Overview

The MSc (Nursing) programme comprising of 7 clinical pathways and is structured into 2 parts that 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). 

For AY2024-2025 and onwards, the PG Certificate Nursing (Medical-Surgical Nursing) has been discontinued as an entry route, but is available as an exit route for PG Diploma Nursing (Medical-Surgical) where students successfully complete semester 1 modules:  NU6125, NU6005, NU6053 and a Clinical Practice/Practicum module NU6130 (pass 30 credits).    A student who subsequently wishes to progress to a PG Diploma Nursing (Medical-Surgical Nursing), must complete the programme within 5 academic years from the date of successful completion of the Postgraduate Certificate Examinations, subject to the programme being available.

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). 

Note: Students who have successfully completed 30 credits from the Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing (Medical and Surgical Nursing) and transfer into the MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Programme must take theory modules to the value of 25 credits from NU6070, NU6085, and NU6152 and one Clinical Practice/Practicum module to the value of 5 credits (NU6131).

Programme Requirements

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

Programme Requirements

Code                         Title                                                                                                                      Credits

Students take 60 credits as follows - all listed theory modules (50 credits) and clinical practice/practicum modules 10 credits: 

Theory Modules:

NU6125                   Professional Practice Issues for Nurses and Midwives                                        10

NU6005                   Evidence Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals                                         10 

NU6053                  Professional, Ethical and Legal Decision-making in Practice                                  5

NU6070                  Clinical Leadership in Practice Enhancement for Nursing and Midwifery           10 

NU6085                  Wound Care for Health Professionals                                                                          5

NU6152                 Medical and Surgical Nursing of Individuals with Cardiorespiratory Problems   10

Clinical Practice/Practicum Modules

NU6130                Clinical Practice in Specialist Nursing 1                                                                       5

NU6131                Clinical Practice in Specialist Nursing 2                                                                       5

Total Credits                                                                                                                                                  60            

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 (Medical and Surgical Nursing) (NFQ Level 9, Major 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 medical and surgical nursing and its implications for practice;
  
• Evaluate the effectiveness of individual outcomes against specialist intervention plans for individuals and their families in medical and surgical nursing practice;
  
• Synthesise health related issues for the development of intervention/service responses appropriate to the needs of individuals and their families in medical and surgical nursing practice;
  
• Contribute as a learned member of the multidisciplinary team in the delivery of quality healthcare for individuals and families within the context of medical and surgical nursing;
  
• Act as a means of professional support, educator and role model for the provision of life long learning to ensure ongoing professional development.