Program Overview

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Dementia

Course Fact File

• Code: PCDEM
• Duration: 1 or 2 years (9-20 months) Part-time
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• Qualifications: PG Cert
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
• Non-EU Closing Date: Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
• Start Date: 2 September 2025

Course Outline

The interdisciplinary Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia provides healthcare professionals with the skills to expertly care for a person with dementia from diagnosis to end-of-life. Taking a biopsychosocial approach, with expert lecturers and facilitators from a range of academic and clinical backgrounds, the course content includes dementia presentations, assessments, sub-types and differentials; restorative and adaptive cognitive and non-cognitive interventions; a strong focus on communication, ethical approaches and care planning; translation of evidence to clinical practice; and reflection on legislative, policy and societal influences on dementia care across health and social care settings. At all times the emphasis is on critical appraisal of research evidence, and knowledge of current policy and societal influences, and how these translate into the best possible care for the person with dementia in real-world settings. The Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia can be taken over one or two academic years (9-20 months).

Core Modules

• CG6015: Understanding Cognitive Disorders and Dementia (10 credits)
• CG6016: Advanced Issues in Dementia Care (10 credits)

Elective Modules

• CG6002: Stroke Rehabilitation (10 credits)
• CG6006: Falls, Mobility and Movement Disorders (10 credits)
• CG6007: Independent Study (5 credits)
• CG6012: Neuromuscular Disorders (10 credits)
• CG6017: Clinical Practicum in Dementia (5 credits)
• EH6038: Applied Research for Gerontology and Rehabilitation (10 credits)
• MH6014: Advanced Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals (10 credits)
• MH6016: Advance Care Planning (5 credits)
• NU6053: Ethics for Specialist Practice (5 credits)

Course Practicalities

The Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia is a blended learning programme with some content provided online or via evening webinars and augmented by face-to-face lectures, tutorials, workshops and case-based learning. The workshops focus on peer learning and skills practice (e.g. communication skills, capacity assessment, critical appraisal).

Students take taught modules to the value of 30 credits (two core 10-credit modules and, one x 10-credit or two x 5-credit elective modules) incorporating approximately 150 total hours of structured contact time, provided face-to-face, via webinars or online. Most classes are held in two-day blocks during weekdays. In addition to the structured contact time, students perform approximately 450 hours of self-directed learning, submitting module assignments and reports.

Why Choose This Course

As the population ages and dementia becomes very common, almost all Healthcare Professionals will care for people with dementia in their everyday work, and so need up-to-date knowledge and skills in dementia.

The lecturers and facilitators in this course are clinicians and academics from several disciplines, and all are experts in the area of dementia. The course coordinator is the Clinical Lead for the National Dementia Office in Ireland and is a highly experienced clinician, researcher and policy influencer. Each module is taught to MSc standard and there is a strong focus on translating evidence and policy into practice.

This Postgraduate Certificate combines two core modules in dementia (CG6015 and CG6016) with a choice of one-two taught module from an extensive list, including a unique placement module (CG6017) where you can experience dementia care in a range of settings, enhancing your appreciation of other service models and disciplines.

Requirements

• A Primary Degree in a relevant health care discipline* or an equivalent academic qualification and professional experience to be approved by Programme Team;
• Ideally, candidates should have at least one year's practical experience in their area of qualification post-registration;
• In some exceptional circumstances, candidates, by virtue of their training and experience may, at the discretion of the Programme Team, be deemed suitable for entry to the programme. Such candidates may be requested to undergo an interview.

*A relevant health care discipline includes but is not limited to medicine, nursing, pharmacy, occupational therapy, speech and hearing sciences, audiology, physiotherapy, psychology, and social studies.

Fees and Costs

Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026

See the Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.

Deposits

If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.

Fee payment

Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.

How can I pay?

See different options on the How Do I Pay My Fees? page.

How To Apply

1. Check dates
2. Gather documents
3. Apply online

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
• In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.
• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
• Please detail your research interest(s).
• Please add the name and email addresses of two referees.

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.