Healthcare Quality Improvement MSc

Program Overview

This online MSc in Healthcare Quality Improvement empowers healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to lead quality improvement initiatives and advance patient safety. Through flexible study options and a focus on evidence-based practice, graduates are equipped to pursue leadership roles in healthcare management, research, and practice development. As the only fully online program of its kind in Ireland, it prepares students for the evolving challenges and reforms in healthcare.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This online MSc in Healthcare Quality Improvement is designed for healthcare professionals who want to take on leadership roles in a complex healthcare environment with a focus on quality improvement. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to advance their practice and take on leadership roles in healthcare. It is designed to be flexible and allows students to study while working.

Outline:

The MSc program consists of seven modules worth 70 credits and one module worth 20 credits. Students can exit the program after completing 30 credits with a Postgraduate Certificate in Healthcare Quality Improvement or after completing Year 1 and one 10-credit module in Year 2 with a Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Quality Improvement.

Year 1:

• NU6313 Digital Healthcare (10 credits): This module explores the impact of digital technologies on healthcare delivery and examines the ethical and legal considerations surrounding their use.
• NU6303 Advancing Practice for Patient Safety (10 credits): This module focuses on enhancing patient safety practices and developing strategies to minimize risks and errors in healthcare settings.
• NU6302 Practice Enhancement for Quality Healthcare (10 credits): This module explores various approaches to improving the quality of healthcare services, including patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement methodologies.
• NU6310 Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice for Quality Improvement in Healthcare (10 credits): This module focuses on translating research findings into practice and implementing evidence-based interventions to improve healthcare outcomes.
• NU6304 Advanced Research Methods Applied to Healthcare (10 credits): This module provides a comprehensive understanding of research methodologies and their application to healthcare research.
• NU6309 Applied Research for Evidence-Based Practice and Quality Improvement (20 credits): This module involves conducting a systematic investigation of a problem relevant to the student's practice area using the research process.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a range of continuous assessments across the modules, including:

• Essays
• Case study discussions
• Portfolio submissions
• Digital presentations
• Accumulative report writing
• Online activities
Students also complete a written research/evidence-based project as the final module of the program.

Teaching:

The MSc (Healthcare Quality Improvement) is a part-time online program. Each 10-credit module is delivered over a six-week period with one module delivered at a time. The 20-credit Dissertation module is delivered over 33 weeks.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-positioned to engage in leadership roles relating to quality improvement initiatives, and middle/senior management in their work environments. They are also qualified to pursue a number of exciting careers, including:

• Management
• Practice development positions
• Quality improvement/project manager positions
• Clinical research positions

Other:

The program is the only fully online program available in Ireland and one of the few available in the world. It emphasizes quality improvement and advancing knowledge and skills, preparing students for current health service challenges and reform.