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Nursing: Perioperative (MHSc/PDip)

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Course Overview

This programme is designed for registered nurses who wish to pursue a specialism in Perioperative Nursing.

The programme has a clinical focus offering opportunites to develop specialist skills and explore new knowledge. Taught components of the programme are 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 will be delivered on-line through Canvas, an interactive learning system, which connects directly to the University from your own home computer making it possible to combine working full time and studying. Students are required to attend face to face workshops for a total of 12 days across the programme.

Students are also required to undertake their clinical practice placement in an approved clinical practice setting within Ireland normally within the students' own work setting. Where the environment does not provide sufficient learning opportunities to meet the programme learning outcomes, additional placements will be accommodated in sites which will provide the experience needed. A minimum of 500 clinical hours (reduced from previously-published 1,000 hours, on NMBI advice) must to be completed in the specialist area while undertaking the programme (NMBI).

All students will register on a full time one-year Postgraduate Diploma. On completetion of both theoretical and clinical modules for this programme, students will graduate with a Post Graduate Diploma. If students have achieved a minimum of 60% average mark across the modules attended they may transfer and apply to the second year of the MSc programme

GOOD REASONS TO STUDY THIS COURSE

  1. The course is approved by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) and has a clinical focus, offering opportunities to develop specialist skills.
  2. The programme is offered through a blended learning format—a combination of online and face-to-face learning making studying more accommodating.
  3. Blended learning is an innovative and flexible approach to learning, making it possible and easier to combine working full-time with studying.

Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.

Applications and Selections

Applicants apply online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System. 

Please note all applicants register for the 1-year postgraduate diploma, with the opportunity to transfer to the second year of the MSc programme at the end of the first year if they meet the relevant eligibility criteria.

Applications are put forward for review to the relevant Programme Director when they have been marked complete (application fee paid & requested supporting documents submitted). Applicants are required to submit a letter from their employer confirming financial and placement support.  Applicants are offered places and are required to accept their place on the programme within a specific timeline. Once they have accepted their place, applicants are invited to register online. Administration staff check that this has occurred on or in advance of the induction day (held in the week before the first week of teaching in semester one (usually first week in September).

Selection will be made by the Programme Director, in consultation with the Head of School, based on applicants’ written application.  Applications will be evaluated on the following:

  • Meet the entry criteria (See above entry requirements).
  • Be working in the required specialist area, i.e., perioperative setting for the duration of the programme.
  • Be supported to undertake any additional placement(s) that may be required as outlined in the curriculum document before completion of the programme.

Documentation required to complete application

  • A copy of current NMBI registration.
  • Copies of academic transcripts from completed educational courses.
  • Copies of official awards (parchments) from completed educational courses.
  • Written commitment/memo of understanding or equivalent from the director of nursing/employer to support the student during the clinical practicum.

 

 

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

A variety of assessment strategies are employed across the modules. These include engagement with on-line discussion boards/blogging, etivities, reflections, case studies, MCQs and assignments.

Students are required to attend all workshops and to participate in other academic activities, for example, e-tivities, discussion boards/ blogs, simulation, workshops etc. as required, unless prevented by some unavoidable cause of absence. Scheduled face-to-face workshops, discussion boards/blogs and e-tivities are important components of the programme, which are designed to help students develop a sense of group identity and engage with programme content. These activities are carefully selected to build students’ knowledge and skill. Students are expected to keep up a consistent rate of good attendance and participation so that their performance will not be adversely affected. Students who miss classes are responsible for updating themselves on any information provided during those sessions. Students’ attendance and participation at workshops and engagement in online work is monitored by the Programme Director.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

All applicants must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Be a registered nurse on the General division of the register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI);
  • Have a minimum of six months’ post-registration experience (exclusive of post-registration courses);
  • Be currently working in the required specialist area, i.e., theatre (perioperative setting) and have as a minimum six months’ clinical experience in this specialist area;
  • Provide written evidence of support from their Director of Nursing for the duration of the programme;
  • 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.nuigalway.ie/pca/pca.html.

