Program Overview

Nursing - Gerontological Nursing

The Postgraduate Diploma/Masters in Gerontological Nursing, offered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery at University College Cork, is a pathway of the MSc/Postgraduate Nursing Diploma.

Course Outline

Our Gerontological Nursing programme advances the development of expert gerontological nursing in order to meet the complex needs of older people in a variety of care settings. The curriculum encourages you to develop an enquiring and creative approach to both the theory and practice of gerontological nursing.

Programme Pathways

There are 7 clinical pathways to the degree of Masters in Nursing, all of which have an exit route available for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing. Gerontological Nursing is Pathway 3 and comprises theory modules and clinical practice modules.

• Year 1 (60 credits)
  • Core Theory modules (blended learning)
    • NU6005 Evidence-Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals (10 credits)
    • NU6053 Professional, Ethical, and Legal Decision-making in Practice (5 credits)
    • NU6070 Clinical Leadership and Management in Practice Enhancement for Nursing and Midwifery (10 credits)
    • NU6078 Optimising Health and Wellbeing in Older People (10 credits)
    • NU6079 Promoting Positive Ageing and Planning for End of Life (5 credits)
    • NU6117 Contemporary Approaches to Dementia, Stroke, and Mental health in Later Life (10 credits)
  • Clinical Practice/Practicum modules
    • NU6130 Clinical Practice in Specialist Nursing 1 (5 credits)
    • NU6131 Clinical Practice in Specialist Nursing 2 (5 credits)

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this programme, Gerontological Nursing 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-centered approach to the care of the older person
• 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 lifelong learning to ensure ongoing professional development

Course Practicalities

• Workload: For each 10-credit module, there is an estimated 200 hours of student workload
• Teaching Mode: Full-time, with some modules taught online
• Assessment: A range of assessments are used throughout the programme, including written assignments, seminar presentations, online activities, and a Competency book

Why Choose This Course

With the rapidly growing older-adult population and the rapidly changing healthcare services of today, it is vital that nurses working in older-adult settings are competent to provide the highest quality of nursing care, and maintain professional standards of care.

Requirements

• ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Applicants for this MSc in Nursing, including the Postgraduate Diploma exit route, should normally hold active registration on a division of the professional register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland
• Clinical Practice Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of six months of post-registration experience, excluding courses, and at least six months experience in the speciality pathway applied for

Fees and Costs

• Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2026/2027: See the Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information

How To Apply

1. Check dates: Check the opening and closing dates for the application process
2. Gather documents: Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the online application portal
3. Apply online: Apply online, noting that most courses have a non-refundable application fee