Who is this course for?  

The MSc in Evidence-Based Future Healthcare is designed for professionals across health and social care who want to strengthen their ability to use evidence to improve practice, inform decision-making, and shape future healthcare systems. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, policymaker, manager, educator, or researcher, this flexible online programme enables you to upskill while working, and to make a tangible impact in your setting. 

This course welcomes applicants from a wide range of professional and disciplinary backgrounds, including medicine, nursing, health and social care, public health, pharmacy, healthcare management, healthtech and beyond. It is suited to those looking to lead service improvements, transition into research or policy roles, or pursue further academic study in evidence-based healthcare or implementation science. 

With a curriculum focused on practical, real-world application - covering evidence-based practice, research methods, understanding statistics, evidence synthesis, person-centred care, digital health, and health equity - this programme equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make meaningful change in their own settings and beyond. 

What will I study?  

The MSc in Evidence-Based Future Healthcare can be completed as a full-time one-year programme or over two years on a part-time basis. The course is fully online and designed to be flexible for busy professionals. Students will learn about the key concepts, principles and application of evidence-based healthcare, health research methods, searching and appraising evidence, using statistics to inform healthcare decisions, person-centred care and shared decision-making in the age of mis/disinformation, the role of digital health and technology in clinical decision-making and advancing health equity through evidence-based practice. An applied final capstone project will ensure the applicability of learning to the student’s own workplace. 

Our flexible online learning approach means learning at a time and place that suits you. We will use cutting-edge technology to deliver diverse online teaching and learning methods, including recorded lectures, live online tutorials, groupwork and interactive discussion boards, to maximise an engaging learning experience. Students will be assessed through a variety of methods including written assignments, online assessments, individual and group presentations. Each module and assessment is highly applied to real-world settings and targets the development of critical thinking, problem-solving skills and interprofessional evidence-based practice. 

Curriculum Information

Curriculum Information

• Fully online and flexible: Designed for working professionals, with asynchronous content and recorded tutorials to suit clinical schedules.
• Applied capstone project: Replace the traditional dissertation with a real-world, challenge-based project tailored to your own healthcare context.
• Interprofessional and international: Learn alongside peers from a wide range of disciplines and countries, fostering rich collaboration and peer learning.
• Practice-focused curriculum: Gain practical skills in evidence synthesis, critical appraisal, statistics, person-centred care, and digital health innovation.
• Expert-led teaching: Delivered by a transdisciplinary faculty and international guest speakers from leading global institutions.
• Accredited and endorsed: First interdisciplinary MSc with Stage 2 Category Approval from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.
• Strong research centre connections: Closely linked with Evidence Synthesis Ireland, Cochrane Ireland, and the HRB Trials Methodology Research Network - international leaders in evidence-based research and training.
• Supports sustainability and leadership: Emphasises evidence-based innovation, inclusive leadership, and health equity to meet global health challenges.
• Develops transferable skills: Build advanced critical thinking, implementation planning, and communication skills to lead change in diverse healthcare settings.

With its focus on real-world application, flexible delivery, and future-focused content, the MSc in Evidence-Based Future Healthcare prepares graduates for a wide range of leadership, specialist, and research roles across clinical, academic, health policy, and service delivery settings. 

Graduates will be equipped with the skills to critically appraise evidence, design implementation strategies, lead change, and advocate for equity in healthcare. This makes them highly attractive to employers seeking individuals who can bridge the gap between research and practice. 

Roles graduates may pursue include:

• Clinical specialist or advanced practice roles with a focus on service innovation 
  
• Healthcare managers or quality improvement leads 
  
• Academic roles (research assistants, doctoral researchers) 
  
• Implementation scientists and knowledge translation specialists 
  
• Policy advisors, programme evaluators, or evidence officers in health agencies 
  
• Roles within research infrastructures, such as Cochrane, clinical trial units, or health technology assessment bodies 

Sectors and settings include:

• Hospitals, primary care, and community health services
• Health policy and public health organisations (e.g. HSE, Department of Health, WHO)
• Academic institutions and research centres
• Not-for-profits, NGOs, and patient advocacy groups 
  
• Digital health and medtech companies 
  
• International bodies focused on global health or health systems strengthening
  • Many graduates may choose to progress to PhD study or clinical-academic training programmes. The course also builds capacity for those seeking funding to lead projects in practice (e.g. via HSE Spark, HRB Applied Partnership Awards, or implementation fellowships).
  • Employers increasingly value the practical, cross-cutting skills taught in this MSc - including critical appraisal, evidence synthesis, applied statistics, digital health awareness, and inclusive leadership. These are in high demand in a health system undergoing digital transformation, workforce redesign, and a shift toward integrated, evidence-informed models of care.

