Healthcare Quality Improvement (Online) MSc

Program Overview

MSc in Healthcare Quality Improvement

Overview

The MSc in Healthcare Quality Improvement is a part-time online programme designed for healthcare professionals. The programme focuses on quality improvement in healthcare, preparing students for leadership roles in clinical practice.

Course Outline

The programme consists of seven 10-credit modules and one 20-credit module, delivered over two years. 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.

Modules

• Year 1
  • NU6313 Digital Healthcare (10 credits)
  • NU6303 Advancing Practice for Patient Safety (10 credits)
  • NU6302 Practice Enhancement for Quality Healthcare (10 credits)
  • NU6310 Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice for Quality Improvement in Healthcare (10 credits)
  • NU6312 Contemporary Issues in Healthcare (10 credits)
• Year 2
  • NU6306 Clinical Leadership for Healthcare Quality Improvement (10 credits)
  • NU6304 Advanced Research Methods Applied to Healthcare (10 credits)
  • NU6309 Applied Research for Evidence-Based Practice and Quality Improvement (20 credits)

Course Practicalities

The programme is delivered online, with each 10-credit module delivered over six weeks and the 20-credit module delivered over 33 weeks. Students can complete the programme over a minimum of two academic years.

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 available in Ireland and one of the few available in the world. The programme prepares healthcare professionals to advance their practice and take leadership roles in healthcare, with a strong emphasis on quality improvement.

Skills and Careers Information

The programme enables students to take a leadership role in clinical practice in an increasingly complex healthcare environment, with a specific skillset relevant to contemporary healthcare. 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 satisfy the following requirements:

• Be qualified healthcare professionals registered with the regulatory body in their country of residence.
• Have a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent.

Technical Entry Requirements

Students will require reliable broadband and access to at least a PC/Laptop running Windows 7 or later and Mac OSX 10.7.4. Common plug-ins such as Microsoft Silverlight, Java, and Flash will also be required. Students must have access to MS Office or an equivalent suite of applications.

Fees and Costs

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

How to Apply

1. Check the opening and closing dates for the application process.
2. Gather supporting documents, including original qualification documents and transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
3. Apply online through the UCC online application portal.

Additional Requirements

Applicants will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process, including:

• Details of professional or voluntary positions held.
• Additional academic courses, self-learning, and professional training relevant to the programme.
• Certification of current registration with the appropriate professional body.

Deferrals

Deferrals are not permitted on this course.

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.