Program Overview

Introduction to the MSc Diabetes Program

The MSc Diabetes program at the University of Galway is a comprehensive education experience that equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to become specialists in diabetes care and research. This interdisciplinary program responds to the urgent need for better prevention and management of diabetes, a growing global crisis projected to affect over 600 million people by 2030.

Program Overview

The MSc Diabetes program is designed to prepare graduates to effectively contribute to diabetes management through comprehensive academic and research training. The program is delivered through blended learning, combining online content with face-to-face workshops, and requires approximately 10 days of attendance per 4-month semester.

Curriculum Information

The program consists of 90 ECTS credits, with 60 credits allocated to theoretical modules in Semesters 1 and 2, and 30 credits allocated to a research thesis in Semester 3. The curriculum emphasizes service design innovation, health technology, and the latest evidence-based guidelines, preparing graduates to lead transformative care initiatives.

Year 1 Modules

• MD1802: Research Methods (10 credits, Semester 1)
• MD1801: Fundamentals of Preventive Cardiology (10 credits, Semester 1)
• GPN10: Diabetes (10 credits, Semester 1)
• MD577: Research Project (30 credits, Semester 1)
• Optional modules in Semester 2:
  • MD1803: Tobacco Cessation in Noncommunicable Disease Prevention and Management (10 credits)
  • MD1804: Diet and Weight Management in Preventive Medicine and Cardiovascular Health (10 credits)
  • MD1805: Physical Activity and Exercise in Chronic Disease Management (10 credits)
  • MD578: Lifestyle Risk Factor Modification (30 credits)
  • MD1810: Pharmacotherapeutic Approaches in Cardiometabolic Medicine (10 credits)

Unique Features

• Master core concepts: The program provides physicians, podiatrists, dietitians, physiotherapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals with the knowledge to provide high-quality care.
• Expert-led: Delivered in partnership with the National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health (NIPC), enabling students to interact with leading experts and engage in cutting-edge research.
• Interdisciplinary expert teaching faculty: Students learn from international leaders and clinical specialists from medicine, nursing, nutrition, exercise, behavioral medicine, and public health.
• Practical training: Focuses on current evidence-based delivery of diabetes practices, behavioral change strategies, lifestyle approaches to risk factor modification, psychosocial health, and medical management of cardiovascular risk factors.

Careers

Specialist training in diabetes at the postgraduate level demonstrates an academic commitment to diabetes care and research, allowing graduates to be competitive in pursuing future healthcare opportunities.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum entry requirements: Successful applicants possess at least a Second Class Honours, Grade 1 degree in an appropriate clinical or life science degree program.
• English language entry requirements: For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required.
• Supporting documents: Applicants must provide supporting documentation, including transcripts, certificates, and English language proficiency test results.

Fees and Funding

• Fees for academic year 2026/27:
  • EU tuition: 9,400
  • Student contribution: 0
  • Non-EU tuition: 18,800
  • Levy: 140
  • Total EU fee: 9,540
  • Total non-EU fee: 18,940
• Scholarships: The University of Galway offers postgraduate excellence scholarships and global scholarships to eligible students.

Why University of Galway?

The University of Galway is a world-renowned research-led university, ranked in the top 2% of universities globally, and is committed to providing high-quality teaching and research opportunities.