Accrediting Body

The MSc in Evidence-Based Future Healthcare has been approved at Stage 2 Category level by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). It is the first interdisciplinary MSc programme to receive this level of approval, recognising its academic rigour, relevance to clinical practice, and contribution to professional development. 

This accreditation affirms that the programme meets the educational standards required by NMBI for registered nurses and midwives seeking to undertake postgraduate study aligned with professional advancement. 

• Dr Elaine Toomey
• Dr Eimear Morrissey
• Dr Claire Kerins
• Dr Emma Kirwan
• Prof Declan Devane
• Johanna Pope
• Dr KM Saif Ur-Rahman
• Dr Linda Biesty
• Dr Catherine Houghton
• Dr Maura Dowling
• Prof Martin O Halloran
• Prof Derek O Keeffe
• Dr Conor Judge  

https://stories.universityofgalway.ie/introducing-our-teaching-team/index.html 

How will I learn?  

The MSc in Evidence-Based Future Healthcare uses innovative online pedagogy to deliver a flexible and engaging learning experience for busy professionals. The programme combines asynchronous interactive workbooks, recorded lectures, guided readings, and live online tutorials (scheduled in the evenings and also recorded), all designed to support diverse learning styles and clinical schedules. 

Teaching is structured around real-world application, with a focus on using evidence to solve complex healthcare problems. Students engage in collaborative group work, peer discussion boards, practical exercises, and individual reflection activities. International guest speakers, case studies, and examples from across healthcare disciplines help situate learning in authentic contexts. 

A strong emphasis is placed on community and connection. Students are supported through regular feedback, structured peer interaction, and live academic drop-in clinics. 

How Will I Be Assessed? 
Assessment is 100% continuous and coursework-based. There are no written exams. 

1. Continuous Assessment - Each module includes a blend of assessments such as written assignments, evidence appraisals, discussion forum contributions, reflective tasks, data interpretation exercises, group projects, and presentations. Students receive regular, formative feedback.
2. Capstone Project - Instead of a traditional dissertation, students complete a 20 ECTS applied capstone. This involves identifying a real-world healthcare challenge, developing an evidence-informed solution, and producing a practical implementation and evaluation plan. The final submission may be used to support real funding or service improvement proposals. 

This varied, applied approach ensures that students are assessed in ways that reflect how they will use evidence in practice - focusing on critical thinking, communication, synthesis, and leadership. 

Programme Endorsements

Dr Karla Soares-Weiser |   Editor-in-Chief, Cochrane

Empowering all healthcare professionals with evidence-based practices is pivotal for advancing our healthcare system and ensuring optimal patient care. The MSc in Evidence-Based Future Healthcare stands at the forefront of this transformative education. 

LinkedIn Connect with Dr Karla

Mr Bill Maher |   Group CEO, Bon Secours Health System

Progressive healthcare demands exceptional treatments with a solid evidence base to meet the growing demands of patients and healthcare delivery systems. Innovation and perpetual improvement continues to promote greater effectiveness and efficiency, along with the key skills and attributes for the modern healthcare professional. For those professionals keen to continually develop their skills and maintain a competitive advantage, I would recommend the MSc in Evidence-Based Future Healthcare. 

LinkedIn Connect with Mr Bill

Professor Anthony O'Regan |   Chief Academic Officer, Saolta University Healthcare

The healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving, and it’s critical that we respond to current challenges with collaborative, efficient and effective evidence-based solutions. This MSc in Evidence-Based Future Healthcare addresses a key strategic need for interprofessional programmes that will help students to find these solutions. 

