Course Details
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Brief Description
The overall aim of the programme is to provide registered nurses with the opportunity to enhance previously acquired professional education and develop critical inquiry, knowledge and skills, attributes and competencies in preparation for developing roles within older person nursing. Successful completion of year 1 (Graduate Diploma) will provide students with the academic qualifications necessary to be considered for Clinical Nurse Specialist posts. Successful completion of year 2 (MSc) will provide students with the academic qualifications to be considered for Advanced Nursing Practice posts. The programme provides opportunities to explore research as evidence for enhancing and changing practice. The programme also provides opportunities for nurses to develop critical thinking and reflective skills at specialist and advanced practice levels. The programme will develop professional qualities and a high level of competence in the promotion of excellence and current best practice in the delivery and appraisal of advancing practice in older person nursing.
(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 programme is to provide registered nurses with the opportunity to enhance previously acquired professional education and develop critical inquiry, knowledge and skills, attributes and competencies in preparation for developing roles within older person nursing. Successful completion of year 1 (Graduate Diploma) will provide students with the academic qualifications necessary to be considered for Clinical Nurse Specialist posts. Successful completion of year 2 (MSc) will provide students with the academic qualifications to be considered for Advanced Nursing Practice posts. The programme provides opportunities to explore research as evidence for enhancing and changing practice. The programme also provides opportunities for nurses to develop critical thinking and reflective skills at specialist and advanced practice levels. The programme will develop professional qualities and a high level of competence in the promotion of excellence and current best practice in the delivery and appraisal of advancing practice in older person nursing.
On completion of the programme the student will:
- Critically examine evidence that informs best practice in the care of the older person in the context of gerontological care
- Critically explore the philosophy of gerontological care and biopsychosocial perspectives on ageing, current trends and issues in ageing, complexities and challenges of nursing older people, person centred approaches to care, promotion of positive ageing
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of models of gerontology assessment and therapeutic interventions currently used in care of older persons
- Apply critical thinking skills and ethical decision making required in practice
- Demonstrate proficiency in written, verbal, and digital communication skills, at individual and collaborative levels
- Critically examine the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in the provision of quality evidenced based care
- Critically review current innovations and developments in leading and managing change in practice
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the research process
- Demonstrate commitment to life-long learning while fostering self-development and self-evaluation
- Demonstrate responsibility for personal and professional development in advancing gerontological practice
- Apply critical thinking and reflective skills in promoting and advancing practice in gerontology
- Appreciate the contribution of research in informing and advancing practice in gerontology
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 (Older Person)
| Year 1 Autumn Semester | Year 1 Spring Semester |
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| Year 2 Autumn Semester | Year 2 Spring Semester |
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(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 (Older Person) 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.
Entry Requirements
- 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 2H2) 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 an older person setting for the duration of the programme
- The MSc in Nursing (Older Person) 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.
- 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 Click here
Garda Clearance is also required for this programme.
Successful completion of the Garda clearance process, Health Screening & Vaccinations Certification and CPR certification are programme requirements for this degree programme. Health Screening/Vaccination Certificates will incur costs to the student.
What to Include with your Application:
- Full degree transcript and certificates/awards
- Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland current registration certificate
- Clinical Practice Environment Self-Assessment Audit Declaration
- 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 AND
- English language competency certificate
- Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements
Recognised Prior Learning - What to Include with your Application:
- Copy of birth certificate/Passport
- 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.)
Successful completion of year one of the Masters in Nursing (Older Person) 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.