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Nursing: Intensive Care (MHSc/PDip)

Postgraduate Diploma/Master in Health Sciences in Nursing (Intensive Care)

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Course Overview

This programme is designed for registered nurses who wish to pursue a specialism in Intensive Care Nursing. 

All students will register on the full-time one-year Postgraduate Diploma. On completion of both theoretical and clinical modules for this course, students will graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma or (if they have achieved the minimum 60% average mark across these modules) they may apply to transfer to the second year of the MSc programme.

Taught components of the programme are delivered in a blended learning format. Blended learning is an innovative teaching strategy which involves a combination of face-to-face and on-line learning. This means that most learning/teaching will be delivered online through Blackboard, an interactive learning system which connects directly to the University from your own home computer. Students are required to attend face to face workshops for a total of 12 days across the programme. The programme is comprised of six theory /practice modules. In all modules there is an emphasis on exploring the relevance of module content to practice, similarly, practice placements allow students to explore “new” knowledge in practice, enabling them an opportunity to integrate theory and practice. 

Students are required to undertake their clinical practice in an approved clinical practice setting within Ireland normally within the students own work setting. Where the environment does not provide sufficient opportunities to meet the learning outcomes of the programme additional placements will be required by the student in sites which will provide the experience needed. A minimum of 500 clinical hours (reduced from previously-published 1,000 hours, on NMBI advice) needs to be completed in the specialist area while undertaking the programme. 

SPECIAL FEATURES

The course is approved by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and has a clinical focus, offering opportunities to develop specialist skills. The programme is offered through a blended learning format—a combination of online and face-to-face learning and teaching.

Blended learning is an innovative and flexible approach to learning, making it possible to combine working full-time with studying.

Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System. 

Please note all applicants register for the 1-year postgraduate diploma, with the opportunity to transfer to the second year of the MSc programme at the end of the first year if they meet the relevant eligibility criteria.

Who Teaches this Course

  • Frances Farrelly: MSc, BNS, RGN, RNT
  • Ann Sheehan: Programme Lead (1MDI1), Clinical Facilitator Critical Care GUH; RGN, RM, RNT, ICU Cert. BScN (Hons) HDip, PDipSc Healthcare Simulation and Patient Safety, MHSc Nurse Education, MSc Healthcare Ethics
  • Claire Lavelle: Clinical Facilitator, Critical Care GUH; RGN, RNT, PDip Intensive Care Nursing, PDip Nurse Education, MHSc
  • Christine Sheehan: RGN, CCRN, MHSc, Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner
  • Pauline May: RGN, ENB 100 (ICU), ENB 934 (HIV), BA Nursing, Masters in Clinical Education

See the full staff list here.

Requirements and Assessment

Modules are assessed using a combination of coursework and examinations.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

All applicants must meet the following entry requirements:

  1. Be a registered nurse on the General division of the register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI);
  2. Have a minimum of six months’ post-registration experience (exclusive of post-registration courses);
  3. Be currently working in the required specialist area, i.e., Intensive Care, and have as a minimum six months’ clinical experience in this specialist area;
  4. Provide written evidence of support from their Director of Nursing for the duration of the programme;
  5. Have an honours bachelor’s degree at NFQ Level 8 in nursing or a comparable qualification. Applicants who do not hold an honours degree or Higher Diploma (Level 8) must demonstrate that they have successfully completed (in the previous two years) a module at Level 9. Please consult the professional credit awards at Level 9 at: www.nuigalway.ie/pca/pca.html;
  6. Applicants for this programme who have undertaken the National Foundation Education Module in Intensive Care Nursing at UCD or UCC may apply for exemption for the Specialist Module 1 on the Masters/Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Intensive Care) in University of Galway.

 

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

Postgraduate Diploma: 1 year full-time
Masters: 2 years full-time (if eligible for second year following Postgraduate Diploma)

Next start date

September 2025

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

10 (minimum)

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

30 June 2025

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

Course code

MHSC-INCA

Course Outline

.

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Module
An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.

