Nursing & Midwifery - Nursing - Year 2

Advance your nursing/midwifery career by completing an MSc in Nursing (Year 2) from the RCSI School of Nursing and Midwifery following the completion of your postgraduate diploma.



This programme will enable you to play an important role in ensuring that nursing/midwifery practice continues to be based on the best evidence. Enhance your theoretical knowledge and develop a critical and questioning approach as you explore professional, clinical and managerial issues relevant to your speciality role.



You will develop key research skills and work on a cutting-edge research knowledge base, built on exposure to best practice in research and evidence-based practice. You will be supported to develop a systematic review based on a speciality topic of your choosing.



This focused one-year programme is delivered part-time 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.



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



Suitable for

This programme is for anyone who has completed a PgDip in a nursing speciality (e.g. critical care, infection prevention) and who wishes to continue learning to MSc level.

To be eligible for this programme you must:



Hold an NFQ Level 8 qualification. However, if you do not hold a Level 8 qualification you 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 you are practicing if you are an international student.



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

Please note:



For MSc programmes delivered by the RCSI School of Nursing and Midwifery in partnership with specific partner hospitals, you must also be working in the specific hospital associated with the programme or other site which has been audit approved for the duration of the programme.



For MSc programmes delivered solely by the RCSI School of Nursing and Midwifery, you will be expected to 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 an applicant may not have obtained the standard entry requirements.



This is considered on a case-by-case basis. Exemptions from programme modules which 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 on the RCSI website 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), and if you are registered with the NMBI, you are exempt from these requirements.

1 year



Mode of delivery

Hybrid - Part-time

Next start date September 2025

On the successful completion of your Masters programme, you may be interested in pursuing a professional doctorate.