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Wound Healing and Tissue Repair (PDip)

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Course Overview

This programme aims to prepare healthcare professionals to effectively manage (within their scope of practice) challenging wound healing and tissue repair issues. The goal is to provide experienced, dedicated healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills in wound healing and tissue repair to ensure the highest quality of care for patients. Lecturers and facilitators on this course are recognised for their expertise nationally and internationally through research, education and clinical practice.

Unique features of this programme include the multidisciplinary approach. It is the first Level 9 course in skills development and competency in compression therapy and Doppler technique. The lecturers are internationally recognised for their expertise in this field. 

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

Lecturers and facilitators from outside University of Galway include:

  • Ms Mary Burke, Clinical Educator
  • Ms Marion Cahill-Collins, ANP Vascular
  • Ms Tina Clarke Podiatrist
  • Mr Wael Tawfick Consultant Vascular Surgeon
  • Ms Fiona Willis, Nursing Practice Co-Ordinator
researcher
Dr Duygu Sezgin
B.Sc., M.Sc., PhD
Lecturer above the bar
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Aras Moyola
University of Galway
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researcher
Prof Georgina Gethin
RGN, Dip, HEDip, PhD
Personal Professor
School of Nursing & Midwifery
NUI Galway
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researcher
Dr Maura Dowling
MSc,BNs,RNT,RGN,RM Cert Oncology,PhD
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researcher
Mr Bernard McCarthy
RGN, R.N.M.H, Bsc, Msc
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researcher
Ms. Sinéad Hahessy
RGN, MA
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researcher
Prof John Kelly
B.Sc., Ph.D.
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researcher
Dr. Claire MacGilchrist
B.Sc, PhD
Lecturer
Podiatric Medicine
School of Health Sciences
University of Galway
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researcher
Prof Caroline McIntosh
B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.
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Requirements and Assessment

Assessment methods vary according to the specific module and may include: written assignments, e-tivities, blogs and OSCEs.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Hold an honours bachelor‘s degree at NFQ Level 8 in a healthcare profession. 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;
  • Hold current registration with their relevant governing body in Ireland, for example, NMBI, CORU, IMC;
  • Be currently employed in healthcare;
  • Have a minimum of six months’ clinical experience in an appropriate setting since qualification;
  • Students taking the Venous Leg Ulceration module [NU6104] must be in a position to work with clinicians providing care for patients with venous leg ulceration in a hospital or community setting, including the application of compression therapy and recording of Doppler ultrasound.

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

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date
NFQ level

9

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

Course code

MHSC-WHTR

Course Outline

Using a blended learning approach, this programme will be delivered through a combination of online learning and face-to-face skills teaching. On completion of Year 1 students have the option of being awarded a Postgraduate Diploma or (if they have achieved the minimum 60% average mark across these modules) may progress onto the second year to complete the MSc programme.

Modules are delivered using guided learning packs that provide a study guide, directed learning activities (both online and practice based), key reading, reflective points and e-tivities.

Students will be supported online as they work through each unit, using the virtual learning environment BlackBoard Collaborate. Students will be expected to engage in blogs, to respond to posted questions or activities and to complete e-titivies. The face-to-face teaching component (workshops) will take place at intervals throughout the semester. Workshops will focus on key skills and application.

Modules:

  • Students will complete three core and three specialist modules in the first year (60 ECTS). Eligible students will then complete a research dissertation (30 ECTS) in the second year.
  • Core modules: Advanced Research Methods; Clinical Governance—Supporting Safe Practice; Service Improvement.
  • Specialist modules: Management of Venous Leg Ulceration; Management of Diabetic Foot Disease; Advanced Wound Care Management or Vascular Disease.

 

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)

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.

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.