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

Postgraduate Diploma: 1 year full-time
Masters: 2 years full-time (if eligible for second year following Postgraduate Diploma)

Next start date

September 2025

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

10

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

30 June 2025

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

Course code

MHSC-PERI

Course Outline

Students complete three core and three specialist modules in the first year (60 ECTS) which is conducted over two semesters. There are two clinical competency assessments, one for each semester. Students’ clinical competency will be assessed by a designed preceptor and programme director (“pass/ fail”, submitted at the end of Semester 2). Eligible students will then complete a research dissertation (30 ECTS) in the second year. All students are invited to a Postgraduate Induction Day prior to commencing the programme. The Induction Day has many purposes. Students meet their fellow their classmates and lecturers, they are provided with information regarding programme content, timetables, assessment schedules, and the resources in place to support them while undertaking the programme. Students are taught how to access the virual learning programme Canvas.

Students are also orientated to the library on-line resources and student support services such as academic writing. Students meet with their programme director and module leaders in break out groups during the day. Students are informed about the various apps they should download, role of the student union, role of class representative, specific location of policies they may need access to over the course of the programme e.g., leave of absence, exemptions/recognition of prior learning (RPL).

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

The Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Perioperative), Major Award, is at Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. It is informed and guided by NMBI criteria. It is aimed at Registered General Nurses working in the perioperative environment. This programme provides nurses with the specific theoretical knowledge, skills and clinical reasoning abilities required to provide safe and high-quality care in the perioperative specialism. The concepts of patient centred care, evidence-based practice, and promotion of safety are examined in this programme. The learners’ knowledge of physiology, anatomy, ethical and legal practice, and specific operative procedures are also included. It covers a multitude of theory relevant to perioperative nursing practice resulting in significant career opportunities. 

Upon completing this programme, students have the requisite knowledge and clinical skills to work in a wide variety of peri-operative care settings, both in Ireland and Internationally. Past Graduates have found employment and promotion opportunities nationally and internationally. 

Furthermore, the programme has shown to support and facilitate nursing at specialist and advanced nursing levels. The programme is designed to support the development of knowledge, skills, attributes, and competencies in preparation for specialist and advanced roles within nursing. Successful completion of the Masters in Perioperative Nursing will offer students opportunities to be considered for clinical nurse specialist posts and advanced nursing practice posts.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€7,890 (Yr 1) & €3,320 (Yr 2) (including levy) p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Tuition

€7,750 p.a. (Yr 1); €3,250 (Yr 2) 2025/26

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. (Yr 1) €70 p.a. (Yr 2) 2025/26

Fees: Non EU

€18,000 p.a. (€18,140 p.a. 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

Elaine O' Hara

E elaine.e.ohara@universityofgalway.ie
www.universityofgalway.ie/medicine-nursing-and-health-sciences/nursing/

Therese

Therese Davey |   Graduate

The Postgraduate Diploma in Perioperative Nursing has been a wonderful addition to my nursing career in the operating theatre. It has enhanced my practical ability with research knowledge relevant to practice. It has allowed me to complete a recent CNM2 interview with confidence in achieving a working environment the maintains patient safety all times, being an efficient and effective leader, good communicator, assists in clinical auditing, education training and showcasing my recent service improvement. I was successful in the recent interview and I do attribute this PDip as being an essential component with the success in securing this job. I really enjoyed the modules. Thank you to Elaine for the excellent introduction informing us about all aspects of the modules. The extensive reading list contributed to interesting discussions on the blog. The study days had excellent workshops on difficult airway, recovery, and ECGs. I found it extremely beneficial. Elaine, Thank you so much for all your help and assistance during the module. I certainly enjoyed it.
Rachel

Rachel McLoughlin |   Graduate

The extensive use of materials covered a multitude of concepts which I believe has enhanced my practice. In my role as perioperative nurse, comprehending and anticipating complications is crucial. This programme specifically reviews the complex nature of perioperative nursing offering a comprehensive understanding of the nursing management required. The modules are organized in a way that promotes distant learning through the provision of blogs and online learning. The use of video presentations, PowerPoint videos, blackboard collaborate, and the varied learning methods used were stimulating. The workshops were a highlight for me. It covered a multitude of theory which was applicable to practice. I believe that because of this programme I have become a more competent in my role as perioperative nurse.
Suman

Suman Jossy |   Graduate

I would like to start by saying I am extremely grateful for being part of this programme. I work as a scrub nurse, so I had extremely limited experience in anesthetic care. I struggled with anesthetic emergencies as result of insufficient knowledge and practice until I started this programme. My ultimate motive for selecting this programme was to increase my knowledge in relation to anesthetic care, complications, and management. This programme has enhanced me theoretically and practically supporting my practice enabling me to provide safe perioperative nursing care. The programme provides relevant knowledge required to support the safe journey and care of the perioperative patient. I found the programme supportive and extremely helpful.

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