Program Overview

MSc in Specialist Nursing

Course Details

• Course Code: DC778
• Course Type: Postgraduate
• NFQ Level: 9 - Please see www.nfq.ie for further information
• Delivery Modes: Part-Time
• Duration: 2 Years

Overview

This part-time, blended-learning programme enables you to choose one of two specialist pathways: Chronic Disease Management or Women’s Health.

Designed by the School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health in partnership with leading nurses and midwives, the pathways address contemporary Irish healthcare issues and prepare students to work in specialist areas.

Throughout your study, you’ll learn how to develop a person-centred approach to care, design a structured treatment plan, work as part of a multidisciplinary team, and develop your specialist knowledge and leadership skills to enhance practice and improve patient outcomes.

Careers & Further Options

The programme prepares graduates to advance their career in specific clinical specialist areas and in leadership and management positions within the health care service.

Entry Requirements

• Applicants will typically hold a (NFQ) Level 8 Honours Degree with a H2.2 or equivalent.
• Candidates will generally hold a primary degree in a relevant discipline.
• In addition, candidates must:
  • be currently registered in one of the following four divisions of the Register of Nurses maintained by NMBI: General Nursing; Psychiatric Nursing; Intellectual Disability Nursing or Children’s Nursing.
  • have a minimum of 12 months post registration experience, which should be 12 months full-time experience OR 24 months at minimum of 19.5 FTE.
  • Applicants must be employed for a minimum of 19.5 hours per week or 0.5 FTE.
  • be currently employed in the specialist area/setting and provide written evidence from their line manager that they will be supported in completing the minimum required hours of practice, including the clinical practicum.

Programme Structure

The MSc in Specialist Nursing is a two-year, part-time programme delivered in a flexible, blended-learning format using a mix of face-to-face, online learning activities and learning in the practice context.

The MSc in Specialist Nursing offers two specialist pathways, students must choose one of the following:

• Chronic Disease Management
• Women's Health

In year 1, students will complete the two modules relevant to their chosen specialist pathway:

Chronic Disease Management:

• Adult Chronic Disease Management Specialist 1
• Adult Chronic Disease Management Specialist 2

Women's Health:

• Women’s Health Specialist 1
• Women’s Health Specialist 2

Students will complete the following core modules:

• Health Communications and Digital Solutions
• Research and Evaluation Methods
• Nursing Leadership and Change Management

Students also choose one of the following optional modules:

• Adult Physical Assessment and Intervention
• Palliative and End-of-Life Care
• Person-Centred Dementia Care
• Safeguarding Adults at risk

In year 2, this programme offers students a choice of undertaking a research dissertation or a practice development project, allowing students to tailor the programme for their chosen career path.

Fees and Funding

• Part time
• EU Status Fee Part-time: €7,500 in year one, €2,300 in year two.

How To Apply

• Alongside the application form candidates must also provide the following as part of their application on the Student Application Portal:
  • Academic transcripts for each and every year of study, with English translation if applicable
  • Clinical Experience template must be completed and uploaded to the application portal
  • Proof of current NMBI registration
  • If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements
• Application Deadlines:
  • Closing date for Non EU applicants is 1st July 2025.
  • Closing date for EU applicants is 30th August 2025.

Life On Campus

• DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
• Each campus has a library, study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies.
• There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.

FAQs

• Is DCU all one campus?
  • DCU is a multi campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses.
• If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
  • Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
• Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
  • We have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.