Program Overview

MSc Nursing (Dementia Care)

Overview

The MSc Nursing (Dementia Care) is a Level 9 programme designed for registered nurses who want to specialise in person-centred care with and for people living with a dementia diagnosis. The master's equips students with the knowledge, clinical exposure, and competencies needed to support individuals living with dementia and their families.

Programme Content

• The programme is taken on a part-time basis over two years.
• It offers a blended and flexible learning approach with on-campus, online, and workplace learning.
• Students undertake six modules in Year 1, including two specialist modules in dementia care and interventions and two clinical practicum modules.
• As part of the clinical practicum modules, students complete 500 hours of clinical practice across both semesters.
• Students complete a systematic/integrated review at the end of the final semester.
• There is an option to exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Dementia Care) after Year 1.
• Students who achieve a minimum QCA grade of 2.00 at the end of year one may progress to the second year for the MSc award.

Modules

Year 1

• Health Research Methods - Methodology (M): Enables students to develop an understanding of the social, political, ethical, and personal context of the research process.
• Principles Underpinning Dementia Care (M): Prepares practitioners to develop in-depth knowledge of relevant theories and policies and skills to undertake comprehensive assessment to support the individual needs of people with dementia from diagnosis to end-of-life.
• Clinical Practicum 1: Facilitates the consolidation, integration, and application of theory within practice.
• Promoting Quality and Safety in Healthcare (M): Explores the concept of quality and safety in healthcare in promoting quality patient outcomes.
• Therapeutic Interventions in Dementia Care (M): Provides nurses with the opportunity to develop knowledge and expertise of therapeutic interventions applicable to nursing people living with dementia.
• Clinical Practicum 2: Facilitates the consolidation, integration, and application of theory within practice.

Year 2

• Dissertation 1: Facilitates students to conduct work on a systematic/integrated review.
• Dissertation 2: Facilitates students to organise, 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 honours, grade 2 (2:2) in any discipline.
• Applicants must be a registered nurse on the current register of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.
• Applicants must 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.

Graduate Profile

The MSc Nursing (Dementia Care) can lead graduates to become eligible for specialist and advanced practice roles across a variety of health and social care settings supporting people at risk of or with a diagnosis of dementia, such as:

• Clinical nurse specialist
• Advanced practice posts

Testimonial

Claire Friel, a graduate of the MSc Nursing (Dementia Care), noted that the programme provided her with the necessary skills and knowledge to move further into the field of dementia care. She appreciated the blended approach, which combined coursework and work, allowing her to apply what she learned directly to her practice.