Overview

NFQ Level 9, Major Award

The MSc (Dementia) is available on a full-time or part-time basis. The full-time programme runs over one calendar year (12 months) from the date of first registration for the programme. The part-time programme runs over two academic years (20 months) from the date of first registration for the programme. The programme includes a period of clinical placement.

Full-time

The full-time MSc (Dementia) runs over one calendar year (12 months) from the date of first registration for the programme. Students take taught modules to the value of 60 credits incorporating approximately 300 hours of structured contact time provided face-to-face, via webinars or online (3-8 in-class days per month during term). Most classes are held in two-day blocks (weekdays). Students also undertake a research dissertation (30 credits), which is submitted at the end of the calendar year.

Part-time

The part-time MSc (Dementia) runs over two academic years (20 months) from the date of first registration for the programme. Students take taught modules to the value of 60 credits incorporating approximately 300 hours of structured contact time provided face-to-face, via webinars or online (3-7 contact days per semester). Most classes are held in two-day blocks (weekdays). Students also undertake a research dissertation (30 credits) ,which is submitted in the early Summer of Year 2.

Exit award: Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award)

Upon satisfactory completion of 30 credits in Dementia, to include modules CG6015 and CG6016, a student may opt to exit the programme and be conferred with a Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia. A student who subsequently applies to continue to Master's level must do so within 5 years of exiting the programme.

Exit award: Postgraduate Diploma in Dementia (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)

Upon satisfactory completion of 60 taught credits, to include modules: CG6015, CG6016 and CG6017, a student may opt not to proceed with / complete the dissertation (CG6018), exit the programme and be conferred with a Postgraduate Diploma in Dementia. A student who subsequently applies to continue to Master's level must do so within 5 years of successful completion of exiting the programme.

Programme Requirements

For information about modules, module choice, options and credit weightings, please go to Programme Requirements. 

Programme Requirements

Module List

Code	Title	Credits
Students take 90 credits as follows - all listed core modules (35 credits), 25 credits of elective modules, and a research dissertation to the value of 30 credits:
Taught Modules
Students take 35 credits as follows:
Core Modules
CG6015	Understanding Cognitive Disorders and Dementia	10
CG6016	Advanced Issues in Dementia Care	10
CG6017	Clinical Practicum in Dementia	5
EH6038	Applied Research for Gerontology and Rehabilitation	10
or MH6014	Advanced Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals
Elective Modules 1
Students take modules to the value of 25 credits from the following:		25
CG6002	Stroke Rehabilitation (10)
CG6006	Falls, Mobility and Movement Disorders (10)
CG6007	Independent Study (5) 2
CG6011	In-depth Independent Study (15) 2
CG6012	Neuromuscular Disorders (10)
IP5001	Holistic Approach to Palliative Care (5) 3
MH6016	Advance Care Planning (5)
NU6053	Professional, Ethical, and Legal Decision-making in Specialist Practice (5)
Research
Students take 30 credits as follows:
CG6018	Dissertation in Dementia	30
Total Credits		90

¹

Part-time students take elective modules over Years 1 and 2.

²

Students can take CG6007 or CG6011 but not both.

³

Can only be selected if the student has active registration or is eligible for registration with the appropriate professional healthcare registration body.

Examinations

Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Programme Learning Outcomes for MSc in Dementia (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Integrate knowledge of brain regions, cognitive domains and specific cognitive syndromes to aid diagnosis and individualized care planning;
  
• Evaluate models of dementia diagnosis and post diagnostic support, within health and social care systems, and in broader society;
  
• Critically appraise the available literature relating to dementia diagnosis and care (including restorative and adaptive cognitive interventions, psychoeducational and supportive care);
  
• Incorporate evidence based practice and quality improvement into everyday work;
  
• Adopt an ethical, person-centred approach to dementia care across the disease trajectory;
  
• Reflect upon the complex relationship between communication and cognitive impairment;
  
• Plan, execute and disseminate research in a dementia related topic;
  
• Critically discuss the processes involved in planning care, choosing appropriate goals and determining successful outcome for a person with cognitive impairment or dementia;
  
• Reflect on the role of members of the multidisciplinary team in dementia care.