complete modules worth 5 ECTS (125 hours total student effort) or 10 ECTS (250 hours total student effort) with students being expected to attend hours in class, complete online directed learning courses.
On-Campus Attendance
Delivery of this course will be hybrid, as content may be delivered both on and off and between campuses in ATU Donegal in Letterkenny, ATU St Angelas in Sligo, and ATU Mayo in Castlebar.
