Overview

The MSc (Nursing) programme comprising of 7 clinical pathways is structured into 2 parts and will typically be completed over 2 years from the date of first registration for the programme (i.e. 60 credits in Part 1 and 30 credits in Part 2).

All students will be registered for a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing in their First Year and will be registered for a MSc in their Second Year. Students who opt to exit at the end of the first year will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing upon successful completion and passing modules to the value of 60 credits (applicable to all pathways).

A student who subsequently 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.

Note - Recognition of prior learning: Applicants who already have completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing programme to the value to 30 credits will be granted exemptions for these modules in the relevant MSc/Postgraduate Diploma exit pathway (applicable to pathways 3, 8, and 11). For Pathway 2, applicants who have already completed NU5098 or equivalent to the value of 10 credits may be eligible for an exemption for NU6171.

Note: Students who have successfully completed 30 credits from the Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing (Gerontological Nursing) and transfer into the MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Programme must take theory modules to the value of 25 credits from NU6070, NU6079, NU6117 and one Clinical Practice/Practicum module to the value of 5 credits (NU6131).

Note: Students who have successfully completed and passed 30 credits from the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Gerontological Nursing) (semester 1 theory modules to the value of 25 credits and semester 1 clinical practice/practicum module to the value of 5 credits) and opt to exit at the end of the first semester will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing (Gerontological Nursing).

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 60 credits as follows - all listed theory modules (50 credits) and 10 credits of clinical practice/practicum modules:
Theory Modules
NU6078	Optimising health and wellbeing in older people	10
NU6005	Evidence Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals	10
NU6053	Professional, Ethical, and Legal Decision-making in Practice	5
NU6070	Clinical Leadership & Management for Practice Enhancement in Nursing & Midwifery	10
NU6117	Contemporary Approaches to Dementia, Stroke, and Mental Health in Later Life	10
NU6079	Promoting Positive Ageing and Planning for End of Life	5
Clinical Practice/Practicum Modules
NU6130	Clinical Practice in Specialist Nursing 1	5
NU6131	Clinical Practice in Specialist Nursing 2	5
Total Credits		60

Progression from the Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing (Gerontological Nursing)

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
NU6070	Clinical Leadership & Management for Practice Enhancement in Nursing & Midwifery	10
NU6117	Contemporary Approaches to Dementia, Stroke, and Mental Health in Later Life	10
NU6079	Promoting Positive Ageing and Planning for End of Life	5
Clinical Practice/Practicum modules
NU6131	Clinical Practice in Specialist Nursing 2	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 Diploma in Nursing (Gerontological Nursing) (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)

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

• Understand and critically evaluate the complex theories and concepts underpinning gerontological nursing practice;
  
• Identify and critically evaluate ethical issues in order to challenge assumptions and question values, beliefs and policies underpinning care;
  
• Develop and apply a critical awareness of the knowledge and skills required to promote the holistic development of a patient centred approach to the care of the older person incorporating the patient's individual needs, beliefs and values;
  
• Develop a collaborative, empowering and advocacy approach in working with older adults;
  
• Exercise accountability within the clinical, ethical and professional boundaries of the role of gerontological nursing;
  
• Critically appraise, evaluate and apply current research evidence and best practice when nursing older people;
  
• Critically appraise and apply assessment strategies, which are appropriate and sensitive to the older adult;
  
• Act as a means of professional support, educator and role model for the provision of life long learning to ensure ongoing professional development.