Program Overview

MSc Nursing (Respiratory Care) Programme

The MSc Nursing (Respiratory Care) is a Level 9 programme designed to equip registered nurses with the specialist knowledge, clinical exposure, and competencies needed to advance in respiratory care practice.

Brief Description

This programme is designed for registered nurses who want to lead and deliver advanced respiratory care across diverse healthcare settings. Through a blend of theory and hands-on experience, students will develop expertise in assessment strategies and therapeutic interventions for individuals with respiratory conditions.

Programme Content

• The programme is completed full-time over two years, taken on a part-time basis.
• It features blended delivery, with both on-campus and online modules.
• Modules are taught during the autumn and spring semesters.
• In Year 1, students undertake six modules, including two specialist care modules and two clinical practicum modules.
• As part of the clinical practicum modules, students complete 500 hours of clinical practice across both semesters.
• There is an option to exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Respiratory Care) at the end of Year 1.
• Students who achieve a minimum QCA grade of 2.00 at the end of Year 1 may progress to the second year for the MSc award.
• In Year 2, students complete a systematic/integrative review.

Year 1 Modules

Autumn Semester

• Health Research – Methods & Methodology (NS6036): Develops an understanding of the social, political, ethical, and personal context of the research process.
• Advanced Assessment in Respiratory Nursing (NS6201): Develops competence and expertise in respiratory nursing assessment.
• Clinical Practicum 1 (NS6401): Facilitates the consolidation, integration, and application of theory within practice.

Spring Semester

• Promoting Quality & Safety in Health Care (NS6038): Explores the concept of quality and safety in healthcare in promoting quality patient outcomes.
• Therapeutic Interventions in Respiratory Nursing (NS6102): Provides specialist and advanced practice nurses with the knowledge and skills to lead, organize, and deliver therapeutic interventions and support.
• Clinical Practicum 2 (NS6402): Facilitates the consolidation, integration, and application of theory within practice.

Year 2 Modules

Autumn Semester

• Dissertation 1 (NS6004): Facilitates students to conduct a systematic/integrative review of evidence related to their nursing practice.

Spring Semester

• Dissertation 2 (NS6005): Facilitates students to organize, prepare, and present their final research dissertation.

Entry Requirements

• Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honor, grade 2 (2:2) in a discipline other than law.
• Be a registered nurse on the current register of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.
• Be engaged in practice as a registered nurse for at least one year.
• Students are expected to work in a practice setting throughout the programme.
• Garda clearance is required.

Fees

• EU: €7,700 per annum
• Non-EU: €7,700 per annum
• Year 2 fees are subject to change.
• Annual fees are billed by semester.

Graduate Profile

The MSc Nursing (Respiratory Care) can lead graduates to roles such as:

• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Advanced Practice Posts

Funding

Further information on funding and scholarships is available.