Year 1 (60 Credits)

RequiredNU921: Clinical Competence 1


Semester 1 | Credits: 0


(Language of instruction: English)

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module NU921: "Clinical Competence 1" and is valid from 2024 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredNU623: Clinical Governance: Supporting Safe Practice


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module will examine clinical governance and its role in supporting safe practice. Errors are inevitable in healthcare systems (Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance, 2008). It is estimated that medical errors would rank 5 in the top 10 causes of death in the United States, ahead of accidents, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease, if included on the National Centre for Health Statistics’ list (Joint Commission, 2005 p.7). In Ireland, the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance (2008) acknowledge that healthcare will never be risk free but argue that it is critical that the systems in place are as safe as possible, that the right ‘checks and balances’ are in place and that learning results from mistakes. To ensure this happens it is important that programmes prepare nurses to promote and enhance clinical safety. The module is guided by the National Patient Safety Framework (The Australian Council for Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2005) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) Patient Safety Curriculum Guide for Medical Schools (WHO, , 2009), National Patient Safety Strategy 2019-2024 (HSE, 2019) and the HSE Code of Governance (HSE, 2021).
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Examine the concept of ‘clinical governance’ in the Irish healthcare system
  2. Identify and evaluate the factors that determine the quality and safety of healthcare from the perspective of (i) the nurse or midwife (ii) the client (iii) the multidisciplinary team and (iv) the wider healthcare system
  3. Explore their role in promoting and enhancing safety as a member of the multidisciplinary team
  4. Critically evaluate risk assessment processes and issues relevant to their practice setting.
  5. Evaluate their contribution to quality improvement in their practice setting
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module NU623: "Clinical Governance: Supporting Safe Practice" and is valid from 2024 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredNU140: Intensive Care Nursing 1


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This module focuses on the fundamental principles of critical care nursing. Students are provided with an opportunity to further develop their knowledge and understanding of the physiological effects of critical illness on multiple systems. There will be a particular emphasis on the assessment, monitoring, diagnostic and multidisciplinary management of critically ill patients. The practice component of the module affords the student an opportunity to apply this knowledge and further practice the related skills.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Critically discuss the impact of single and multiple organ dysfunction on the physiological condition of the critically ill patient
  2. Critically discuss the monitoring requirements and management of the critically ill patient with specific conditions using evidence-based practice
  3. Critically discuss the key pharmacological agents used in the management of the critically ill patient who is haemodynamically unstable
  4. Demonstrate the ability to perform a comprehensive physical assessment of the critically ill patient
  5. Critically appraise the assessment, monitoring and evaluation of patients requiring CRRT including the nurse's role in prevention of complications using evidence-based guidelines
  6. Demonstrate the ability to interpret patient data from bedside monitoring devices and communicate their significance to the relevant members of the multidisciplinary team
  7. Discuss the different methods of delivering oxygen therapy to critically ill patients and demonstrate the ability to prepare for an emergency intubation and set up ventilation devices
  8. Critically discuss the role of the nurse in reducing risks to and promoting safety of patients, staff and visitors in critical care settings
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Critical Care Nursing: Diagnosis and Management." by n/a
    ISBN: URDEN, L.D.,.
    Publisher: Saunders
  2. "Critical care manual of clinical procedures and competencies." by Albarran, J., Mallett, J and Richardson, A
    Publisher: John Wiley & Sons.
  3. "Critical Care Nursing." by Aitken, L., Marshall, A and Chaboyer, W
    Publisher: Elsevier
  4. "Essentials of Critical Care Nursing: A holistic Approach." by Morton, P and Fontaine,
    Publisher: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  5. "OH’S Intensive Care Manual." by Bersten, D.A and Handy, M.J (2019). OH’S Intensive Care Manual. 8th ed. Elsevier Limited.
    Publisher: Elsevier Limited.
The above information outlines module NU140: "Intensive Care Nursing 1" and is valid from 2024 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredNU141: Intensive Care Nursing 2


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

his module aims to provide the student with an opportunity to extend their knowledge and understanding to further develop their competence in critical care nursing. The focus will be on the holistic nursing care and management of the acute critically ill patient with increasing levels of critical illness from single to multiple organ failure. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their nursing practice and develop an analytical approach to evidence-based patient care.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Critically appraise the assessment, interventions and evaluation of patients requiring invasive ventilation including the nurses role in prevention of lung injury using evidence based guidelines
  2. Critically appraise the assessment, interventions and evaluation of patients requiring high risk medications in critical care including the nurse's role in prevention of complications using evidence-based guidelines
  3. Critically discuss the role of the nurse in the management and prevention of pain, agitation and delirium in the critical care environment using PADIS guidelines
  4. Critically examine the assessment, diagnosis, interventions, and evaluation of the shocked patient including the nurses role in prevention of complications using evidence based guidelines
  5. Critically discuss measures undertaken in critical care to reduce the risk of complications associated with Shock and Multi-Organ Dysfunction (MOD) using evidence based guidelines
  6. Recognise precursors to the catastrophic outcomes in shocked patients with MOD.
  7. Critically analyse the impact of critical illness on patients and their families and demonstrate your understanding of the importance of holistic approaches to care in contemporary critical care setting
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Critical Care Nursing: Diagnosis and Management." by Urden, L.D., Stacey, K.M and Lough, M.E
    Publisher: Saunders.
  2. "Essentials of Critical Care Nursing: A holistic Approach. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins." by Morton, P and Fontaine, D
    Publisher: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  3. "OH’S Intensive Care Manual." by Bersten, D.A and Handy, M.J
    Publisher: Elsevier Limited.
  4. "Critical care manual of clinical procedures and competencies." by Albarran, J., Mallett, J and Richardson, A
    Publisher: John Wiley & Sons.
  5. "ritical Care Nursing. 4th Ed." by Aitken, L., Marshall, A and Chaboyer, W
    Publisher: Elsevier
The above information outlines module NU141: "Intensive Care Nursing 2" and is valid from 2024 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredNU6439: Service Improvement


