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Graduate Diploma Palliative Care

GradDip (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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The Graduate Diploma Palliative Care is an interdisciplinary programme designed to enhance your existing knowledge and skills in caring for patients with life limiting illness. 

This programme is delivered via blended learning, incorporating a mix of interactive online lectures, self-directed learning and in-person classes. To complete this programme over 1 year, please apply for the Full Time option. To spread your modules over 2 years, you may apply for the Part Time option.

Possessing this enhanced level of expertise will enable you to become a valuable member of the multidisciplinary team providing palliative care and further enhance the care provided to patients in your current area of practice who have a range of complex symptoms that need impeccable assessment and management. You will be well positioned to work in a variety of care settings both nationally and internationally. Many graduates have assumed varying roles in the palliative care services CNM/Educational/Clinical Facilitator roles.

On successful completion of the programme, you will receive a Graduate Diploma Palliative Care from the UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems. The programme is recognised nationally (since its inception in 1997) and is a highly regarded qualification for health care professionals caring for patients with life limiting illness who require palliative care.

About This Course

This is a one (academic) year programme, broken down into two trimesters or a two (academic) year programme, broken down into four trimesters. Assessments are varied (assignments/ MCQ/case studies) and occur at intervals throughout and at the end of the trimesters.

Indicative Timetable

The majority of teaching will be delivered online. A blended approach using both online lectures supported by in person workshops are used for specialist theory modules.

It is advised that you attend all lectures when they are scheduled to ensure engagement.  Online lectures will be recorded so you can watch back at a later date should the need arise. 

The Graduate Diploma Palliative Care will provide you with the comprehensive knowledge and skills required for caring for patients with life limiting illness who require palliative care. Possessing a broad and deep understanding of the theory and skills required for Palliative Care, you will be well positioned to work in a variety of care settings both nationally and internationally. Many graduates have assumed varying roles in the palliative care services CNM/Educational/Clinical Facilitator roles.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 NMHS42370 Palliative Care,Philosophy,Concepts and Debates Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 NMHS42540 Palliative Approaches to Symptom Management Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 NMHS43270 ResMethodsAppliedtoHealthcare Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 NMHS42820 Psychosocial, Spiritual and Therapeutic Issues in Palliative Care Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 NMHS43140 Developing Leadership Competency Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 NMHS42350 Clinical Practicum Year-long (12 months)  10

Graduate Diploma Palliative Care (X791) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 10400
nonEU    fee per year - € 19400

Graduate Diploma Palliative Care (X792) Part Time
EU          Year 1 - € 5370
nonEU    Year 1 - € 9850
EU          Year 2 - € 5190 aa
nonEU    Year 2 - € 9540 aa

aaSecond Year Fee applies to Students in 2nd Year in 2025 and who were a 1st Year Student on the programme in 2024/25
***Fees are subject to change

Funding

If the fees for your programme are being paid by a third party (full or partial), please ensure your funding organisation/sponsor/hospital contacts student.payments@ucd.ie. Please note this is not a student facing email address.

Student Queries

If you have any queries about your fees, please contact the Student Desk:

www.ucd.ie/askus

https://www.ucd.ie/students/studentdesk/

Application Fee

Please note that all applicants are required to pay the €60 application fee. Your application cannot be processed fully unless the application fee has been paid.

More information about fees is available on the UCD website at the link below:

 

Documents Required

  • Academic Transcripts including date and grading of Degree award (non UCD only)
  • Current photocopy of NMBI registration and pin
  • Copy of Birth Certificate or Personal Pages of Passport (non UCD only)
  • Professional Reference Form
  • Nurse applicants: Completed Clinical Competence Assessor Nomination Form signed by the nomine
  • Nurse Applicants: Declaration Form
  • Evidence of proficiency in English language (applicants whose first language is not English)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL may be granted in respect of individual modules if applicants can demonstrate that the modules' learning outcomes have been achieved through prior credentialled or experiential learning. In some cases, where an applicant does not meet the prerequisites for entry to a programme, an RPL application may be considered. Further information can be found in respect of this here.

 

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: No

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No


This programme is aimed at advancing the health care professionals' repertoire of knowledge and skills for professional practice in the care of persons with life limiting illness.


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Graduate Diploma Palliative Care:

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
X791
Graduate Diploma Palliative Care
Graduate Diploma

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
X792
Graduate Diploma Palliative Care
Graduate Diploma

Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
* you can change options at the top of the page
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