Overview

NFQ Level 9, Minor Award

The Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing is a part-time programme running for 6 months from the date of first registration for the programme. The Certificate has three pathways and applicants choose their pathway at the application stage. The pathways are as follows:

Pathway 1: Gerontological Nursing
Pathway 3: Medical and Surgical Nursing
Pathway 7: Oncology Nursing

Pathways 2, 4, 5 and 6 have been discontinued.

Students choose one of the available pathways and complete modules to the value of 30 credits.

MSc in Nursing with Postgraduate Diploma exit awards

Candidates who successfully complete all modules to the value of 30 credits in the Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing programme may apply to transfer into the relevant clinical speciality, where available, of the MSc (Nursing)/Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing programme. On transferring, candidates will be granted exemptions in modules to the value of 30 credits already completed on the Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing and which are part of the relevant clinical pathway on the MSc/Postgraduate Diploma exit. Following transfer, candidates will have the option of exiting with a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing following completion of the remaining 30 credits in the relevant pathway. A candidate who wishes to continue progression for the degree of Master must complete the programme within 5 academic years from the date of successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma Examinations, subject to the programme being available.

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 theory modules (25 credits) and 5 credits of clinical practice/practicum modules:
Theory Modules
NU6005	Evidence Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals	10
NU6053	Professional, Ethical, and Legal Decision-making in Specialist Practice	5
NU6125	Professional Practice Issues for Nurses and Midwives	10
Clinical Practice/Practicum module
NU6130	Clinical Practice in Specialist Nursing 1	5
Total Credits		30

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 Nursing (Medical and Surgical Nursing) (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Enhance medical and surgical nursing practice through the application of well-assimilated theoretical, practical and policy knowledge and clinical skills;
  
• Exercise accountability within the clinical, ethical and professional boundaries of the role of medical and surgical nursing;
  
• Critically appraise and evaluate current research evidence and best practice for specialist nursing and its implications for practice;
  
• Demonstrate an ability to perform assessment, clinical decision making and patient management skills.