Master in Medical Science (Health Informatics)
Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Science (Health Informatics)

College of Medicine, Nursing, & Health Sciences

Course overview

Masters: an approved research protocol is the outcome of the first year (Diploma) and leads to a final research thesis about a scientific topic of your own interest during the second year (Masters). "What you learn today is of use tomorrow" is our motto.


Programme aims and objectives

Using a blend of enquiry based learning and a self-directed interactive approach, by the end of this programme you should be able to:

  • To search, retrieve, and store scientific information related to a specific topic of interest.
  • Demonstrate critical appraisal skills regarding specified scientific literature.
  • Demonstrate an ability to ask researchable questions related to a specified field of interest.
  • To detect the validity and reliability of published evidence and measurement devices aimed to be used in a future research project.
  • To write a scientific essay in Word and referencing according to Vancouver formats ( Word plus Endnote)
  • To know how to use advanced descriptive and inferential statistics and critical appraisal of published statistics.
  • Demonstrate competence in designing your own research design and to produce an appropriate research proposal.
  • To organise a research meeting(s) with fellow researchers/heads of departments aiming the launch of your own research strand.
  • To submit an approved research proposal.
  • To complete a research thesis.
  • To publish the content of the thesis in scientific output styles ( Endnote).

Postgraduate Diploma: learn how to search for and critically appraise scientific evidence to answer researchable clinical questions, and conduct dedicated research in your own specialty or field of interest. Our dedicated programmes are designed for health care professionals with an interest in evidence-based medicine, health and medical and research.

Programmes are offered at Diploma and Masters Level (Health Informatics) and feature evidence-based learning with self-directed interactive approach. Course modules are delivered in the evenings in one-week blocks, beginning in September. Supporting learning material is provided on the university'?s electronic learning portal.

An approved research protocol is the outcome of the first year (Diploma) and leads to a final research thesis about a scientific topic of your own interest during the second year (Masters). "What you learn today is of use tomorrow" is our motto.


Programme aims and objectives

Using a blend of enquiry based learning and a self-directed interactive approach, by the end of this programme you should be able to:

  • To search, retrieve, and store scientific information related to a specific topic of interest.
  • Demonstrate critical appraisal skills regarding specified scientific literature.
  • Demonstrate an ability to ask researchable questions related to a specified field of interest.
  • To detect the validity and reliability of published evidence and measurement devices aimed to be used in a future research project.
  • To write a scientific essay in Word and referencing according to Vancouver formats ( Word plus Endnote)
  • To know how to use advanced descriptive and inferential statistics and critical appraisal of published statistics.
  • Demonstrate competence in designing your own research design and to produce an appropriate research proposal.
  • To organise a research meeting(s) with fellow researchers/heads of departments aiming the launch of your own research strand.
  • To submit an approved research proposal.

 

Special Features

These programmes are particularly suitable for people who wish to return to education but also have work commitments. The use of online course materials available via the University’s Blackboard website ensure that students have dedicated online support in addition to regular workshops onsite.

Key facts

Entry requirements

Successful applicants will normally hold a primary degree in healthcare, medicine, or equivalent qualification at Second Class Honours Grade 1 level or above. Competence in the English language equivalent to IELTS 6.5 is also required. Masters applicants must in addition to these requirements have successfully completed the PDip in Medical Science (Health Informatics) or a comparable awarded deemed by the School of Medicine to satisfy these requirements.

Duration: 2 years, part-time (Master)
2 semesters (PDip)

Next start date: September 2013

ECTS weighting: 120 (Master), 60 (PDip)

Average intake: 10

Closing date: Please see the offer round dates website.

Mode of study: Taught

Course outline

Masters: modules completed over 4 semesters—2 years. Informatics modules are offered in block released courses of one week duration, delivered via a blend of face-to-face teaching and enquiry based learning. Distance learning is encouraged through online course materials available via the University's Blackboard website.


Modules, Year 1, Semester 1

  • Finding the Needle in the I-stack (E-resources) 
  • Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics 
  • From Popper to Proposal (research methods)


Modules, Year 1, Semester 2

  • Searching the Internet (Advanced Level) 
  • Research Methods (Advanced Level) 
  • Advanced Statistics 
  • Deadline for Final Research Proposal


Modules, Year 2, Semester 1 & 2

  • Scientific Writing and Publication
  • Research Thesis

PDip: modules completed over two semesters⦡mp;euro;?six months. Informatics modules are offered in block released courses of one week duration, delivered via a blend of face-to-face teaching and enquiry based learning. Distance learning is encouraged through online course materials available via the University's Blackboard website.


Modules, Year 1, Semester 1

  • Finding the Needle in the I-stack (E-resources) 
  • Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics 
  • From Popper to Proposal (research methods)
     

Modules, Year 1, Semester 2

  • Searching the Internet (Advanced Level) 
  • Research Methods (Advanced Level) 
  • Advanced Statistics 
  • Deadline for Final Research Proposal

Applications and selections

Applications are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). Relevant PAC application code(s) above.

Who teaches this course?

Find out more

Dr. Thomas Kropmans
T +353 91 495 478
E graduatehealth@nuigalway.ie | thomas.kropmans@nuigalway.ie
www.nuigalway.ie/medical_informatics

PAC code

GYM47 (Masters)
GYM45 (PDip)

Fees for this course

EU (Total): €4,805
Non-EU (Total): €13,750

Fees for courses

Graduate profile

Sarah Madden
Sarah Madden

Graduate, Masters of Medical Science (Health Informatics)

"I wanted a postgraduate qualification to build on my existing degree that would up-skill me for entering a new industry. I chose NUI Galway due to its international reputation, especially in the biosciences. I found the perfect course, the Masters of Medical Science (Health Informatics) that not only allowed me to build on my existing IT qualification, but also could be undertaken part-time, which meant I could continue working. I contacted the course director, who was knowledgeable and helpful, and his support affirmed that I had made the right decision. The course was challenging but diverse; we had excellent lecturers, and guest lecturers (from the research industry) gave us different perspectives on various subjects. My fellow students came from a variety of backgrounds, including doctors and IT personnel, so I was exposed to a diverse group of people, all with their own goals and needs. which enriched my overall experience. There was no end to the support vailable and I really felt the course was targeted towards my career goals."  

School of Medicine Postgraduate Brochure