Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences
(Clinical Primary Care)
Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences
(Clinical Primary Care)
College of Medicine, Nursing, & Health Sciences
Course overview
This programme is currently under review and applications for entry 2015 are on hold. If you are interested in Diabetes or Women's Health you may apply for a Professional Credit Award in these topics here.
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, Postgraduate Diploma or Masters 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 health professionals (doctor, midwife, nurse, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, podiatrist, speech & language therapist, other) 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:
Modules can be accumulated over up to five years (or one year) as you wish.
Next start date: This course is currently under review and applications for entry 2015 are on hold.
ECTS weighting: 60 (PDip), 30 (PgCert)
Average intake: 20 (combined)
Closing date: This course is currently under review and applications for entry 2015 are on hold.
Course outline
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)
Clinical Teaching Methodologies (trimester 2)
Collaboration and Interagency Working (trimester 2)
Concepts & Principles of Primary Care (trimester 1)
Health Research Methods (trimester 1)
Literature Based Research Skills (trimester 1)
Anyone interested in completing a Masters in Primary Care should note that the final three modules listed above are mandatory – for more information please click here.
Applications and selections
Who teaches this course?
Dr. Sarah Brennan
Dr. Patricia Cremin
Dr. Sean Dinneen
Dr. Eva Flynn
Dr. Liam Glynn
Dr. Brian Hallahan
Ms Mette Jensen
Dr. Kim Kavanagh
Ms. Marcella Kelly
Dr. Emma Kilgarriff
Dr. Redin Lawlor
Dr. Gary MacDonald
Ms. Maura Molloy
Dr. Micheál Newell
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 p.a. 2014/15 inclusive of levy
- Tuition: €4,691 p.a. 2014/15
- Student levy: €224 p.a. 2014/15
Non-EU (Total): €13,750 p.a. 2014/15
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."
Ruth Dougan
PDip
"Taking on a postgraduat course: the challenges for me felt enormous ... to study at university, never having attended before (I had qualified as a General Nurse years previously); I had put it off for years thinking I would never be able to do the essays having limited typing skills and a good measure of technophobia! There was a lot of rote-learning in my nursing training, the postgraduate course requires you to read around a subject and form your own opinion. This is important because medical information/standards are not static; constant research brings regular change, knowing where to find up-to-date guidelines and accredited research is vital for practice today.
I chose NUI Galway because the course suited my educational needs for work perfectly. I was new to practice nursing and wanted to do all clinical modules and that was not a problem. All the coursework was relevant to my practice; assignments like the audits seemed daunting at first but are a key part of healthcare today and having completed the first one I would not be afraid of them anymore!"
Download taught and research
Past students
Catherine O'Dowd, Practice Nurse
PDip
"Every Practice Nurse should consider this Diploma! The modules are very topical and relevant while the skills and knowledge acquired transfer easily to my everyday practice. This provides patient and professional satisfaction which I find hugely rewarding, and also has enhanced my role within the practice team. The blended learning system through which this course is delivered provided the flexibility to maintain my work, study and personal commitments. The student is well supported by tutors and fellow students. Study days on campus were always thoughtfully organised and facilities were excellent."
Ruth Dougan
PDip
"I chose NUI Galway because the course suited my educational needs for work perfectly. I was new to practice nursing and wanted to do all clinical modules and that was not a problem. All the coursework was relevant to my practice; assignments like the audits seemed daunting at first but are a key part of healthcare today and having completed the first one I would not be afraid of them anymore!
I could never have undertaken the course without the flexible structure offered at NUI Galway. It meant balancing family/ work/study feasible for me. Travel is kept to a minimum. Maximum use of time is possible using online facilities."