RequiredNU6104: Management of venous leg ulceration


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This module aims to give participants opportunities to explore the topic of venous leg ulceration in-depth and to enable critical practice in this specialised area of care. The demands of wound care and prevention require comprehensive and detailed analysis of the physiological and psychosocial components of the patient experience along with technical and practical skills to perform holistic assessment and to provide safe and effective treatment based upon current evidence.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Develop a critical understanding of the physiology of wound healing and analyse in-depth factors which affect healing.
  2. Critically evaluate the process of holistic assessment and appraise tools and strategies which will facilitate this. •
  3. Critically explore and evaluate the current evidence base for the care and management of clients with venous leg ulcers and be able to predict likely outcomes of treatment based on such evidence.
  4. Demonstrate competency in the application of compression therapy. • Demonstrate competency in the recording of Ankle Bracial Pressure Index.
  5. Reflect critically upon current developments in health and social policy and legislation which impact upon wound healing
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Wound care at a glance" by Peate, Ian; Glencross, Wyn
    ISBN: 9781118684672.
    Publisher: Wiley Blackwell
  2. "Acute and Chronic Wounds: Current Management Concepts" by Ruth Bryant RN MS CWOCN, Denise Nix RN MS CWOCN
    ISBN: 9780323069434.
    Publisher: Mosby
  3. "Lower extremity wounds" by edited by Karen Ousey and Caroline McIntosh
    ISBN: 9780470059081.
    Publisher: Chichester, England ; John Wiley, c2008.
The above information outlines module NU6104: "Management of venous leg ulceration" and is valid from 2024 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.

RequiredPO5101: Management of Diabetic Foot Disease


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

The management of diabetic foot disease requires a multi-disciplinary approach, expert knowledge and a dedication to service provision and service development underpinned by evidence based practice approach. The increasing pace of change and complexity in management of diabetic foot disease has shaped the design of this module. The focus is to ensure students have the capacity to remain current and are capable of updating themselves on new interventions and approaches to the prevention and management of diabetic foot disease. The goal is to teach for life-long learning. Therefore, the module has been carefully designed in stages (see Stages 1- 5) which build on one another with the aim of ensuring that students have a thorough understanding of and in-depth knowledge of the principles of prevention and management, and how these can be applied to diabetic foot disease. Clinical care will be considered in the context of multi-professional management which will involve an appreciation of National and International Guidelines in addition to a range of strategic healthcare polices and initiatives. Students will develop critical reasoning techniques and problem solving skills which will be verified by evaluation of evidence to enable sound judgements to be reached and effective multi-professional communication to take place. These themes will be developed with particular relevance to the student’s work setting.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Critically analyse research and evidence underpinning the multi-professional management of manifestations of diabetes in the lower limb and foot
  2. Appraise relevant policy and position documents relating to management of diabetes in the lower limb and foot
  3. Formulate problem solving strategies that relate to assessment, diagnosis and treatment strategies for people with diabetes.
  4. Evaluative and explore areas of uncertainty, ambiguity, limitations of knowledge and current innovations in managing people with diabetes.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module PO5101: "Management of Diabetic Foot Disease" and is valid from 2024 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalNU438: Advanced Wound Care Management


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This module aims to give course members opportunities to explore the subject of wound management in-depth to enable critical practice in this specialised area of care. The demands of wound care and prevention require comprehensive and detailed analysis of the physiological and psychosocial components of the patient experience along with technical and practical skills to perform holistic assessment and to provide safe and effective treatment based upon current evidence.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Develop a critical understanding of the physiology of healing and analyse in- depth factors which affect healing
  2. Critically evaluate the process of holistic assessment and appraise tools and strategies which will facilitate this
  3. Examine critically and evaluate the evidence base for the care and management of clients with acute and chronic wounds and be able to predict likely outcomes of treatment based on such evidence
  4. Reflect critically upon current developments in health and social policy and legislation which impact upon wound care and prevention and resource allocation
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Acute & Chronic Wounds" by Ruth A. Bryant,Denise P. Nix
    ISBN: 9780323069434.
    Publisher: Elsevier Health Sciences
  2. "Lower extremity wounds" by edited by Karen Ousey and Caroline McIntosh
    ISBN: 9780470059081.
    Publisher: Chichester, England ; John Wiley, c2008.
  3. "The practice of nursing research" by Nancy Burns, Susan K. Grove
    ISBN: 0721691773.
    Publisher: Philadelphia ; Saunders, c2001.
  4. "Oxford textbook of palliative medicine" by edited by Nathan I. Cherny, Marie T. Fallon, Stein Kaasa, Russell K. Portenoy, David C. Currow.
    ISBN: 9780199656097.
    Publisher: Oxford [Oxfordshire]; Oxford University Press
  5. "Wound Care Nursing, a person-centred approach" by Editor: Sebastian Probst
    Publisher: Elsevier
The above information outlines module NU438: "Advanced Wound Care Management" and is valid from 2024 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalPO5102: Vascular Disease