Course queries:

E: FutureEvidenceMSc@universityofgalway.ie   

Programme Director(s):  

Dr Elaine Toomey (currently on leave) 

Acting Programme Director 

Dr Eimear Morrissey  
School of Nursing and Midwifery 
College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences 
E: eimear.morrissey@universityofgalway.ie

Q: Is the programme fully online?
A: Yes, the MSc is delivered entirely online. All content is accessible asynchronously, with live sessions held in the evenings and recorded for flexible access. 

Q: Can I study while working full-time?
A: Absolutely. The programme is designed for working professionals. Both full-time and part-time options are available, and weekly learning activities can be completed at times that suit your schedule. 

Q: Do I need to come from a clinical background? 
A: No. While many of our students are clinicians, we also welcome applicants from public health, health policy, research, and healthcare administration roles. The key requirement is a background in a health-related field and a clear interest in evidence-based practice. 

Q: Is there a dissertation? 
A: No traditional dissertation. Instead, students complete a 20 ECTS capstone project where they design a practical, evidence-informed intervention for a real-world healthcare challenge relevant to their context. 

Q: Will I be eligible for further study (e.g. PhD)? 
A: Yes. The MSc provides a strong foundation in research methods and evidence synthesis, and many graduates go on to further study or apply for research funding. 

Q: Are there specific technical requirements? 
A: You’ll need access to a stable internet connection and a device (laptop or desktop) to engage with the interactive online workbooks, participate in tutorials, and complete assignments. 

Q: What support is available during the course? 
A: You will have access to academic advisors, module leads, peer discussion forums, and drop-in clinics. Our online learning platform is designed to be intuitive, supportive, and responsive to student needs. 

Graduates of the MSc in Evidence-Based Future Healthcare will be able to: 

• Critically appraise and synthesise diverse sources of research evidence to inform healthcare decision-making
  
• Communicate complex evidence clearly to a range of stakeholders, including clinicians, managers, and patients 
  
• Design and evaluate implementation strategies for real-world healthcare challenges 
  
• Demonstrate leadership and advocacy in advancing person-centred, equitable, and evidence-informed care 
  
• Work collaboratively across disciplines and settings, fostering interprofessional learning and problem-solving 
  
• Apply inclusive and reflexive approaches to healthcare improvement, policy, and innovation 
  
• Plan, manage, and deliver a substantial applied project with real-world relevance and impact 
  
• Reflect on their own practice and learning to support continuous professional development

Minimum Entry Requirements  

1. A 1.1 (or equivalent) or 2.1 (or equivalent) Bachelor’s honours degree in a healthcare-related field*
2. Applicants should have relevant work experience in healthcare, including direct care for individuals or communities in clinical settings, non-clinical roles in healthcare administration, policy, or research and community service focused on healthcare.
3. Applicants from diverse backgrounds with a variety of healthcare experiences, including those such as health policy, public health etc, healthcare management etc., are welcomed 

*Applicants from non-healthcare-related degrees will be considered (minimum requirement of 2nd Class Honours, Grade 1) on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the coordinators. 

English Language Entry Requirements  

A minimum overall score of 7.0 IELTS, with no less than 6.5 in any one band for international applicants  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents  

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.   

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, the closing date is the 31st July. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.  

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships  

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships   

University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.  

HRB Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network 

This scholarship is for applicants applying to  the MSc Evidence-Based Future Healthcare 

Value: €10,000  

The Diabetes Collaborative CTN (DC-CTN) is pleased to announce two €10,000 scholarships to be made available through Galway University Foundation with industry partners Menarini and Novo Nordisk.  Both scholarships are intended to support MSc studentsc ommencing academic year 2025/26, to build capacity, skills and knowledge in the conduct of clinical trials, by means of providing financial support. T 

The scholarships are designed to equip the next generation of healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge to excel in the clinical research field and to serve as a pathway for transforming medical discoveries into clinical applications, fostering efficiency and innovation for those engaging in trial activity. 

To be considered for a DC-CTN Scholarship Award, all applicants will be required to have accepted an offer on the MSc Evidence-Based Future Healthcare. Thereafter, they must complete a scholarship application form, supply a personal statement, provide details of any previous research, provide a copy of their most up-to-date Curriculum Vitae, confirm membership/membership affiliation of the DC-CTN, along with providing any other appropriate supporting evidence and/or documentation. 

More information can be found here https://diabetestrialsctn.ie/two-new-scholarships-announced/ 

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.  

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