COURSE CURRICULUM

The PGDip/Master in Health Science (Gerontology) program at the University of Galway is structured to provide nurses and healthcare professionals with advanced expertise in caring for older adults across acute, community, and long-term care settings. In the first year, students complete 60 credits, focusing on essential clinical, theoretical, and research-based skills. Core modules include Clinical Governance: Supporting Safe Practice, which develops an understanding of accountability, quality, and safety in healthcare; Clinical Competence 1 and 2, which provide practical, supervised experience to ensure clinical skills meet professional standards; and Advanced Research Methods, equipping students with the tools to critically analyse evidence and inform best practice. Students also study Ageing & Older People: Biopsychosocial Perspectives, gaining insight into the complex biological, psychological, and social factors affecting older adults, and Contemporary Issues in Gerontological Nursing, exploring current challenges and innovations in care provision. Dementia Care: Transforming Practice addresses the growing need for specialist knowledge in cognitive health, promoting person-centred, evidence-informed interventions. The Service Improvement module encourages students to evaluate and enhance healthcare services, developing leadership and quality improvement skills. In the second year, students completing the master’s pathway undertake a 30-credit Research Dissertation, allowing them to explore a topic in-depth, apply research methodology, and contribute to advancing gerontological nursing practice. The program emphasises enabling older adults to age with confidence, dignity, and wellbeing while equipping nurses to provide safe, compassionate, and effective care. Graduates leave with specialist knowledge, enhanced clinical competence, and research skills, ready to influence practice, policy, and service development in a variety of healthcare settings, promoting quality of life and supporting the health and autonomy of ageing populations.