Course Details

Course Code(s):
MSNUDCTFAD
Available:
Full-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
2 Years, Full-Time taken on a Part-Time basis
Award:
Masters (MSc)
Qualification:
NFQ Level 9 Major Award
Faculty: Education and Health Sciences
Course Type: Taught, Professional/Flexible
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Department of Nursing & Midwifery
Email: nm@ul.ie
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Register your interest here for more information or to be notified when applications are open.

Brief Description

This programme is designed to respond to the need for increased awareness, understanding and enhancement of services to foster an enriched model of living for persons with dementia. Concepts of quality, person centred care, safety and evidence based practice are central to the philosophy, design and overall delivery of the programme. 

(M) Microcreds available:

Modules listed within the Programme Content with an (M) beside them are MicroCreds and can be taken independently.

 

The overall aim of the Master of Science in Nursing(Dementia Care) programme is to provide registered nurses with the opportunity to develop and enhance specialist level knowledge and skills in the area of person centred dementia care.  A key goal of this programme is to prepare practitioners for the challenges of leading and delivering specialist/ advanced level person centred dementia practice across a variety of settings. To achieve this goal, programme content focusses on providing practitioners with the theoretical underpinnings, clinical exposure and competence for the development of knowledge and skills in areas of assessment and therapeutic interventions for persons with dementia.

  • On completion of the programme students will be able to:
  • Critically examine evidence to inform best practice in monitoring co-ordinating and managing care for people with dementia
  • Critically explore professional standards relevant to dementia care
  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of therapeutic interventions used in the management and care of persons with dementia
  • Apply critical thinking skills and ethical decision making required for advancing practice
  • Critically examine the value of multidisciplinary collaboration in the provision of quality evidenced bases outcomes of care for persons with dementia
  • Critically review current innovations and developments in leading and managing change in dementia care practice
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the research process
  • Demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning while fostering self- development and self -evaluation
  • Demonstrate responsibility for personal and professional development in advocating person centred care for people with dementia
  • Apply critical thinking and reflective skills in promoting and advancing person centred dementia care
  • Appreciate the contribution of research in informing and advancing dementia care in practice settings

This is a blended learning programme, taught both on campus and online.

For further details see: Schedule of Lectures:  Student Support - Schedule of Lectures On successful completion of Year 1 of programme, students can exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in MSc Nursing (Dementia Care) 

Year 1 Autumn Semester (Graduate Diploma)Year 1 Spring Semester (Graduate Diploma)
Year 2 Autumn Semester (Masters)Year 2 Spring Semester (Masters)
  • NS6004: Dissertation 1 (9 credits)
  • NS6005: Dissertation 2 (21 credits)

(M) A MicroCred is a single module within a larger further award (eg. Certificate, Diploma, Masters). By taking a micro-credential you may be eligible to apply for a credit exemption should you progress to study for a further award.

The programme is listed as full time but is taken on a part-time basis. The 90 credit MSc in Nursing (Dementia Care) consists of six modules in Year One (60 credits) and one research dissertation in Year 2 (30 credits). In year one students undertake two theory modules in each semester, (one specialist module in older person care and one core module) as well as one clinical practicum module in semesters one and two, a total of six modules in year one of the programme. As part of the clinical practicum modules students are required to fulfil 500 hours clinical practice time over the two semesters in year one, in addition to successfully completing specialist older person care competences. Students are required to attend University for a total of 13 days in year one, one introductory day and 6 days lectures in the Autumn and Spring semesters. In year two students will be required to complete a small scale research project or a systematic review, or a practice-based enquiry within a supported framework. Students will be required to attend workshop days in the Autumn semester of year 2. They will be assigned an academic supervisor and will meet as required with a supervisor during the completion of year 2.

Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules.

A registered nurse on the current register of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland

  • Be engaged in practice as a registered nurse for at least one year
  • Students would normally possess a primary degree( Minimum 2.2) or show evidence of  recognized prior learning  (RPL) as outlined in  the ( RPL) policy of the University and Department of Nursing and Midwifery 
  • Students are required to be working in a practice setting  with persons with dementia for the duration of the programme
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet criteria identified in the English Language qualifications set by the University of Limerick.

Garda clearance is also required for this programme.

The MSc in Nursing (Dementia Care) will be offered as a full-time programme but taken on a   part-time basis over two years with the option of an exit award on completion of year 1 (Graduate Diploma). Students can also opt to progress to year two for the MSc award having attained a minimum QCA of 2.00 at the end of year one.

What to include with your application:

  • Standard Degree Applicants/ Include with your application
  • Full degree transcript and certificates/awards 
  • Copy of current Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland current registration certificate
  • Clinical Practice Environment Self-Assessment Audit Declaration
  • A copy of your birth certificate or passport
  • If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice
  • If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
  • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts
  • English language competency certificate
  • Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements

Recognised Prior Learning Applicants/ who do not meet standard entry requirements / Include with your application

  • A  copy of birth certificate( Long Document)
  • Copy of current Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland registration certificate
  • 1000 word typed Recognised Prior Learning  Statement
  • Copies of all certificates or diploma’s as part of prior learning to date
  • RPL Form

Guidelines on Completing your Application
To ensure a speedy assessment of your application, please upload the above documents with your application form.
Please title appropriately any documents you are uploading with the application form, for example "Supporting Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.
 

EU - €7,500 per annum*

Non- EU - €7,500 per annum*

*Please note year 2 fees are subject to change

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.

Successful completion of year one of the master’s programme (Graduate Diploma award) will provide students with the academic qualifications required to be considered eligible for clinical nurse specialist posts. The MSc award on successful completion of year 2 will provide students with the academic qualifications required to be considered eligible for advanced practice posts.