| Code | PCNG |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 Months Part-time |
| Teaching Mode | Part-Time |
| Qualifications | PG Cert |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 |
| Closing Date | No longer on offer. Check www.ucc.ie/pdng |
| Non-EU Closing Date | No longer on offer. Check www.ucc.ie/pdng |
| Start Date | Not running |
Course Outline
The philosophy underpinning this postgraduate course values the concept of positive ageing and the unique individual characteristics of the older person. The course seeks to validate this through the development of expert gerontological nursing to meet the complex needs of older people in a variety of care settings. This course is a Postgraduate Certificate, 30 credits of a level nine programme of the National Framework of Qualifications (National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI), 2003).
PATHWAY 1: GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING
The course comprises four modules:
Theory modules (blended learning)
- NU6005 Evidence-Based Practice for Health Professionals (10 credits) (Shared module across all pathways)
- NU6053 Professional, Ethical and Legal Decision-Making in Specialist practice (5 credits) (Shared module across all pathways except 9)
- NU6078 Ageing and Older People: Comprehensive Assessment and Management (10 credits)
Clinical Practice/Practicum module
- NU6130 Clinical Practice in Specialist Nursing 1 (5 credits)
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Course Practicalities
For each 10-credit module, there are an estimated 200 hours of student workload. The breakdown of these hours is: 168 hours of distance online and technology learning, and 32 hours of face-to-face contact in Brookfield Health Science Complex but are subject to change from year to year. The breakdown for 5-credit theory modules will be half the hours stated above for 10-credit modules. Each 10-credit model runs for 6 weeks and each 5-credit module runs for 4 weeks. The practice modules involve direct clinical placement learning to meet Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland requirements.
Semester 1
September to December (16 weeks) contains 2x 10-credit modules and 1x 5-credit module, and 1x5-credit module (practice module). The student is required to attend in person for 9 days on campus in semester 1 for workshops, lectures and tutorials but are subject to change from year to year. The remainder of content is delivered online using our virtual learning environment Canvas. Learning strategies include module study guides, discussion boards, audio/visual resources and online assessments/activities.
- Prior to commencing the course each student taking a blended programme is required to attend in person for a 1-day orientation to Canvas and training on how to use the online technology within the course. IT support will be given to students throughout the duration of the course.
Assessment
A range of assessments are used throughout the programme including written assignments, online activities (E. activities) and a competency book is completed for the practice modules.
Who teaches this course?
- Dr Teresa Wills
- Ms Patricia Fehin
- Dr Caroline Kilty
- Dr Serena Fitzgerald
- Dr Caroline Egan
- Dr Valerie Venditti
Why Choose This Course
With the rapidly growing older-adult population and the changing healthcare services of today, it is vital that nurses working in older-adult settings are competent to provide the highest quality of nursing care and maintain professional standards of care. The curriculum encourages you to develop an enquiring and creative approach to both the theory and practice of gerontological nursing.
Students who successfully complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing to the value of 30 credits will be granted exemptions for these modules in the relevant MSc/Postgraduate Diploma exit pathway within the School of Nursing and Midwifery at UCC.
Skills and Careers Information
This course will give registered general nurses, registered intellectual disability nurses and registered psychiatric nurses the knowledge and skills to work as members of the older-adult care team in a variety of gerontological settings to meet the complex needs of older people.
Requirements
The Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing is a part-time programme running for 6 months from the date of first registration for the programme. Applicants choose their pathway at the application stage and all of the pathways are viewable in the College Calendar.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS PATHWAY 1: GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING
Applicants for the Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing should normally:
- Hold active registration on a division of the professional register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland or be eligible for such registration as required for individual pathways. For the Gerontological Nursing Pathway, applicants must be Registered General Nurses OR Registered Intellectual Disability Nurses OR Registered Psychiatric Nurses AND
- Have clinical practice experience (and support structures, if applicable) as required for individual pathways. For the Gerontological Nursing Pathway applicants must have a minimum of six months' post-registration experience (excluding courses) and at least three months' experience in the specialty pathway applied for.
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.
Fees and Costs
Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026
See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
Deposits
If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.
Fee payment
Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.
How can I pay?
See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.
Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.
How To Apply
1. Check dates
Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the yellow fact file boxes at the top of this webpage. The UCC online application portal usually opens around mid October.
2. Gather documents
Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:
- Original qualification documents listed on your application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
- Any supplementary items requested for your course, if required.
3. Apply online
Apply online by clicking the red 'Apply Now' button below. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.
Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.
Deferrals: Deferrals are not permitted on this course.
Additional Requirements (All Applicants)
Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:
- In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.
- Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
- Please provide evidence of at least 6 months post registration experience.
- Please upload certification of current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
- All applicants must also submit a signed Declaration Form, to be completed by the Director of Nursing/Midwifery/Equivalent Authorised Manager. This form is downloadable here: 2023 Declaration Form PGCert Nursing Pathway programmes
The closing date for non-EU applications is No longer on offer. Check www.ucc.ie/pdng
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