Program Overview

Overview of the M.Sc. in Nursing Program

The M.Sc. in Nursing program at Trinity College Dublin is designed to enable students to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to care for patients to the highest professional standards across the healthcare continuum. This course provides students with a solid academic base to understand the development of nursing practice, with the goal of promoting excellence in the practice setting.

Course Details

• Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
• NFQ Level: 9
• Awards: NFQ Level 9
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Course Coordinator: Dr. Margaret Dunlea
• Closing Date: 30th June 2025

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must hold at least an upper second-class (2.1) Honours undergraduate degree in nursing or a related discipline or equivalent professional and academic qualification.
• They must also hold current registration as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, or, in the case of international applicants (for theory-only learning strands), be registered as a professional nurse in their own country.
• Students will be required to undergo Garda Vetting.
• English Language Requirements: All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Structure

• Students take modules totalling 90 ECTS, which consist of 60 ECTS in taught modules and a 30-ECTS dissertation in Year Two.
• Year One commences with a full week in September and thereafter one or two days per week for the remainder of the academic year (depending on whether the course is being undertaken full time or part time).
• Year Two includes attendance at classes workshops throughout the academic year.
• A blended learning approach is utilised in the delivery of theoretical content which includes lectures, group discussions and self-directed learning/online learning.
• The assessment process is a combination of written and practical assignments.

Course Content

• The following modules are mandatory and make up the taught components of the course:
  • Advancing the Theoretical Foundations for Nursing
  • Theory and Practice of Research Methods for Healthcare
  • Ethics and Law in Healthcare
  • Leadership, Quality Improvement and Governance
  • Facilitating Learning in the Practice Environment
  • Advancing the Professional Role
• In addition, students will undertake a dissertation research project in Year Two.

Career Opportunities

The M.Sc. in Nursing provides a pathway to career advancement. Graduates often pursue careers in healthcare consulting, research, and specialist nursing, including positions in advanced practice, clinical nurse specialist roles, administration, nurse consultant, nurse educator, and research nurse.

Is This Course For Me?

This course is open to registered nurses looking to advance their careers and pursue specialised roles in clinical practice, administration or education. This programme is also suitable for graduates who wish to pursue leadership or management positions.

Course Fees

For a full list of postgraduate fees, please refer to the relevant section of the university's website.

Related Courses

• Advanced Practice (Nursing) M.Sc.
• Children's Nursing (H.Dip.)
• Clinical Health Sciences Education (M.Sc. / P.Grad.Dip.)
• Community Health (M.Sc. / P.Grad.Dip. / P.Grad.Cert.)
• Nursing (Nursing/ Midwife Prescribing) (Certificate)