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Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Public Health Nursing)
Course Code: 1MDH1
Course Overview
The Master Health Science (Public Health Nursing [PHN])—runs over two academic years. Candidates will register initially for a one year postgraduate diploma upon successful completion of year one can register with the NMBI as a public health nurse. To successfully complete Year One the student must complete theoretical modules totalling 60 ECTS and clinical assessment requirements as stipulated by NMBI (2023). They will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Public Health Nursing). This is currently sponsored by the HSE.
On successful completion of year one students may choose to continue on to Year 2 of the MSc programme, without exiting the programme with a Postgraduate Diploma. In order to transfer to Year 2 of the MSc programme, students must achieve 60% on the aggregate of modules undertaken in year one to progress to Year Two. Year Two of this programme is offered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, and is not sponsored by the Health Service Executive.
Please note: Year 2 (MSc) is only available to students directly after they have completed year one. This cannot be applied for as a top-up to MSc.
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What Students Say
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Rebecca Moylan | 2nd Year MSc student
I am currently working in the community as a public health nurse. As well as other aspects of public health, I have always been passionate about wound care. With the support of my management team, I intend to specialise as a tissue viability nurse with the help of this further education. I felt that NUI Galway provided a lot of flexibility with the structure of the course, this made it possible to travel to Galway and attend lectures while also working full time in a busy role. I always felt well supported by the speedy responses of the lecturers if I ever had any query. The practical element of the venous leg ulcer module as well as the OSCE in ABPIs gave me the confidence to practice in the community and initiate compression therapy safely for patients and therefore reduce the amount of referrals onwards to the acute services. I also very much enjoyed learning alongside my podiatry colleagues. Working full time and also studying full time is a challenge. However, the online recorded lectures have been a saving grace. As I approach the end of Year 2, I can say with confidence that having this Masters will outweigh any challenge I was faced with.
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Emma Murphy | Master of Health Science (Public Health Nursing) Student
The Master of Health Science (Public Health Nursing) program has a healthy mix of theoretical learning and practical placements which when combined facilitate the student PHN in preparing for and understanding their new role in the primary care setting. The lecturers at the University of Galway and PHN preceptors couldn't have been more supportive of my specific learning needs. The modules are relevant, interesting, practical, and insightful which really allowed me to understand the concept of population health and gain the necessary knowledge and skills required to care for newborns, the elderly and everyone in-between. In addition to the academic aspects of the course, I really enjoyed meeting other nurses from varied backgrounds who brought great knowledge and experience to the group. The friendships that developed and the laughter along the way have been invaluable, and I feel they will last a lifetime.
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Deirdre McGrath | Master of Health Science (Public Health Nursing) Student
I have just completed a PGDip in Public Health Nursing as a postgraduate student in the University of Galway. From start to finish I found the University staff so supportive and accommodating. It was my first time to return to third level after twenty years and I was pleasantly surprised. My lack of in information technology and academic writing was a concern, however, the support and endless resources from the librarians and lecturers quickly dismissed my fears. Our lecturers varied their topics with open discussion. They were flexible with timetables and adjusting schedules to maximize best outcomes, often working beyond a normal daytime timetable. The course coordinator was open to feedback regarding applicability, narrowing the gap between theory and practice. This approach was " a breath of fresh air to me" as it helps make sense of theory in practice. I would recommend University of Galway to anyone that would be interested in studying at a third level education in Ireland. You will learn a lot about your area of interest and discover new friends and colleagues along the route.