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module will allow the student the opportunity to plan and implement, with their manager, and an academic facilitator, a service improvement initiative. The project will focus on an issue of relevance to client care or service improvement and must be supported by the student’s line manager and/or clinical facilitator. Examples of the types of projects include: completion of a defined literature review supporting some aspect of unit work, preparation of a patient education leaflet (supported by an evidence based rationale presented separately), development of a patient education pack (supported by an evidence based rationale presented separately), development of a strategy to reduce waiting time, an initiative that will improve patient/staff safety, development/implementation of guidelines/policies, an initiative that improves the quality of patient services or the work environment, an initiative that saves time/money or any issue/problem/change that can be addressed through action. This work must be completed within a calendar year.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Critically examine a practice issue and contribute to service improvement
  2. Integrate and apply learning from other modules
  3. Work collaboratively with peers and clients
  4. Become an autonomous and independent learner
  5. Develop the skills and knowledge needed to implement a change in clinical practice
  6. Develop their skills of analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving and reflection
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module NU6439: "Service Improvement" and is valid from 2024 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredNU922: Clinical Competence 2


Semester 2 | Credits: 0

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module NU922: "Clinical Competence 2" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredNU502: Advanced Research Methods


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

. This module is designed to enable students to explore the methodological and practical issues of research. It will help students determine the appropriate research design for research questions in their practice and provides an opportunity for students to debate, challenge and clarify research issues. This module will also help students understand the systematic review process and types of reviews, Finally, the module prepares students to develop a research protocol.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of what is meant by ‘evidence-based practice’
  2. Discuss theoretical perspectives on research methodology
  3. Formulate an answerable clinical question using the PICO approach
  4. Develop a database search strategy
  5. Explain the key characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of the main qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
  6. Articulate a research problem and formulate a research question or hypothesis as appropriate to guide the conduct of a study
  7. Justify the use of appropriate data collection, sampling, and data analysis methods for qualitative and quantitative research
  8. Discuss rigour in the context of quantitative and qualitative research
  9. Discuss evidence synthesis of quantitative and qualitative research
  10. Create a plan with clear rationales for data collection, sampling, data analysis and rigour to be used when conducting a primary qualitative or quantitative study or evidence synthesis
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module NU502: "Advanced Research Methods" and is valid from 2024 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredNU142: Intensive Nursing Care 3


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module focuses on the specialist populations in critical care settings.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Critically review the nurses role in assessment, intervention and evaluation of patients presenting with endocrine dysfunction in critical care
  2. Critically discuss the nurses role in assessment, intervention and evaluation of patients following trauma
  3. Demonstrate the ability to safely and effectively provide evidenced based care for patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgical procedures
  4. Critically examine special considerations caring for the paediatric patient in an adult intensive care in consultation with the multidisciplinary team (MDT).
  5. Critically review the nurses role in assessment, intervention and evaluation of obstetric patients in consultation with the MDT
  6. Critically review the nurses role in assessment, intervention and evaluation of bariatric patients requiring critical care
  7. Demonstrate an understanding of the ongoing care needs of the chronically ill critical care patient that includes assessment, interventions and evaluation of long term care and rehabilitation needs
  8. Critically evaluate the social and psychological impact of critical illness on patients and their loved ones and analyse evidence based practices that supports individuals recovery and promotes well-being long term
  9. Demonstrate the ability to safely, skilfully and effectively provide evidenced based care for critically ill patients and recognise the importance of communicating significant information to relevant members of the MDT.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Critical Care Nursing." by Aitken, L., Marshall, A and Chaboyer, W
    Publisher: Elsevier
  2. "Critical care manual of clinical procedures and competencies." by Albarran, J., Mallett, J and Richardson, A
    Publisher: John Wiley & Sons.
  3. "OH’S Intensive Care Manual." by Bersten, D.A and Handy, M.J
    Publisher: Elsevier Limited.
  4. "Essentials of Critical Care Nursing: A holistic Approach." by Morton, P and Fontaine, D
    Publisher: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  5. "Critical Care Nursing: Diagnosis and Management. 8th ed." by Urden, L.D., Stacey, K.M and Lough, M.E.,
    Publisher: Saunders
The above information outlines module NU142: "Intensive Nursing Care 3" and is valid from 2024 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Year 2 (30 Credits)

