Who is this for?  

This programme is designed for qualified healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, who are employed in or aspiring to work in perioperative environments and who seek to enhance their clinical competence, leadership capacity, and academic development at postgraduate level. 

What will I study?  

During the first year of study, candidates are required to complete three core modules and three specialist modules (60 ECTS), delivered over two semesters (12 weeks per Semester). Clinical competence is formally assessed in each semester through structured competency evaluations, undertaken by an appointed preceptor in collaboration with the programme director. Outcomes of these assessments are recorded on a pass/fail basis and submitted at the conclusion of Semester 2. Candidates who successfully fulfil these requirements progress to the second year, wherein they undertake a 30 ECTS research dissertation. 

Post Graduate Modules Year 1 

Core modules: 

• Service Improvement
• Clinical Governance
• Advanced Research Methods 

Specialist Modules:  

• Physiological Effects of Surgery
• Prevention of Anaesthetic Complications
• Prevention of Surgical Complications 

 Masters Year 2 

• Research Dissertation  

The programme has a clinical focus offering opportunities to develop specialist skills and explore new knowledge. Taught components of the programme are delivered in a blended learning format. Blended learning is an innovative teaching strategy which involves a combination of face-to-face and on-line learning. This means that learning/teaching will be delivered on-line through Canvas, an interactive learning system, which connects directly to the University from your own home computer making it possible to combine working full time and studying. Students are required to attend face to face workshops for a total of 12 days across the programme. 

All students are required to attend a Postgraduate Induction Day prior to the commencement of the programme. This orientation serves multiple purposes: it provides an opportunity to establish academic and peer networks, to receive comprehensive information regarding programme structure, timetabling, assessment strategies, and the academic resources available to support progression. The Induction further facilitates familiarisation with the institutional virtual learning environment (Canvas), library e-resources, and academic support services, including those pertaining to academic writing. 

In addition, students engage in breakout sessions with the programme director and module leaders, during which further guidance is provided on the utilisation of relevant digital tools, the roles and responsibilities of student representatives and the students’ union, and the location of key institutional policies and procedures, including those concerning leave of absence, exemptions, and recognition of prior learning (RPL).

• Structured Clinical Placements – students complete supervised placements in recognised healthcare institutions, enabling the integration of advanced theoretical learning with applied perioperative practice.
• Enhanced Employability – graduates acquire specialist knowledge and competencies that support career progression within perioperative nursing in both national and international contexts.
• Distinctive Curriculum Design – a carefully balanced combination of core and specialist modules ensures both comprehensive coverage and focused expertise relevant to perioperative care.
• Opportunities for Specialisation – students may pursue focused study in areas such as anaesthetics, recovery, or theatre nursing, aligned with professional interests and career goals.
• Collaboration with Industry Partners – programme content is informed by consultation with healthcare providers to reflect contemporary standards, service needs, and best practice developments.
• Development of Advanced Competencies – emphasis on complex technical skills, critical decision-making, and leadership capabilities required for advanced clinical roles.
• Research and Evidence-Based Application – students are trained to critically evaluate and apply research evidence, supporting innovation and quality improvement in perioperative services.
• Integration of Real-World Practice – clinical competency assessments are directly linked to practice performance, ensuring academic achievement corresponds with professional capability.
• Focus on Sustainability – programme design acknowledges the importance of sustainable healthcare delivery, encouraging responsible and resource-efficient practice within perioperative settings. 

Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Perioperative Nursing are in high demand across public healthcare providers, specialist surgical centres, day procedure units, and private healthcare providers, both in Ireland and internationally. 

Where you could work: 

• HSE hospitals and voluntary healthcare organisations
• Private surgical centres and clinics
• International healthcare systems in the UK, EU, Middle East, Australia, and North America 

Roles you could take on: 

• Senior Perioperative Staff Nurse (theatre, recovery, anaesthetics)
• Clinical Nurse Specialist – Perioperative Care
• Theatre or Recovery Room Coordinator 

Career progression: 

• Senior clinical leadership roles such as Clinical Nurse Manager 1,2, or 3 or Advanced Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Educator/ Clinical Skills Facilitator 
• Research or academic positions, with pathways to Master’s or PhD-level study 

This programme equips you with the skills, experience, and clinical competence to excel in perioperative practice and take your career to the next level. 

