Community Mental Health Nursing

Postgraduate Diploma in Science

Course Details

Course Code	SG_NCMHN_O09
Level	9
Duration	1 year
Credits	60
Method of Delivery	Blended
Campus Locations	St Angelas
Mode of Delivery	Part Time

Apply Now How to Apply

Apply Now How to Apply

Course Overview

The theoretical component of the Postgraduate Diploma part of the programme is comprised of six modules. One of the modules is a clinical placement. Four are theoretical modules and are core to the programme. The remainder is optional i.e. you have a choice of one module among four (see program outline for further details). The four optional modules are comprised of the areas relevant to the clinical care programmes in mental health.

A variety of teaching strategies are employed in this programme reflecting the notion of adult learning. These include lectures; enquiry/problem based learning, practical skills workshops, inductive discussion, e-tivities, facilitated discussion boards, group reflection and individual reflection on practice. Self-directed learning is also incorporated into the programme allowing students autonomy in choice and independence in learning. Reflection on practice allows students to link theory with practice and link practice to an evidence base. Enquiry/problem based learning facilitates the student to learn through a process of enquiry encouraging student autonomy, independence of learning and engages the student in the learning process.

Recommended Study Hours per week

Each of the six 10 credit modules have a 20 hour per week workload and this includes class time, online directed work, self-directed work and assessment preparation.

Examination and Assessment

The programme is assessed by a variety of continuous assessment, practical examinations and written examinations.
Note: Where assessment on the programme involves examinations, these are held on campus or at another exam venue in the Republic of Ireland. There are typically two exam periods: January and May. Times scheduled for examinations (face to face / online exams ) are in GMT.

On-Campus Attendance Requirement

Attendance is required at St Angela’s Campus for 6 days during Semester 1 and 9 days during Semester 2.
Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.

Progression

The Master of Health Science/Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Community Mental Health Nursing totalling 90 ECTS is delivered over 2 academic years. On successful completion of Postgraduate Diploma phase of the programme, students can then chose two options:

Option One: Exit the programme with a Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Community Mental Health Nursing
Option Two: Continue their studies, for one further academic year, bypassing the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Community Mental Health Nursing award, and continuing to complete a 30 ECTS research dissertation module for the award of Master of Health Science in Community Mental Health Nursing.

Note: Students who elect to continue on to complete the Master’s programme, will at the end of their studies hold a Master of Health Science qualification (not both a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master of Health Science award).

Download a prospectus

Postgraduate Prospectus Online, Flexible & Professional Development Prospectus

Entry Requirements

Be a Registered Psychiatric Nurse on the Psychiatric Division of the active register maintained by NMBI.
Be currently practicing as a psychiatric nurse.
Have at least 18 months post-registration experience in psychiatric nursing (exclusive of post-registration courses).
Hold a primary degree in nursing. If applicants do not have a primary degree in nursing, they will be invited to complete an access course (1 day attendance in college). Upon successful completion of this access course, students can then be enrolled onto the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Community Mental Health) Level 9.
International students will require a degree of fluency in the English language. A score of 6.5 in the IELTS Academic Test is required. This equates to a score of 570 in TOEFL.

Fees

Total Fees EU: €10800

Further information on fees

Careers

Students are able to build upon their previous nursing expertise with education in the area of Mental Health Nursing. They are able to respond proactively to changes in their practice and work environment and become key drivers in the development of their professional practice. This programme provides a pathway to Masters level education.

Why Choose the Master of Health Science/Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Community Mental Health Nursing?

Programme is university accredited
Blended Learning Options.
Providing education in specialist subject areas of Mental Health
Mental Health is a growing specialist area in Nursing

Work Placement
The Professional Practice module aims to expose the student to contemporary mental health care in the community for a minimum of 300 hours. As well as exposure to as many aspects as possible of community mental health care, the student will take on a caseload which offers him/her the diversity of conditions and challenges to facilitate completion of the clinical competency document as well as the associated clinical portfolio. The student will have a preceptor will help to facilitate the placement as well as assess the student’s competence throughout the placement.

Further Information

Who Should Apply?

This programme is suitable for registered Psychiatric Nurses on the Psychiatric Division of the active register maintained by NMBI who are currently practicing as a psychiatric nurse and have at least 18 months post-registration experience in psychiatric nursing (exclusive of post-registration courses).