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Nursing: Oncology and Haematology (MHSc/PDip)

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Course Overview

This programme is designed for registered general nurses who wish to pursue a specialism in oncology nursing.

Students are required to undertake their clinical practice in an approved clinical practice setting within Ireland, normally within the students' own work setting.  Students may also be required to undertake additional placement(s) in order to meet the programme’s learning outcomes.

All students will register on the full-time one-year Postgraduate Diploma. On completion of both theoretical and clinical modules for this course, students will graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma or (if they have achieved the minimum 60% average mark across these modules) they may apply to transfer to the second year of the MSc programme. 

A blended learning approach is adopted in the delivery of this programme. Students are required to attend face to face workshops for a total of 12 days across the programme. Students are required to complete a minimum of 500 clinical hours (reduced from previously-published 1,000 hours, on NMBI advice) before completing this programme. 

SPECIAL FEATURES
The course has a clinical focus, offering opportunities to develop specialist skills. The programme is offered through a blended learning format—a combination of online and face-to-face learning and teaching. Blended learning is an innovative and flexible approach to learning, making it possible to combine working full-time with studying. This course is approved by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.

Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made 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. 

Who Teaches this Course

See the full staff list here.

Requirements and Assessment

Modules are assessed using a combination of coursework and teaching assessments.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

All applicants must meet the following entry requirements:

  1. Be a registered nurse on the General Nurse division of the register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI);
  2. Have a minimum of one year of post-registration experience (exclusive of post-registration courses);
  3. Be currently working in an approved oncology care setting and have as a minimum six months’ clinical experience in this specialist area;
  4. Satisfy the selection panel of ability to complete the programme;
  5. Provide written support from their employer that they will be able to access this client group across the programme;
  6. 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

15

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

30 June 2025

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

Course code

MHSC-ONCO

Course Outline

Students will complete three core and three specialist modules in the first year (60 ECTS). Eligible students will then complete a research dissertation (30 ECTS) in the second year.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Graduates have found employment and promotion opportunities nationally and internationally in clinical nurse specialist roles and clinical trials (oncology).

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) & €3,570 (Yr 2) (including levy) p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Tuition

€7,750 p.a. (Yr 1); €3,500 (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. 

 

What Our Graduates Say

Caroline

Caroline Thornton |   Graduate

I would highly recommend the Masters in Haematology /Oncology in NUI Galway. This course is delivered by experienced lecturers whose support throughout all aspects of the course allowed for both a satisfying and creative learning experience. The second year of the course involves developing a research thesis, the support and guidance I received from my academic supervisor made this a very engaging and positive experience. I was also fortunate to have my research published in a European Oncology Journal, this would not have been possible without the academic advice from the university staff. The module content enables the development of the oncology nursing role from that off a staff nurse to one of the more specialised and advanced levels of nursing. This programme has provided me with the confidence to advance my career in both a professional and academic nature
Claire

Claire Dunnion |   Graduate

The best decision I made was to complete my master's in oncology/haematology. Having already worked for a few years in these areas, I still found this learning experience invaluable. In year one, not only were the guest lecturers and in-house teachings great but the facilitation for work experience too. These placements were individualised to build on the foundation of knowledge I already had. The new experiences allowed me to gain an insight into areas I hadn't worked in previously, utilising my time brilliantly. Of course, all this was organised by the excellent lecturer providing this course. She ensured that everyone was learning no matter their background, and she was always there to assist with any issues. Similarly, in the second year, I was assigned such a supportive academic supervisor. Despite restrictions due to the pandemic, my course was not impacted. Despite the challenges, adaptions were made, and the support continued. Frequent zoom calls and timely replies to my emails from my academic supervisor ensured I was able to complete my research and my master's. This then allowed me to progress in my career. I would highly recommend this course.

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