Overview

NFQ Level 9, Minor Award

The Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia is a part-time programme running over one or two academic years (9-20 months) from the date of first registration for the programme.

Students take taught modules to the value of 30 credits incorporating approximately 100 hours of structured contact time (approximately 1 day per month during term if taken over one academic year). Most classes are held in two-day blocks (weekdays).

Progression to the MSc (Dementia)

Following successful completion of the examinations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia, and subject to approval of the Programme Team, a student may opt to transfer to the MSc (Dementia), with exemptions granted for modules already taken.

A student previously conferred with the Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia / Postgraduate Diploma in Dementia (exit award from the MSc) may register for the MSc (Dementia) within five years of completion, subject to approval of the Programme Team, with exemptions granted for modules taken within the previous five years.

Exit Award from the MSc (Dementia) 

Upon satisfactory completion of 30 credits in Dementia, to include modules CG6015 and CG6016, a student may opt to exit the MSc (Dementia) 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.

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 30 credits as follows - all listed cored modules (20 credits) and 10 credits of elective modules:
Taught Modules
Students take 20 credits as follows:
Core Modules
CG6015	Understanding Cognitive Disorders and Dementia	10
CG6016	Advanced Issues in Dementia Care	10
Elective Modules
Students take modules to the value of 10 credits from the following:		10
CG6002	Stroke Rehabilitation (10)
CG6006	Falls, Mobility and Movement Disorders (10)
CG6007	Independent Study (5)
CG6012	Neuromuscular Disorders (10)
CG6017	Clinical Practicum in Dementia (5)
EH6038	Applied Research for Gerontology and Rehabilitation (10)
IP5001	Holistic Approach to Palliative Care (5) 1
MH6014	Advanced Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals (10)
MH6016	Advance Care Planning (5)
NU6053	Professional, Ethical, and Legal Decision-making in Specialist Practice (5)
Total Credits		30

¹

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

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

• Evaluate models of dementia diagnosis and post diagnostic support, within health and social care systems, and in broader society;
  
• 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;
  
• Critically discuss the processes involved in planning care, choosing appropriate goals and determining successful outcome for a person with cognitive impairment or dementia.