The MSc programme requires students to take three core modules and three option modules,(each with a credit rating of 10 credits at Level 9). Additionally students undertake a research dissertation module with a credit rating of 30 credits. The modules are logically structured to enable the student meet the aims and outcomes of the programme. Option modules are chosen from a suite of optional modules available through the School of Nursing and Human Sciences at DCU. The normal timeframe for completion of the MSc programme is 24 months (four semesters in total). Students are permitted to apply to exit the programme with a Graduate Diploma after eighteen months (completed over three semesters). A maximum credit achievement of 60 credits must be undertaken in DCU to facilitate exit with a Graduate Diploma award and in compliance with DCU Marks & Standards. For students wishing to take a more flexible approach to the MSc programme it is possible to extend the timeframe in which the programme is completed to four years in total commencing from date of initial registration on the programme. The programme is delivered part-time (two semesters per year, 12 weeks per semester) using a mixed mode approach. There are online weeks embedded into the course structure of the MSc programme where students engage with interactive online learning activities and are not required to attend DCU. They comprise 4/5 weeks of each semester divided proportionally with attendance mode of one day per week in DCU for 7/8 weeks. Each student undertaking the programme will have a practice supervisor, an academic supervisor and, for the dissertation, a research supervisor. Certain awards within the MSc programme are open to healthcare professionals who are not registered nurses. To apply for programmes with Nursing in the title you must already hold a registered nursing qualification. Please note our programmes will not enable additional entry / dual qualification on the nursing register of the NMBI i.e. if you are a Registered General Nurse interested in pursuing the MSc in Mental Health Nursing Practice you will not be eligible (upon completion of your award) to seek registration as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse. The programme will however further develop student's analytical skills, providing an educational framework where they can advance their interpersonal and practice skills to enable them to deliver optimum care to individuals, families and communities and simultaneously progress their career prospects in a dedicated area of healthcare.

This programme will support healthcare professionals who wish to further their career in a particular area of practice, e.g. where there are opportunities for developing new services, models and roles, or for specialist and advanced practitioner roles in healthcare provision. It will also help professionals gain valuable postgraduate clinical/practice education, thereby helping them to progress in their chosen career.