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This level 9 module has been developed as a collaborative initiative between the Vascular Team, Saolta University HealthCare Group, the Discipline of Podiatric Medicine and the School of Nursing and Midwifery at NUI Galway. The management of patients with disease requires a multidisciplinary approach, expert knowledge and a dedication to service provision and service development underpinned by evidence-based practice. Being cognisant of this the module will be delivered by a team of experts in vascular diseases from a range of specialities including vascular, medicine, podiatry, nursing, and primary care experts. The focus of the module is to ensure that the student has the capacity to remain current and is capable of updating themselves on new interventions and approaches to the prevention and management of vascular diseases. The goal is to facilitate life-long learning. Therefore, the module has been carefully designed with the aim of ensuring that students have a thorough understanding of, and in-depth knowledge of the principles of prevention and management, and how these can be applied to vascular disease. Clinical care will be considered in the context of multi-professional management which will involve an appreciation of National and International Guidelines in addition to a range of strategic healthcare polices and initiatives. Students will develop critical reasoning techniques and problem solving skills, which will be verified by evaluation of evidence to enable sound judgements to be reached and effective multi-professional communication to take place. These themes will be developed with particular relevance to the student’s work setting.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Critically analyse research and evidence underpinning the assessment and management of vascular diseases.
  2. Interpret and differentiate signs and symptoms of vascular diseases as they manifest.
  3. Effectively utilise a range of vascular assessment skills and communicate their findings
  4. Formulate problem-solving strategies that relate to assessment, diagnosis and management options for people with vascular disease.
  5. Evaluative and explore areas of uncertainty, ambiguity, limitations of knowledge and current innovations in managing people with vascular disease.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Aiyagari, V. Gorelick,Hypertension and Stroke: Pathophysiology and Management (Clinical Hypertension and Vascular Diseases)," by Aiyagari, V. Gorelick, PB
    ISBN: 10: 331929150.
    Publisher: Human Press
  2. "Dx/Rx: Peripheral Vascular Disease" by Alvaro Alonso, Daniel D. McManus, Daniel Z. Fisher
    ISBN: 0763755389.
    Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Publishers
  3. "Handbook of Interventions for Structural Heart and Peripheral Vascular Disease" by Khanna, NN. Henry, M
    ISBN: 9351529908.
    Publisher: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers
  4. "Peripheral Vascular Disease in Primary Care (Chronic Diseases in Primary Care)." by Sharma, A.
    ISBN: 1846194350.
    Publisher: CRC Press
The above information outlines module PO5102: "Vascular Disease" and is valid from 2017 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

Students graduating from this programme will be able to enhance their clinical skills and knowledge in the area of wound healing and tissue repair. As wound management crosses many disciplines, the career path will vary according to the discipline. In the field of nursing, this programme will support nurses’ application for the role of Clinical Nurse Specialist in Tissue Viability (but does not guarantee that such an appointment will be made).

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. 

Colette

Colette Edwards |   2nd year MSc student

The MSc in Wound Healing and Tissue Repair afforded me the ideal platform to progress my educational journey in the field of Tissue Viability. I chose this programme as the content covered all relevant aspects in the field, with teaching and learning provided by an array of national and international experts. With an onsite School of Nursing and Midwifery along with School of Podiatry, NUI Galway was the ideal location to undertake the programme in Wound Healing and Tissue Repair. The variety within the specialist modules such as Management of Venous Leg Ulcers, Management of Diabetic Foot Disease, Vascular Disease and Advanced Wound Care Management ensured that all aspects of Tissue Viability could be studied in greater depth. At Level 9 the programme was of course at times challenging. However, the support provided by the module leaders and the layout of the module assessments ensured ongoing and supported engagement. The programme has undeniably equipped me as a clinician with invaluable clinical and academic skills which help me to align my everyday practice with current evidence-based research. I currently hold the position of Tissue Viability Clinical Nurse Specialist.

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