Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences
(Clinical Primary Care)
Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences
(Clinical Primary Care)
College of Medicine, Nursing, & Health Sciences
Course overview
The Clinical Primary Care collection is a suite of modules on clinical and related non-clinical topics. It has been designed with maximum flexibility in mind to meet the needs of busy health professionals. You can take a single module in a subject of your choice or you can construct your own course at Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma levels by choosing a selection of modules that suit your needs. Modules can be accumulated over up to five years (or one year) as you wish.
The modules are delivered using an e-learning platform supported by dedicated skills training sessions at NUI Galway (usually two non-consecutive days per module). The distance education format allows you to engage in learning at a time and place that suit your lifestyle.
Postgraduate Certificate = any 3 modules, at least 2 clinical.
Postgraduate Diploma = any 6 modules, at least 3 clinical.
The course is recognised for external CPD by the Irish College of General Practitioners, and has received Category 2 approval from An Bord Altranais.
Key facts
Entry requirements
This course is open to qualified doctors and nurses currently registered with their relevant professional body and actively involved in community-based clinical practice in Ireland. Applicants from secondary care may also be considered. Parts of the programme are delivered in distance learning format and general computer literacy is essential for this.
Duration:
1 year, full-time in service
Next start date: September 2014
ECTS weighting: 60 (PDip), 30 (PgCert)
Average intake: 20 (combined)
Closing date: Please refer to the review/closing date website.
Course outline
Programme content (Trimester 1 = Sept–Dec; Trimester 2 = Jan–Mar; Trimester 3 = Mar–Jun)
Clinical Modules
Advanced Wound Care Management (trimester 2)
Cardiovascular Disease in Primary Care (trimester 2)
Diabetes in Primary Care (trimester 2)
Infectious Disease in Primary Care (trimester 1)
Mental Health in Primary Care (trimester 3)
Minor Surgery and Related Dermatology (trimester 3)
Respiratory Disease in Primary Care (trimester 1)
Women's Health in Primary Care (trimester 3)
Non-Clinical Modules
Clinical Teaching Methods (trimester 2)
Collaboration and Interagency Working (trimester 2)
Concepts & Principles of Primary Care (trimester 1)
Health Research Methods (trimester 2)
Literature Based Research Skills (trimester 1)
Applications and selections
Applications for the PG Certificate and PG Diploma are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). Relevant PAC application code(s) above.
To apply for one or two stand-alone modules please apply here.
Who teaches this course?
Dr. Sarah Brennan
Dr. Mary Byrne
Dr. Patricia Cremin
Dr. Una Conway
Dr. Sean Dinneen
Dr. Yvonne Finn
Dr. Ger Flaherty
Dr. Eva Flynn
Dr. Liam Glynn
Dr. Kim Kavanagh
Ms. Marcella Kelly
Dr. Emma Kilgarriff
Dr. Thomas Kropmans
Dr. Redin Lawlor
Ms. Catherine Meagher
Dr. Grainne Ní Fhoghlu
Ms. Siobhan Smyth
Ms. Edel Tierney
Ms. Alison Van Laar
Find out more
PAC code
GYM30 (PDip), GYM33 (PgCert)
Fees for this course
EU (Total): €4,915
- Student levy: €224
Non-EU (Total): €13,750
PDip: €4,915
PgCert: €2,675
Single module: €850
Current students
Donal Walsh, GP
PDip
"This course provides a very informative and interactive platform by which to learn/embellish some of the most important aspects of Irish primary care. There is a good mix of clinical and non-clinical modules. The online activities ensured consistent interaction between course participants, and provided an opportunity for us to learn from each other as well as from our tutors."
Download taught and research
Past students
Derek Gallagher, GP
PG Dip (2010)
"This course gave a welcomed opportunity to mix with colleagues from other areas of primary care. The workshops tended to have a good mix of both academic material and hands on practical skills. They were conducted in an open, informal atmosphere with active participation encouraged. The online discussion board gave a forum for more detailed subject-based discussion, under the watchful eye of experienced online tutors. All module materials used key up to date guidelines as their cornerstone."