Obesity (Nursing) (MHSc/PDip)

Course Overview

This masters programme for nurses provides a broad and comprehensive curriculum that is clinically relevant and that also has a strong theoretical basis. It has been developed in parallel with the MSc in Obesity, but has been adapted to meet the needs of nurses seeking to specialise in obesity care and is delivered through the School of Nursing at University of Galway. Obesity is a major health problem, both for affected individuals and for society. There is a growing awareness of the need to provide effective treatments and prevention strategies. Our motivation in developing this programme at University of Galway is two-fold: To inform better, evidence-based, compassionate and dignified nursing care to patients affected by obesity and related disorders and secondly to inform better population level strategies to mitigate the obesity epidemic.

This “two-pronged” approach is a strong theme throughout the programme, reflected in the two distinct obesity modules that form part of the core learning. Our students will develop in-depth knowledge of the various therapeutic strategies available to patients and will understand the factors underlying variations in the obesity phenotype. Students will also appreciate the potential benefits and disadvantages of various population level strategies that can be formulated to address the obesity crisis, and the societal, political and legislative challenges faced in deploying these.

The School of Nursing at University of Galway is uniquely well placed to deliver this course, which forms part of an integrated suite of masters programmes including cardiovascular disease prevention, diabetes and clinical research. It will be delivered by clinical academic staff attached to the regional bariatric service, providing multidisciplinary medical, nursing, surgical, dietetic and psychological care to patients with severe and complicated obesity. By utilising already well established core academic nursing modules, its relevance to advanced nursing practice and health service leadership development is enhanced.

Please note that NBMI approval for funding for this course is currently pending.

Applications and Selections

All prospective candidates will be interviewed by telephone or Skype. Selection will be made by the programme director on the basis of the applicant’s written application and interview. To be considered for admission to the programme, applicants must meet the admission criteria outlined in the key facts section. Applicants will be evaluated on:

• Their academic record
• Their level of motivation and suitability based on their Personal Statement (submitted as part of the application)

Supporting documentation required to complete application:

• A copy of current NMBI registration.
• Copies of academic transcripts from completed educational courses.
• Copies of official awards (parchments) from completed educational courses.
• Written commitment/memorandum of understanding or equivalent from the director of nursing/employer to support the student during the clinical practicum.

The programme is delivered using a blended learning format, combining on-line learning and face-to-face workshops. In addition this course has a core clinical requirement. The course assessments therefore reflect this approach by using a combination of continuous assessment through examining the students’ online e-tivities, traditional essays, formal module exams, clinical portfolio review and assigned project activities.

Who Teaches this Course

In addition to the faculty of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS), the Programme Board for the Masters of Health Sciences Diabetes play an active role in teaching on this course including:

Prof Francis Finucane

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Dr Maura Dowling

MSc,BNs,RNT,RGN,RM Cert Oncology,PhD

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Dr. Mary Lavelle

B.A., M.A., Ph.D

Lecturer Above the bar, Academic Director of MA/Postgraduate Diploma in Health Promotion Programmes
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Requirements and Assessment

Assessment: a combination of continuous assessment through examining the students’ online e-tivities, traditional essays, formal module exams and assigned project activities.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Course Outline

This programme aims to prepare nurses to contribute to obesity nursing practice. The essence of bariatric nursing is the provision of individualised care to affected patients. This requires nurses to have specialist knowledge and skills that meet the physical, psychological, mental and social needs of patients and their relatives. The multi-faceted nature of bariatric nursing in clinical care settings encompasses the whole spectrum of care, from prevention to diagnosis and treatment, as well as chronic disease management. Therefore, this course encompasses a broad ethos and theoretical framework. 

The course is delivered through blended learning (online content and face-to-face workshops), with an attendance requirement of approximately 10 days per four-month semester. (Please note some workshops may be scheduled at weekends.)

Year 1 is theoretical/ clinically based and represents 60 ECTS credits which is equivalent to a Postgraduate Diploma in Obesity at completion (which students can exit with, if they wish, at the end of Year 1). Year 2 is research thesis based which builds on the knowledge and skills learned in Year 1 and represents 30 ECTS credits, thus providing a total of 90 ECTS (Year 1 & 2) which is the requirement for the awarding of a Masters Health Sciences in Obesity.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU

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