Nursing - Chronic Illness Management

The primary aim of this Graduate Diploma will be to expand your knowledge in the area of chronic illness management. You will be equipped with the knowledge and expertise required to care for patients with chronic illness. The programme will give you an understanding of the needs of this group of patients, which are associated with high levels of self-care, and give you the necessary skills to improve the quality of life for people with chronic illness. This programme is delivered by UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems in collaboration with clinical partner sites. The rheumatology components of the programme are delivered in partnership with OLH&CS. The Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Disease Unit (RMDU) at Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services is a specialist service provider and teaching unit with close links to the UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems.



What Will I Learn?

The primary aim of this Graduate Diploma will be to expand your knowledge in the area of chronic illness management. You will be equipped with the knowledge and expertise required to care for patients with chronic illness. The programme will give you an understanding of the needs of this group of patients, which are associated with high levels of self-care, and give you the necessary skills to improve the quality of life for people with chronic illness.



The Graduate Diploma Chronic Illness Management (Nursing) is a programme for nurses who wish to advance their professional practice in the care of people with chronic illness in order to formulate appropriate nursing interventions across a continuum of care. The programme will provide you with a professional educational experience which can be applied directly to your clinical practice.



How will I benefit?

Upon completion of the programme, you will be well positioned to work in a variety of chronic illness care settings both nationally and internationally. You will gain advanced clinical experience, as well as theoretical knowledge to provide a high level of care to people with chronic illness. A blended model of teaching and learning is used on the programme to facilitate flexibility and accessibility. Clinical teaching is undertaken by specialists in the clinical area with an emphasis on assisting students in applying theory to practice. Graduates may also proceed to CNM/Educational/Clinical Facilitator roles, and this programme is an entry pathway for the MSc Clinical Practice.



NFQ Level: 9 (60 credits)

Level: Graduate Taught

Award: Graduate Diploma

Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:

Year One Core Modules:

NMHS43270: ResMethodsAppliedtoHealthcare

NMHS43140: Developing Leadership Competency



Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:

Year Two Core

NMHS43600: Clinical Practicum (Chronic Illness) 2 Trimester duration 0

NMHS42960: Advanced Health Assessment



Stage 1 Options - C)1 of:

Year 2 Option Modules: Rheumatology students select TWO modules: NMHS42640 and NMHS42640, however if you have already taken CPD module NMHS33200 please select ONE module NMHS42640 & apply for RPL from NMHS44250.



Hepatology students select TWO modules: NMHS42880 & NMHS43740. Other specialty students select TWO modules: NMHS42880 & NMHS42370 OR NMHS42700.



NMHS42370: Palliative Care,Philosophy,Concepts and Debates

NMHS42700: Quality, patient safety and outcomes

NMHS43740: Clin Expertise Hepatology

NMHS44250: Care of Person Rheum Muscul

NMHS42640: Pathophysiology and Management of Rheumatic Musculoskeletal Diseases

NMHS42880: The Psychological Impact of Chronic Illness

Entry Requirements

• Applicants must have a primary degree in Nursing (or equivalent in related discipline). RPL consideration if no degree

• Qualified healthcare professionals with proof of registration with appropriate governing body (NMBI)

• Have a minimum of one year’s post-registration experience, including at least six months working with chronic illness populations

• Candidates must be employed in the care of patients with chronic illness prior to commencing the course and for the duration of the course for a minimum of 75 hours per month

• Other criteria to be used in the assessment of the application include number of years of experience, and evidence of ongoing professional development



Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL may be granted in respect of individual modules if applicants can demonstrate that the modules' learning outcomes have been achieved through prior credentialled or experiential learning. In some cases, where an applicant does not meet the prerequisites for entry to a programme, an RPL application may be considered. Further information can be found in respect of this here.



Documents required:

The official closing date is July 31st, however, as places on the programme are subject to clinical placements which are limited, you are advised to have all of the required documentation submitted by July 1st.

• Original transcript(s) including date and grading of degree award (non UCD Graduates only) & notarised English translations where relevant

• A current photocopy of NMBI registration

• Copy of Birth Certificate or Personal Page of Passport

• Professional Reference Form(original form)

• Declaration Form

• Clinical Competence Assessor Nomination Form

• Evidence of proficiency in English language (applicants whose first language is not English).



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme.



Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page (https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax) for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

The official closing date is July 31st, however, as places on the programme are subject to clinical placements which are limited, you are advised to have all of the required documentation submitted by July 1st.

18 Months part-time.

Delivery: On Campus

X809: Graduate Diploma Chronic Illness Management

Graduate Diploma



Part-Time: Commencing September 2025

Graduate Taught