RequiredNU6515: Research Dissertation


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 30

Students will be required to undertake a piece of primary research or an evidence synthesis on a topic relevant to their practice area. Students will be assigned a research supervisor who will support them in undertaking this work.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrated knowledge of ethical requirements and procedures by negotiating access to research site/participants by securing ethical approval from the appropriate Research Ethics Committee in the case of primary research. Or in the case of evidence synthesis/secondary data analysis, demonstrate knowledge in the process of negotiating access to full text data not available in the library databases.
  2. Developed a research question(s) of significance to area of of significance to their specialist nursing/midwifery professional practice or a problem statement(s) based on a review of evidence-based literature.
  3. Identified and apply an appropriate method(s) to achieve the objectives of the research question (s)/ hypothesis for primary data collection, or in the case of secondary data analysis, employ valid and reliable method(s) for processing and analysing archived research data
  4. Critically discuss research findings with reference to the methods used, current literature and professional practice.
  5. Prepared a scholarly report (Option A) research article (Option B) ready for publication which will demonstrate accurate expression, analysis, and synthesis of the research subject.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module NU6515: "Research Dissertation" and is valid from 2024 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Graduates have found employment and promotion opportunities nationally and internationally in intensive care settings, in managerial positions and in educational roles.

 

 

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€7,890 (Yr 1) & €3,320 (Yr 2) (including levy) p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Tuition

€7,750 p.a. (Yr 1); €3,250 (Yr 2) 2025/26

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. (Yr 1) €70 p.a. (Yr 2) 2025/26

Fees: Non EU

€18,000 p.a. (€18,140 p.a. including levy) 2025/26

 


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. 

 

Find out More

Ann Sheehan
T: ann.sheehan@universityofgalway.ie
www.universityofgalway.ie/medicine-nursing-and-health-sciences/nursing/

 

Yvonne

Yvonne Fehily |   RGN, RANP, Critical Care Outreach, Galway University Hosp.

The intensive care unit is where patients are at their sickest with either single-organ, or multi-organ failure, and require varying degrees of life sustaining supports to meet their needs. After completing the postgraduate ICU course in NUI Galway, I became much more knowledgeable in being able to, care for a critically ill patient and provide a high standard of patient care with the most up-to-date evidence-based care. The PG ICU course improved my critical thinking skills, as well as my confidence to question things more, communicate effectively with the multidisciplinary team and family members. It also provided a platform to further my academic and professional portfolio, as I have now progressed on to become an Advanced Nurse Practitioner on the Critical Care Outreach Team.
Grace

Grace Callaghan |   RGN Intensive Care, Sligo University Hospital

The Postgraduate Diploma in ICU is a challenging yet equally rewarding course which reflects the very nature of Intensive Care. I would consider the Postgraduate Diploma to be a solid investment for a career in critical care. It is delivered by leaders in their respective fields and the knowledge gained is invaluable as it can be applied to any critical care or acute care setting. The postgrad course also provided the foundation for me to continue my education and complete my master's degree in Intensive Care.
Lisa

Lisa Ní Thuathail |   RGN, Intensive Care, Galway University Hospital.

I completed the postgraduate diploma in Intensive Care Nursing in 2016. The program taught me the knowledge and skills to care for the critically ill patient safely and competently. The blended teaching through lectures, tutorials and workshops facilitates any learning style while also working full time.
Philip

Philip Parackal Augusthinose |   CNM3, Simulation Clinical Nurse Educator

[Philip Parackal Augusthinose, CNM3, Simulation Clinical Nurse Educator, Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation (ICAPSS), GUH & NUI Galway]. I completed my PG ICU few years ago and found the course helped me understand the rationale for some common ICU procedures and many modalities of patient care. The course menu has the best ingredients delivered by expert facilitators and tutors which helped us to deliver the best patient care with evidence-based practice. Since completing the course, I have progressed further in my career in both specialist and managerial roles in Nursing. I strongly recommend every ICU Nurse to enrol in this programme as the outcome will be rewarding.

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