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Courses
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About University of Galway
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Accessibility & LanguageNursing Education (Master of Health Sciences)
Course Overview
The Master of Health Sciences (Nursing Education) [formerly Nursing/Midwifery Education (Masters)] aims to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become effective teachers/facilitators of student/client learning in both higher education and clinical settings. Theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of nursing practice; research methodology; practice development and conduct of research form the framework for reflection on practice and exploration of aspects of practice. Specialist modules address teaching methods, facilitating learning, assessment strategies and curriculum development.
The programme is part-time over two years and is 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 is delivered on-line through Blackboard, an interactive learning system which connects directly to the University from your home computer. Face-to-face learning/teaching takes the form of two or three workshops (depending on the module) each semester. Students will therefore attend for two or three days a semester, plus and Orientation Day prior to the commencement of the first year.
Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.
Applications and Selections
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
Modules are assessed using a combination of course-work and teaching assessments.
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
All applicants must meet the following entry requirements:
- 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.universityofgalway.ie/pca/pca.html;
- Be a registered nurse on the General, Mental Health, or Learning Disability Nurse divisions of the active register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland; or hold a professional nursing qualification deemed to be equivalent by University of Galway;
- Have practised as a nurse for three years post-registration (exclusive of post-registration/educational programmes);
- Have negotiated a Teaching placement in a third-level School/Department of Nursing Education or Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Education establishment which will provide the opportunity to meet the teaching practice requirements of this programme.
Additional Requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Duration
2 years, part-time
Next start date
September 2025
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
10 (minimum)
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
30 June 2025
NFQ level
Mode of study
ECTS weighting
90
Award
CAO
Course code
MHSC-NUED
Course Outline
- Theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of nursing practice; research methodology and evidence based practice; practice development and conduct of research form the framework for reflection on practice and exploration of aspects of practice.
- Specialist modules address teaching methods, facilitating learning, assessment strategies and curriculum development.
- 100 hours of teaching practice is completed over the two years and is an integral part of the programme.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this programme of study have found employment in various health service settings, 3rd level institutions of education, Centres for Nursing and Midwifery Education, Nursing Midwifery Practice Development Units and the private sector.
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
€7,605 p.a. (Yr 1) & € TBC (Yr 2) p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Tuition
€7,500 p.a. (Yr 1) & € TBC (Yr 2) p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Student levy
€105 p.a. (Yr 1) & € TBC (Yr 2) p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Non EU
€18,000 p.a. (€18,105 including levy) 2025/26
For 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.
Find out More
Dr Brona Mooney
T: +353 91 495 395
E: brona.mooney@universityofgalway.ie
www.universityofgalway.ie/medicine-nursing-and-health-sciences/nursing/
What Our Graduates Say
Smitha Joy | Graduate
This course is an excellent choice for students with an interest in a teaching career, as it offers a wide range of career opportunities in both higher education and clinical settings. After completing this course, I can confidently say that it successfully prepared me as a competent teacher and facilitator, as well as enhanced my personal & professional development. While the academic modules successfully prepare you to become an effective teacher to facilitate student-centred teaching & learning, the 100 hours of teaching practice give you opportunities to make use of different teaching methodologies including innovative technologies in clinical and higher education settings. This is my second course at NUI Galway, as I always enjoyed the student-friendly campus with excellent facilities. The faculties are always approachable and fully dedicated to students' needs. This year was completely different due to the covid pandemic, however, the support of our lecturers was invaluable to creating a safe & caring learning environment, which helped us to engage thoroughly throughout the programme. I had a great time and would highly recommend NUI Galway if you are considering this course.
