Who is this course for?  

The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Intensive Care) is designed for registered nurses who wish to pursue a specialist qualification in Intensive Care Nursing. 

All students will register for a full-time one-year Postgraduate Diploma. On successful completion of both theoretical and clinical modules for year one, students may graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma or (if they have achieved the minimum 60% average mark across these modules) they may apply to transfer to year two of the MHSc programme. 

A blended learning format is adopted for the delivery of this programme. Students are required to attend a total of 12 workshop days across the first year of the programme making it possible to combine working full-time with studying. 

On the advice of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), students are also required to undertake a minimum of 500 clinical hours in an approved clinical practice setting within Ireland, normally within the students own work setting. Students may also be required to undertake additional placement(s) to attain the required competency to meet programme learning outcomes. 

What will I study?  

The course has a strong clinical emphasis, offering further opportunities to develop specialist nursing skills in intensive care. Blended learning is an innovative and flexible approach to learning that uses a combination of virtual teaching and learning through Canvas, our online learning platform. Our face-to-face workshops combine lectures and simulation with interprofessional speakers with specialist expertise. 

• Specialist Focus - Designed exclusively for registered nurses aiming to advance in intensive care nursing.
• Dual Academic Pathway - Option to graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma or progress to MHSc if you achieve a 60% average.
• Blended Learning Format - Flexible delivery combining online study with 12 in-person workshop days, making it possible to work full-time while studying.
• Extensive Clinical Experience – Minimum of 500 clinical hours in approved Irish intensive care settings, ensuring strong practical competence.
• Competency-Based Training - Additional placements may be required to meet programme learning outcomes, ensuring readiness for advanced roles.

Graduates have found employment and promotion opportunities nationally and internationally in intensive care settings, in managerial positions and in educational roles. 

Clinical Placement 

Students must complete a minimum of 500 clinical hours in an approved intensive care setting, typically within their own workplace. Additional placements may be required to meet competency standards.

This Masters / Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Intensive Care) is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). 

• Ann Sheehan: Programme Director
• Claire Lavelle, Clinical Nurse Manager 3
• Christine Sheehan: Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner
• Pauline May
• Ms Laura Burke, Clinical Facilitator ICU
• Ms Esther Ni Chonghaile, Clinical Facilitator ICU
• Ms Marcia Tavares, Clinical Facilitator, ICU 

The course has a strong clinical emphasis, offering further opportunities to develop specialist nursing skills in intensive care. Blended learning is an innovative and flexible approach to learning that uses a combination of virtual teaching and learning through Canvas, our online learning platform. Our face-to-face workshops combine lectures and simulation with interprofessional speakers with specialist expertise. 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Modules are assessed using a combination of coursework and examinations. 

Programme Director(s):  

Ann Sheehan 
E: ann.sheehan@universityofgalway.ie

University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL). 

Applicants for this programme who have undertaken the National Foundation Education Module in Intensive Care Nursing at UCD or UCC may apply for exemption for the Specialist Module 1 on the Masters/Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Intensive Care) in University of Galway. 

All applicants must meet the following entry requirements: 

1. Be a registered nurse on the General division of the register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI);
2. Have a minimum of six months’ post-registration experience (exclusive of post-registration courses);
3. Be currently working in Ireland in the required specialist area, i.e., Intensive Care, and have as a minimum six months’ clinical experience in this specialist area;
4. Provide written evidence of support from their Director of Nursing for the duration of the programme;
5. Have an honours bachelor’s degree at NFQ Level 8 in nursing or a comparable qualification. Applicants who do not hold an honours degree or Higher Diploma (Level 8) must demonstrate that they have successfully completed (in the previous two years) a module at Level 9 at: www.nuigalway.ie/pca/pca.html;
6. Applicants for this programme who have undertaken the National Foundation Education Module in Intensive Care Nursing at UCD or UCC may apply for exemption for the Specialist Module 1 on the Masters/Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Intensive Care) in University of Galway.

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.  

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships 

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships

University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.  

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.  

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here.