Course Details
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Read instructions on how to apply
for more information or to be notified when applications are open.
Brief Description
The overall aim of the MSc Nursing (Palliative Care) programme is to provide registered nurses involved in the care of patients with a life-limiting illness the opportunity to develop their previously acquired professional education and clinical practice skills. The programme focuses on the care and support of patients with palliative needs and their families.
(M) Microcreds available:
Modules listed within the Programme Content with an (M) beside them are MicroCreds and can be taken independently.
The overall aim of the programme is to provide registered nurses with the opportunity to enhance previously acquired professional education and develop critical inquiry, knowledge and skills, attributes and competencies in preparation for developing roles within nursing. Successful completion of year 1 (Graduate Diploma) will provide students with the academic qualifications necessary to be considered for Clinical Nurse Specialist posts. Successful completion of year 2 (MSc) will provide students with the academic qualifications to be considered for Advanced Nursing Practice posts. The programme provides opportunities to explore research as evidence for enhancing and changing practice. The programme also provides opportunities for nurses to develop critical thinking and reflective skills at specialist and advanced practice levels. The programme will develop professional qualities and a high level of competence in the promotion of excellence and current best practice in the delivery and appraisal of advancing practice.
On completion of the programme the student will:
- Critically examine best practice in meeting the palliative care needs of patients and their families.
- Critically evaluate philosophical concepts and the evidence underpinning palliative care.
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of therapeutic interventions used in a palliative care context in disease and symptom management.
- Apply critical thinking skills and ethical decision making required for advancing practice.
- Demonstrate proficiency in written, verbal, and digital communication skills at individual and collaborative levels.
- Critically examine the value of multidisciplinary collaboration in the provision of quality evidenced based palliative care.
- Critically review current innovations and developments in leading and managing change in practice.
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the research process.
- Demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning while fostering self-development and self-evaluation.
- Demonstrate responsibility for personal and professional development in advancing palliative care.
- Apply critical thinking and reflective skills in promoting and advancing palliative care practice.
- Appreciate the contribution of research in informing and advancing practice within a palliative care setting.
This is a blended learning programme, taught both on campus and online.
For further details see: Schedule of Lectures: Student Support - Schedule of Lectures
On successful completion of Year 1 of programme, students can exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in MSc Nursing (Palliative Care)
| Year 1 Autumn Semester | Year 1 Spring Semester |
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| Year 2 Autumn Semester | Year 2 Spring Semester |
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(M) A MicroCred is a single module within a larger further award (eg. Certificate, Diploma, Masters). By taking a micro-credential you may be eligible to apply for a credit exemption should you progress to study for a further award.
The programme is listed as full time but is taken on a part-time basis. The 90 credit MSc in Nursing (Palliative Care) consists of six modules in Year One (60 credits) and one research dissertation in Year 2 (30 credits). In year one students undertake two theory modules in each semester, (one specialist module in palliative care and one core module) as well as one clinical practicum module in semesters one and two, a total of six modules in year one of the programme. As part of the clinical practicum modules students are required to fulfil 500 hours clinical practice time over the two semesters in year one, in addition to successfully completing specialist palliative care competences. Students are required to attend University for a total of 13 days in year one, one introductory day and 6 days lectures in the Autumn and Spring semesters. In year two students will be required to complete a small scale research project or a systematic review, or a practice-based enquiry within a supported framework. Students will be required to attend workshop days in the Autumn semester of year 2. They will be assigned an academic supervisor and will meet as required with a supervisor during the completion of year 2.
- A registered nurse on the current register of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland
- Be engaged in practice as a registered nurse for at least one year
- Students would normally possess a primary degree (Minimum 2.2) or show evidence of recognized prior learning (RPL) as outlined in the (RPL) policy of the university
- Students are required to be working in a practice setting where there are patients with palliative care needs, for the duration of the programme
Garda Clerance is also required for this programme.
Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact UL Global for advice.
The MSc in Nursing (Palliative Care) will be offered as a full-time programme but taken on a part-time basis over two years with the option of an exit award on completion of year 1 (Graduate Diploma). Students can also opt to progress to year two for the MSc award having attained a minimum QCA of 2.00 at the end of year one.
What to include with your application:
- Full degree transcript and certificates/awards
- Copy of current Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland registration certificate
- Clinical Practice Environment Self-Assessment Audit Declaration
- A copy of your birth certificate or passport
- If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice
- If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
- English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
- English language competency certificate
- Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements
Recognised Prior Learning Applicants / who do not meet standard entry requirements / Include with your application
- Copy of birth certificate or passport
- Copy of current Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland registration certificate
- 1000 word typed Recognised Prior Learning Statement
- Copies of all certificates or diploma’s as part of prior learning to date
- RPL Form
Guidelines on Completing your Application
To ensure a speedy assessment of your application, please upload the above documents with your application form.
Please title appropriately any documents you are uploading with the application form, for example "Supporting Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.
EU - €7,500 per annum*
Non- EU - €7,500 per annum*
*Please note year 2 fees are subject to change
Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)
The programme focuses on the care and support of patients with palliative needs and their families. Critical inquiry will be encouraged into all aspects of palliative care with due regard for the context of practice and the changing needs of palliative care patients and their families. In addition to core modules supporting the acquisition of theoretical knowledge, students will explore how a philosophy of palliative care can underpin their practice in areas such as disease and symptom management, communication, grief and loss, spirituality, sexuality. Successful completion of the first year of the programme will provide students with the academic qualifications required to be considered eligible for clinical nurse specialist posts. The MSc award will provide students with the academic qualifications required to be considered eligible for advanced nursing practice posts.