The primary aim of this Graduate Diploma will be to expand your knowledge in the area of chronic illness management. You will be equipped with the knowledge and expertise required to care for patients with chronic illness. The programme will give you an understanding of the needs of this group of patients, which are associated with high levels of self-care, and give you the necessary skills to improve the quality of life for people with chronic illness.
This course is available through the following application route(s)
The primary aim of this Graduate Diploma will be to expand your knowledge in the area of chronic illness management. You will be equipped with the knowledge and expertise required to care for patients with chronic illness. The programme will give you an understanding of the needs of this group of patients, which are associated with high levels of self-care, and give you the necessary skills to improve the quality of life for people with chronic illness. This programme is delivered by UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems in collaboration with clinical partner sites. The rheumatology components of the programme are delivered in partnership with OLH&CS. The Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Disease Unit (RMDU) at Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services is a specialist service provider and teaching unit with close links to the UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems.
About This Course
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.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of: All 3 groups of students must take both core modules (Rheumatology, Hepatology and Other Speciality). |
NMHS43270 | ResMethodsAppliedtoHealthcare | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of: All 3 groups of students must take both core modules (Rheumatology, Hepatology and Other Speciality). |
NMHS43140 | Developing Leadership Competency | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 2 of: All 3 groups of students must take both core modules (Rheumatology, Hepatology and Other Speciality). |
NMHS43600 | Clinical Practicum (Chronic Illness) | 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 2 of: All 3 groups of students must take both core modules (Rheumatology, Hepatology and Other Speciality). |
NMHS42960 | Advanced Health Assessment | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - C)2 of: Year 2 Option Modules: Rheumatology students select modules NMHS33220 & NMHS42640. NMHS33220 must be taken in the autumn trimester. If you have already taken NMHS33220 as a CPD module, please apply for RPL via the school. Hepatology students select modules NMHS42880 & NMHS43740. Other Specialty students select two of the following option modules NMHS42880, NMHS42370 OR NMHS42700. |
NMHS42370 | Palliative Care,Philosophy,Concepts and Debates | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - C)2 of: Year 2 Option Modules: Rheumatology students select modules NMHS33220 & NMHS42640. NMHS33220 must be taken in the autumn trimester. If you have already taken NMHS33220 as a CPD module, please apply for RPL via the school. Hepatology students select modules NMHS42880 & NMHS43740. Other Specialty students select two of the following option modules NMHS42880, NMHS42370 OR NMHS42700. |
NMHS42700 | Quality, patient safety and outcomes | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - C)2 of: Year 2 Option Modules: Rheumatology students select modules NMHS33220 & NMHS42640. NMHS33220 must be taken in the autumn trimester. If you have already taken NMHS33220 as a CPD module, please apply for RPL via the school. Hepatology students select modules NMHS42880 & NMHS43740. Other Specialty students select two of the following option modules NMHS42880, NMHS42370 OR NMHS42700. |
NMHS43740 | Clin Expertise Hepatology | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - C)2 of: Year 2 Option Modules: Rheumatology students select modules NMHS33220 & NMHS42640. NMHS33220 must be taken in the autumn trimester. If you have already taken NMHS33220 as a CPD module, please apply for RPL via the school. Hepatology students select modules NMHS42880 & NMHS43740. Other Specialty students select two of the following option modules NMHS42880, NMHS42370 OR NMHS42700. |
NMHS33220 | Care of the Person with Rheumatic Musculoskeletal Disease | Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - C)2 of: Year 2 Option Modules: Rheumatology students select modules NMHS33220 & NMHS42640. NMHS33220 must be taken in the autumn trimester. If you have already taken NMHS33220 as a CPD module, please apply for RPL via the school. Hepatology students select modules NMHS42880 & NMHS43740. Other Specialty students select two of the following option modules NMHS42880, NMHS42370 OR NMHS42700. |
NMHS42640 | Pathophysiology and Management of Rheumatic Musculoskeletal Diseases | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - C)2 of: Year 2 Option Modules: Rheumatology students select modules NMHS33220 & NMHS42640. NMHS33220 must be taken in the autumn trimester. If you have already taken NMHS33220 as a CPD module, please apply for RPL via the school. Hepatology students select modules NMHS42880 & NMHS43740. Other Specialty students select two of the following option modules NMHS42880, NMHS42370 OR NMHS42700. |
NMHS42880 | The Psychological Impact of Chronic Illness | Spring | 10 |
Important Notice: Please note, the module information displayed in this box refers to the 2024/2025 programme structure. The structure for 2025/2026 will be released in June 2025 and applicants should expect some changes to the information about Optional Modules. For further information please use the Contact Us on this page to send a question to the course administrator. |
Graduate Diploma Chronic Illness Management (X809) 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
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:
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:
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Applicants must have a primary degree in Nursing (or equivalent in related discipline). RPL consideration if no degree
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Qualified healthcare professionals with proof of registration with appropriate governing body (NMBI)
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Have a minimum of one year’s post-registration experience, including at least six months working with chronic illness populations
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Candidates must be employed in the care of patients with chronic illness prior to commencing the course and for the duration of the course for a minimum of 75 hours per month
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Other criteria to be used in the assessment of the application include number of years of experience, and evidence of ongoing professional development
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.
Documents required:
The official closing date is July 31st, however, as places on the programme are subject to clinical placements which are limited, you are advised to have all of the required documentation submitted by July 1st.
- Original transcript(s) including date and grading of degree award (non UCD Graduates only) & notarised English translations where relevant
- A current photocopy of NMBI registration
- Copy of Birth Certificate or Personal Page of Passport
- Professional Reference Form(original form)
- Declaration Form
- Clinical Competence Assessor Nomination Form
- Evidence of proficiency in English language (applicants whose first language is not English)
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.
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No
The Graduate Diploma Chronic Illness Management (Nursing) is a programme for nurses who wish to advance their professional practice in the care of people with chronic illness in order to formulate appropriate nursing interventions across a continuum of care. The programme will provide you with a professional educational experience which can be applied directly to your clinical practice.
How will I benefit?
Upon completion of the programme, you will be well positioned to work in a variety of chronic illness care settings both nationally and internationally. You will gain advanced clinical experience, as well as theoretical knowledge to provide a high level of care to people with chronic illness. A blended model of teaching and learning is used on the programme to facilitate flexibility and accessibility. Clinical teaching is undertaken by specialists in the clinical area with an emphasis on assisting students in applying theory to practice. Graduates may also proceed to CNM/Educational/Clinical Facilitator roles, and this programme is an entry pathway for the MSc Clinical Practice.
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Graduate Diploma Chronic Illness Management:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | X809 Graduate Diploma Chronic Illness Management Graduate Diploma Part-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsApply |
* you can change options at the top of the page