| Code | PCNOCN |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Course Outline
The Postgraduate Certificate in Oncology Nursing, offered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery, is a pathway on the Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing programme at University College Cork.
The PG Certificate in Nursing is a part-time course running for six months from the date of first registration for the programme. The Certificate has four pathways and applicants choose their pathway at the application stage. The current pathways are as follows:
- Pathway 1: Gerontological Nursing
- Pathway 3: Medical and Surgical Nursing
- Pathway 5: Nurse/Midwife Prescribing
- Pathway 7: Oncology Nursing
Our Postgraduate Oncology Certificate (Pathway 7) students take modules alongside students of the Postgraduate Nursing Diploma (Oncology) programme and a number of shared modules with other Postgraduate nursing students. This course is delivered as a blended learning programme that combines online or/and web-based learning with, face-to-face delivery.
The Oncology Pathway comprises four core modules totalling 30 credits as follows:
- NU6005 Evidence-Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals (10 credits)
- NU6053 Professional, Ethical, and Legal Decision-making in Specialist Practice (5 credits)
- NU6145 Foundations of Cancer Care (10 credits)
- NU6130 Clinical Practice in Specialist Nursing 1 (5 credits)
The modules include Clinical Practice in Specialist Nursing which is a 5-credit Clinical Practice module involving the practice of specialist skills in nursing and the participation in the clinical environment with supervision and guidance.
On successful completion of this Oncology Pathway, you should be able to:
- Critically discuss cancer trends nationally and internationally;
- Critically review cancer prevention strategies;
- Develop a critical understanding of current cancer treatments and their effects;
- Critically evaluate current research evidence for patients diagnosed and treated for cancer;
- Exercise accountability within clinical and professional boundaries in the delivery of care to patients diagnosed and treated for cancer.
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
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.
Teaching staff on the course inclide staff from the School of Nursing and Midwifery, and clinical setting.
Why Choose This Course
This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to work to meet the complex needs of providing nursing care to patients with cancer.
Top 50 Nursing School in the World
The School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, has been ranked within the top 50 nursing schools in the world, according to the QS global subject rankings. The school provides a world-class environment for cutting-edge research to prepare tomorrow’s nurses to shape and advance health care practices through research and education. Within UCC’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, researchers are addressing global challenges, including the growing burden of diseases, nurse workforce requirements, population ageing, and sustainable approaches to healthcare and health promotion and our teaching staff are at the forefront of these developments.
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 the current pathways are viewable in the Academic Calendar (PG Certificate in Nursing).
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Pathway 7 - Oncology
Applicants for the PG Certificate in Oncology 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 Oncology Nursing Pathway, applicants must be Registered General Nurses.
- Applicants for the PG Certificate in Oncology Nursing are not required to have oncology nursing experience at the point of entry to this programme pathway.
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.
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:
- You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
- Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
- In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning, and professional training relevant to this programme.
- 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
Deferrals: Deferrals are not permitted on this course.
The closing date for non-EU applications is No longer on offer. Check www.ucc.ie/pdng
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