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Nursing: Gerontology (MHSc/PDip)

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Course Overview

This programme is for all nurses caring for older people in acute, community or long-term care settings. The programme recognises the need to enable and empower people to age with confidence, security and dignity. It also acknowledges the need for gerontological nurses to attain postgraduate specialist knowledge, skill and competence to effectively work with older people to achieve their individual goals and ambitions about their personal health and wellness. The programme aims to equip nurses with the broad skills needed to meet the needs of older persons across a wide variety of settings acknowledging older people as valuable active citizens who deserve the support and empowerment of service provision to enact a fulfilled life.    

This programme is offered full-time over two calendar years. On completion of both theoretical and clinical modules in Year 1, you have the option of completing a Postgraduate Diploma or (if you have achieved the minimum 60% average mark across these modules) you may progress onto the second year to complete the MSc programme.    

A blended learning approach is adopted in the delivery of this programme. Students are required to attend face to face workshops for an average of 12 days during the academic year.  As a Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) requirement students are required to complete a minimum of 500 clinical working hours caring for older persons in order to complete the programme.    

SPECIAL FEATURES
The course has a clinical focus, offering opportunities to develop specialist skills in gerontological nursing. 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. This course is approved by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.

Programme Funding

This programme is eligible for funding supported by the Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services Directorate (ONMSD). Funding is available for registered nurses, employed in the HSE, or in HSE funded organisations. If you want to make further enquiries and apply for HSE funding for this programme further information is available at

healthservice.hse.ie/about-us/onmsd/education-and-continuous-professional-development/cpd-for-nurses-and-midwives/apply-for-funding/apply-for-funding.html

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

See the full staff list here.

Requirements and Assessment

The following supporting documentation is required on application 
 
  • A copy of your current NMBI registration 
  • Copies of your academic transcripts from completed educational courses 
  • Copies of your official awards (parchments) from completed educational courses 
  • Written evidence of support from your Director of Nursing and Clinical Unit Manager guaranteeing practice placement in a setting where you will an opportunity to care for older person patients/clients for the duration of the programme, or where  necessary, agreement that you will be freed to undertake additional practice in a suitable placement setting facilitating experience caring for older persons.  
  • You must also submit details of your work experience as stated on the application form. 
Modules are assessed using a combination of continuous assessments including online e-tivity, MCQ, and coursework.  

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

  1. Be a registered nurse on the General Nurse or Psychiatric or Intellectual Disability division of the register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI); 
  2. Have a minimum of one year of post-registration experience (exclusive of post-registration courses); 
  3. Be currently employed as a nurse in a setting where he/she has opportunities to care for older people and have a minimum of 6 months experience in this specific clinical setting. 
  4. Satisfy the selection panel of ability to complete the programme;
  5. Provide written evidence of support from their Director of Nursing and Clinical Unit Manager guaranteeing practice placement in a setting where he/she has an opportunity to care for older person patients/clients for the duration of the programme. Alternatively, where necessary, agreement that the applicant is facilitated to undertake additional practice in a suitable placement setting focused on care of the older person.  
  6. 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) or Postgraduate Diploma (Level 9) must demonstrate that they have successfully completed (in the previous four years) a module at Level 9. Please consult the professional credit awards at Level 9 at: www.universityofgalway.ie/pca/pca.html. 
  7. Provide the following supporting documentation on application:
  • A copy of your current NMBI registration 
  • Copies of your academic transcripts from completed educational courses 
  • Copies of your official awards (parchments) from completed educational courses
  • Letter from your line manger confirming support for practice placement
  • Letter confirming funding for the programme 

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

20

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

30 June 2025

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

Course code

MHSC-GERO

Course Outline

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.

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.

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.

RequiredNU6102: Ageing & Older People: Biopsychosocial Perspecti


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

The module is arranged around two themes, namely the Sociology of Ageing and the Physiology of Ageing. The module focuses on the experience and meaning of ageing for the individual, with the aim of developing awareness of what it is like to be old in society. In addition, input on the physiology of ageing will address the functional changes associated with ageing addressing the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, sensory, nervous, immune, endocrine systems and the skin.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Critically examine definitions of ageing and their influence on how older people are viewed in society
  2. Critically evaluate the relevance and influence of theories of ageing on the nursing care of older people
  3. Critically analyse the impact of ageism in our society
  4. Identify, analyse and respond to the costs of caring for carers and how best to support them
  5. Critically evaluate the significance of dependence in old age
  6. Develop an advanced awareness of elder abuse, its identification and management
  7. Critically discuss and explain the physiology of ageing addresses the functional changes associated with ageing of the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, sensory, nervous, immune, endocrine systems and the skin
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module NU6102: "Ageing & Older People: Biopsychosocial Perspecti" and is valid from 2024 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredNU6103: Contemporary Issues in Gerontological Nursing


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This module aims to expand knowledge and develop clinical practice skills by addressing contemporary issues related to gerontological nursing. A key focus of the module will be on the enhancement of quality of life for older people. This will include older people who are cared for in the acute hospital setting, long-stay residential and community units as well as older people who reside in their own homes
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Critically debate issues related to the professional development of gerontological nursing practice .
  2. Understand current and expanding clinical care pathways for older people
  3. Understand the theoretical approaches to quality of life for older people
  4. Have a critical awareness of issues related to quality of life for older people
  5. Increase knowledge of mental health issues affecting older people
  6. Explore the implications of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in the older person.
  7. Critically reflect on issues related to polypharmacy for older people.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module NU6103: "Contemporary Issues in Gerontological Nursing" 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.

RequiredNU634: Dementia Care: Transforming Practice


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module will provide nurses with an advanced understanding of dementia. The overall aim of the module is to enable nurses to provide person-centred care to people with dementia and their carers enhancing their quality of life. This module has been developed using the latest evidence from the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). The module is relevant to those working in the community, acute and long-term care settings.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Describe the demography, prevalence and incidence of dementia nationally and internationally.
  2. Describe the signs and symptoms of dementia and its common subtypes.
  3. Discuss the “cost” of dementia.
  4. Describe the screening and assessment processes required to diagnose dementia.
  5. Understand the lived experience of dementia from the person’s and carer’s perspective.
  6. Provide appropriate support and information to people with dementia and their carers.
  7. Explain the key theoretical approaches to understanding dementia (biological, social, psychological and psychosocial) in context of their implication for practice.
  8. Debate the meaning of “personhood” in dementia in context of its implications for practice.
  9. Analyse the concept of “person-centred care” and its application when caring for and with people with dementia.
  10. Plan and implement person centred care appropriate to the person and his/her needs.
  11. Distinguish between dementia, delirium and depression.
  12. Implement appropriate and individualised strategies to manage behaviours that challenge.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module NU634: "Dementia Care: Transforming Practice" 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.

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.

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 service and care provision to older persons in the acute, long term residential and community healthcare sectors.

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) & €3,570 (Yr 2) (including levy) p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Tuition

€7,750 p.a. (Yr 1); €3,500 (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

Dr Marcella Horrigan Kelly 
E: Marcella.kelly@universityofgalway.ie
T: + 353 91 492 828 

 

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