Professional Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in Science
Sonraí an Chúrsa
Course Code | SG_NPROF_O09 |
---|---|
Céim | 9 |
Fad ama | 2/3 years |
Creidmheasanna | 60 |
Modh Seachadta | Blended |
Suímh campais | St Angelas |
Modh Seachadta | Páirtaimseartha |

Forbhreathnú Cúrsa
The aim of this programme is to facilitate health and social care professionals to develop and augment their knowledge and skills in a manner conducive to the development of their professional practice. The Master of Health Science / Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Nursing / Professional Studies reflects many of the issues driving change in health and social care delivery in health and social care delivery and will challenge the participants to reflect on their own and their work setting’s capacity to respond to such a shift. The multi-disciplinary nature of the programme is mirroring the current and desired approach to healthcare delivery.
On successful completion of the programme and depending on the stage that the student choses to exit the programme, students who are registered nurses will be awarded the Master of Health Science / Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Nursing Studies and students who are allied health and social care professionals, will be awarded the Master of Health Science / Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Professional Studies.
Programme Outline
The Postgraduate Diploma in Science phase provides a flexible format allowing students to choose from a suite of modules that are relevant to their own clinical and professional practice development. A total of six modules; 2 core (Advanced Research Skills and Healthcare Ethics) and 4 optional, can be completed over a 2-3-year period. A large proportion of the modules are delivered in a blended learning/e-learning format; hence requiring limited college attendance.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Science phase provides a flexible format allowing students to choose from a suite of modules that are relevant to their own clinical and professional practice development. A total of six modules; 2 core (Advanced Research Skills and Healthcare Ethics) and 4 optional, can be completed over a 2-3-year period. A large proportion of the modules are delivered in a blended learning/e-learning format; hence requiring limited college attendance.
On successful completion of six modules students can then chose two options.
Option One: Exit the programme with a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences award.
Option Two: Continue their studies for one further academic year (September to May), bypassing the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Nursing / Professional Studies award, and continuing to complete a 30 ECTS research dissertation module for the award of Master of Health Science in Nursing / Professional Studies.
Option One: Exit the programme with a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences award.
Option Two: Continue their studies for one further academic year (September to May), bypassing the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Nursing / Professional Studies award, and continuing to complete a 30 ECTS research dissertation module for the award of Master of Health Science in Nursing / Professional Studies.
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 in Science and a Master of Health Science award). Applicants who are registered nurses will be eligible for the Nursing Studies award and applicants who are registered allied health or social care professionals will be eligible for the Professional Studies award.
Uaireanta Staidéir Molta in aghaidh na seachtaine
A 10 credit module has a 20 hour per week workload and this includes class time, online directed work, self-directed work and assessment preparation.
Scrúdú agus Measúnú
Most modules are assessed through a broad range of coursework formats. Students also develop a research proposal or an evidence synthesis protocol.
Riachtanas Tinrimh ar an gCampas
Students undertake directed work and attend 2-4 seminar days per module on campus.
Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.
Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.
Download a prospectus
Riachtanais Iontrála
Applicants must:
– Be a registered nurse on the Register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.
OR
– Be registered on the appropriate allied health professional Register*
OR
– Be registered on the appropriate allied health professional Register*
AND
Be currently employed in healthcare or social care either in: clinical or social care practice/management/ research /education. Some modules may only be undertaken while working in a specific discipline related area such as nursing. This is specified in modules descriptions.
Be currently employed in healthcare or social care either in: clinical or social care practice/management/ research /education. Some modules may only be undertaken while working in a specific discipline related area such as nursing. This is specified in modules descriptions.
Applicants will normally have gained:
A primary degree (health science/studies or social science/studies related) level 8 or evidence of equivalent academic credits. Students who do not have the aforementioned will be required to compile a portfolio to provide evidence of their ability to study at post-graduate level.
A primary degree (health science/studies or social science/studies related) level 8 or evidence of equivalent academic credits. Students who do not have the aforementioned will be required to compile a portfolio to provide evidence of their ability to study at post-graduate level.
International students will require a degree of fluency in the English language. An overall score of 6.5 in the IELTS Academic Test is required.
*For those required to register with a professional body
Gairmeacha
Students are empowered in their professional practice to respond proactively to change and become key drivers in practice development. This Master’s/Postgraduate Diploma programme will support employment and promotional opportunities within nursing and health and social care practice, management and education.
Why Choose the Master of Health Science/Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Nursing / Professional Studies?
Flexible Blended Learning Options.
Studying at your own pace in your own home.
Professional Development Courses that help advance your career
Funding available for certain courses through Nursing Funding Bodies
Further Information
Application Closing Date
15th August 2025
Start Date
September 2025
Eolas Teagmhála
School of Nursing, Health Sciences and Disability Studies
ATU St Angelas
E: nursingsupport.sligo@atu.ie
Department
Nursing, Health Sciences & Disability Studies