Program Overview

MSc in Healthcare Quality Improvement

The MSc in Healthcare Quality Improvement is a part-time online programme designed for healthcare professionals. The programme aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to take leadership roles in an increasingly complex healthcare environment, with a focus on quality improvement.

Course Outline

The programme consists of seven modules, each worth 10 credits, and one module worth 20 credits. The modules cover topics such as digital healthcare, contemporary issues in healthcare, practice enhancement for quality healthcare, advancing practice for patient safety, clinical leadership for healthcare quality improvement, implementation of evidence-based practice, and advanced research methods applied to healthcare.

Course Practicalities

The programme is delivered online over a period of two years, with each 10-credit module delivered over six weeks. The 20-credit dissertation module is delivered over 33 weeks. Students can complete the programme at their own pace, with an estimated student workload of 200 hours per 10-credit module and 400 hours for the 20-credit module.

Assessment

A range of continuous assessments are used across the modules, including essays, case study discussions, portfolio submissions, digital presentations, accumulative report writing, and online activities. Students also complete a written research/evidence-based project as the final module of the programme.

Why Choose This Course

The MSc in Healthcare Quality Improvement is the only fully online programme of its kind in Ireland and one of the few available worldwide. The programme has a strong emphasis on quality improvement and advancing knowledge and skills, preparing students for current health service challenges and reform.

Skills and Careers Information

The programme prepares healthcare professionals to advance patient-centered care with a specific skillset relevant to contemporary healthcare, including patient safety, digital healthcare, practice enhancement, and quality improvement. Graduates will be well-positioned to engage in leadership roles relating to quality improvement initiatives and middle/senior management in their work environments.

Requirements

Applicants must be qualified healthcare professionals registered with the regulatory body in their country of residence and have a primary honors degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent. Technical entry requirements include reliable broadband and access to a PC/Laptop running Windows 7 or later and Mac OSX 10.7.4.

Fees and Costs

The EU fee for this course is Part-time: 5,700, and the Non-EU fee is Part-time: 7,900.

How to Apply

Applicants can apply online through the UCC online application portal. Scanned copies of supporting documents, including original qualification documents and transcripts, must be uploaded to the portal. Additional information, such as professional or voluntary positions held and certification of current registration with the appropriate professional body, may be required.

• The programme is designed for healthcare professionals who want to take leadership roles in quality improvement initiatives.
• The online delivery mode allows students to complete the programme at their own pace while continuing to work.
• The programme has a strong emphasis on quality improvement and advancing knowledge and skills.
• Graduates will be well-positioned to engage in leadership roles relating to quality improvement initiatives and middle/senior management in their work environments.
• The programme is the only fully online programme of its kind in Ireland and one of the few available worldwide.