Nursing - Obesity

Course Overview

This masters programme for nurses provides a broad and comprehensive curriculum that is clinically relevant and that also has a strong theoretical basis. It has been developed in parallel with the MSc in Obesity, but has been adapted to meet the needs of nurses seeking to specialise in obesity care and is delivered through the School of Nursing at University of Galway. Obesity is a major health problem, both for affected individuals and for society. There is a growing awareness of the need to provide effective treatments and prevention strategies. Our motivation in developing this programme at University of Galway is two-fold: To inform better, evidence-based, compassionate and dignified nursing care to patients affected by obesity and related disorders and secondly to inform better population level strategies to mitigate the obesity epidemic.



This “two-pronged” approach is a strong theme throughout the programme, reflected in the two distinct obesity modules that form part of the core learning. Our students will develop in-depth knowledge of the various therapeutic strategies available to patients and will understand the factors underlying variations in the obesity phenotype. Students will also appreciate the potential benefits and disadvantages of various population level strategies that can be formulated to address the obesity crisis, and the societal, political and legislative challenges faced in deploying these.



The School of Nursing at University of Galway is uniquely well placed to deliver this course, which forms part of an integrated suite of masters programmes including cardiovascular disease prevention, diabetes and clinical research. It will be delivered by clinical academic staff attached to the regional bariatric service, providing multidisciplinary medical, nursing, surgical, dietetic and psychological care to patients with severe and complicated obesity. By utilising already well established core academic nursing modules, its relevance to advanced nursing practice and health service leadership development is enhanced.



Please note that NBMI approval for funding for this course is currently pending.

To be considered for entry to the programme applicants must have a 2.1 degree and meet the following entry requirements:

- be registered as a general nurse

- hold an active general nursing registration

- have a minimum of one year’s post-registration experience



However, there will be special consideration for cases where applicants have demonstrated aptitude for the course material through three years of high-level experience in an obesity-related field (relevant to their background).



Candidates coming to Ireland from abroad, or who do not have a degree from Ireland or the UK, will be asked to provide evidence of an acceptable result in one of the recognised English language proficiency tests, e.g., IELTS total score of 6.5.

How to apply

We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible.



Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)

For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specified closing date. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.



Online Application

Applications to most postgraduate programmes at University of Galway are made online via www.universityofgalway.ie/apply (see "Application Weblink").

2 years, full-time MHSc ; 1 year, full-time PDip.

Next start date: September 2024.



Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)

For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specifed closing date*. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.

Career Opportunities

On completion of the Postgraduate Diploma/Master’s’ of Health Sciences Obesity, which are Level 9 NFQ awards, a registered nurse would be eligible to apply for clinical nurse specialist registration in obesity.