Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Children’s Palliative/Complex Care)

The Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Children’s Palliative / Complex Care) is facilitated by both the teaching teams at University of Galway and UCD. The programme designed for Registered Nurses working with children and adolescents with complex or life limiting conditions. The programme aims to provide students with the necessary in-depth evidence-based knowledge, skills and competencies to provide quality care to highly dependent children as they live with life-limiting illness and may face the end-of-life. 

The programme is offered full-time over two academic years. On completion of the six modules in year one 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 next year to complete the Master programme.

It consists of both theoretical and clinical components. A blended learning approach is adopted in the delivery of this programme.

Students are required to attend face to face workshops for a total of 12 days across the programme. Additionally, students are required to complete a minimum of 500 hours (reduced from previously-published 1,000 hours, on NMBI advice) before completing this programme. The course 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. This course is approved by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.

For academic year 2023/24, HSE is providing limited number of scholarships. Priority for the scholarship will be given to those working in specialist community palliative care settings in line with recent HSE policy recommendations . Applicants are considered first come, first served basis. Please contact the Programme Director Claire Quinn (claire.quinn@nuigalway.ie) for further information.

Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.