All students complete compulsory clinical placements as part of the programme, typically over 12-14 weeks across the first year. 

• Where you’ll go: Students undertake placement in their own clinical work environment where appropriate. Students undertake their clinical practice placement in an approved clinical practice setting within Ireland normally within the students' own work setting. Where the environment does not provide sufficient learning opportunities to meet the programme learning outcomes, additional placements will be accommodated in sites which will provide the experience needed.
• How many hours?  A minimum of 500 clinical hours must be completed in the specialist area while undertaking the programme (NMBI).
• What you’ll do: Gain hands-on experience in theatre, anaesthetics, recovery, and day surgery, applying theory in real-world perioperative care under expert supervision.
• Career boost: Develop advanced clinical skills, make professional connections, and enhance your employability.
• Note: Placements are usually carried out during your working week, this agreement is made by your line manager prior commencement of programme.

• Fully accredited by NMBI – meets national standards for advanced perioperative nursing.
• Graduate opportunities: Eligible to register as a specialist perioperative nurse, opening doors to theatre, recovery, anaesthetics roles and teaching roles.
• International recognition: Qualification respected in the UK, EU, Australia, Middle East, and North America. 
• Career-ready: Accreditation ensures your skills are recognised, valued, and aligned with international best practice.

• Elaine O’Hara
• Sinead Hahessy
• Maura Dowling
• Christina Lydon
• Duygu Sezgin 

The programme adopts a blended learning approach, combining face-to-face teaching, online modules, seminars, and practical skills sessions to ensure students acquire both theoretical knowledge and applied clinical expertise. 

Learning Methods: 

• Core and Specialist Modules: Delivered through lectures, tutorials, workshops, and case-based learning to develop advanced perioperative knowledge.
• Practical Skills Training: Hands-on laboratory sessions and supervised clinical practice enable students to develop technical proficiency and decision-making skills.
• Clinical Placement: Integrated work-based learning provides real-world experience in theatre, anaesthetics, recovery, and day surgery environments.
• Research Dissertation: Independent research projects allow students to explore perioperative topics in depth, develop critical appraisal skills, and contribute to evidence-based practice. 

Assessment Methods: 

• Written Assignments and Essays: Assess critical thinking, theoretical understanding, and application of evidence-based practice.
• Case Studies and Presentations: Evaluate analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): Used to assess knowledge recall, clinical reasoning, and understanding of core perioperative principles.
• Clinical Competency Assessments: Conducted in each semester by an appointed preceptor and programme director, graded on a pass/fail basis, reflecting real-world clinical performance.
• Research Dissertation: Assessed on research design, methodology, analysis, and synthesis of findings in line with postgraduate standards. 

Overall Approach: 
The programme emphasises continuous assessment and feedback, ensuring students integrate academic knowledge with clinical competence. Assessment strategies are designed to prepare graduates for advanced professional practice, leadership roles, and research-informed perioperative care. 

Course queries:

E: nursing.midwifery@universityofgalway.ie 

Programme Director(s):  

Elaine O’Hara
E: Elaine.e.ohara@universityofgalway.ie

If you have relevant prior learning or professional experience, you may be able to gain credit towards the programme through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. 

Further information is available on the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning website.

All applicants must meet the following entry requirements: 

• Be a registered nurse on the General division of the register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI);
• Have a minimum of six months’ post-registration experience (exclusive of post-registration courses);
• Be currently working in the required specialist area, i.e., theatre (perioperative setting) and have as a minimum six months’ clinical experience in this specialist area;
• Provide written evidence of support from their Director of Nursing for the duration of the programme;
• 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. Please consult the professional credit awards at Level 9 at: www.nuigalway.ie/pca/pca.html. 

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 

30th June 2026  

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

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
Masters Full Time	1	€7,900		€18,300	€140		€8,040	€18,440
PG Diploma Full Time	1	€7,900		€18,300	€140		€8,040	€18,440
Masters Full Time	2	€3,550		€18,000	€70		€3,620	€18,070

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. 

Funding 

Students may be eligible for funding through HSE & Private Sector hospitals. Consult with your line Manger/ Director of Nursing.  

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 each 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.