Evidence-Based Future Healthcare (MSc)

1. A 1.1 (or equivalent) or 2.1 (or equivalent) Bachelor’s honours degree in a healthcare-related field*
2. Applicants should have relevant work experience in healthcare, including direct care for individuals or communities in clinical settings, non-clinical roles in healthcare administration, policy, or research and community service focused on healthcare.
3. Applicants from diverse backgrounds with a variety of healthcare experiences, including those such as health policy, public health etc, healthcare management etc., are welcomed
4. A minimum overall score of 7.0 IELTS, with no less than 6.5 in any one band for international applicants 

*Applicants from non-healthcare-related degrees will be considered (minimum requirement of 2nd Class Honours, Grade 1) on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the coordinators.

The MSc in Evidence-Based Future Healthcare opens a broad spectrum of employment and career advancement opportunities for graduates. Here's why this program holds the potential to significantly benefit your professional trajectory:

1. Up-to-date skillset: This programme equips you with cutting-edge skills and knowledge to tackle present and emerging healthcare challenges, making you a crucial asset in any healthcare environment.
2. Promotion opportunities: Holding a specialised Master's degree makes you an ideal candidate for senior roles and leadership positions in your current organisation or other healthcare organisations.
3. Research proficiency: You’ll gain a solid foundation in in various health research methodologies, an attribute highly valued in the healthcare sector, improving your prospects for conducting further research such as a PhD, or applying for advanced training programs.
4. Dual Clinical-Academic positions: This programme will benefit those currently in or aiming to apply for dual clinical-academic roles thanks to its focus on both practical and academic aspects of healthcare.
5. Interprofessional learning experience: Our programme places a strong emphasis on interprofessional learning and groupwork to reflect the realities of modern healthcare. You will benefit from a wealth of perspectives in the classroom, strengthening your learning experience and, ultimately, improving the healthcare system and outcomes for people receiving care.
6. Versatile career paths: If you have a broader interest in research implementation within healthcare decision-making, this program also prepares you for careers in health policy agencies, funding bodies, research commissioning bodies, and healthcare administration.
7. Competitive edge: With its interprofessional and future-facing focus, this degree will provide you with a competitive edge, improving your prospects in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Upon successful completion of this programme, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of evidence-based healthcare, including its key concepts, principles and application to emerging healthcare trends and challenges.
2. Identify and use appropriate research methods and designs for healthcare research, and formulate clear and answerable research questions.
3. Master the advanced skills necessary to effectively search, synthesise, appraise, and apply research evidence in healthcare decision-making.
4. Demonstrate competence in interpreting and critically evaluating common statistical tests used in healthcare research
5. Apply evidence-based healthcare principles to clinical decision-making, taking into account patient preferences, values, and unique circumstances, and foster a culture of shared decision-making.
6. Develop a deep understanding of the latest technological innovations in healthcare and their potential impacts on healthcare delivery and outcomes.
7. Promote health equity and address health disparities in various healthcare settings by applying the concepts and principles of evidence-based practice.
8. Apply knowledge and skills gained in the programme to real-world healthcare scenarios, demonstrating effective team-working, problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills.
9. Contribute to developing evidence-based healthcare policy and practice, and make a meaningful impact on healthcare delivery by fostering a culture of knowledge translation and evidence-based practice

For the 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26).  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. 

For further information about the MSc in Evidence-Based Healthcare and how it can boost your career, please email our Programme Directors at: FutureEvidenceMSc@universityofgalway.ie

Programme Directors:

Dr Elaine Toomey
School of Nursing and Midwifery