Nursing & Midwifery - Gerontological Nursing

Enhance your career with a Pg Dip in Gerontological Nursing from the RCSI School of Nursing and Midwifery. Develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to provide evidence-based, quality care to our older population. The research, leadership and critical analysis skills acquired will further your skills as a member of the interdisciplinary team.



You'll explore research, leadership and how to develop critical reflexivity, as well as gerontological-specific modules covering person-centred care, dementia and mental health. With critical discussion of contemporary issues surrounding legislation and quality improvement, you will develop as a thoughtful practitioner ready to respond accordingly to the professional challenges you face every day.



This programme is delivered part-time by RCSI via an active blended learning approach including self-directed learning and live online classes approximately once every week. Further support is provided through the module lead, programme director and regular online drop-in sessions.



An alternative hospital-based version of this programme is also offered and is delivered in partnership with Beaumont Hospital. It is designed only for prospective students who are working in Beaumont Hospital.



The award title for this course is Postgraduate Diploma Nursing (Gerontology).



This course is a Level 9 award on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.



Suitable for

This programme is designed for registered nurses and healthcare professionals with an interest in the care of the older person.

What you will learn

Biopsychosocial Perspectives of Older Persons: A Person-Centred Model of Care

Dementia and Mental Health Disorders in Older Adults

Contemporary Issues, Legislation and Quality Improvement in Older Persons Services

Advanced Research Methods

Advanced Leadership and Management – Clinical and Professional

Advancing Professional Practice

Applicants must:



Hold an NFQ Level 8 qualification. However, applicants who do not hold a Level 8 qualification may still be eligible to join the programme through our supported-entry pathway programme. This is subject to an assessment of prior learning and experience.



Have an active registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland or other registration in a country in which they are practicing if international students; For non-nursing applicants, you must have an active registration with an appropriate professional body.



Be working in the specialist practice of the programme for the duration of the programme.



Provide a clinical learning agreement signed by a director of nursing or designate.



Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

Learning occurs in many contexts including work, involvement in social and community activities, and learning through life experience generally.



Recognition of prior learning (RPL) does not give credit for experience as such – rather, it considers learning that was acquired as a result of the experience. RPL may be used to gain admission to programmes where you may not have obtained the standard entry requirements. This is considered on a case-by-case basis.



Exemptions from programme modules that duplicate learning already demonstrably acquired through prior learning may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.



English language requirement exceptions

English language requirements for Postgraduate programmes are published at

https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/postgraduate/policies-and-guidelines/english-language-requirements



If you have completed undergraduate/postgraduate full-time studies in the medium of the English language (three or more years cumulatively) or are registered with the NMBI, you are exempt from these requirements.

1 year



Mode of delivery

Hybrid - Part-time

Next start date September 2025