The Master Health Science (Public Health Nursing)—full-time and top-up runs over two academic years. Candidates registering for this programme upon successful completion of year one can register with the NMBI as a public health nurse. To successfully complete Year One the student must complete theoretical modules totalling 60 ECTS and clinical assessment requirements as stipulated by NMBI (2015).
Students on successful completion of year one may opt out of the programme and will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Public Health Nursing). Students must achieve 60% on the aggregate of modules undertaken in year one to progress to Year Two. Students who have indicated to opt out on completion of year one will not progress to Year Two. Year One is currently sponsored by the HSE. Year Two of this programme is offered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, and is not sponsored by the Health Service Executive.
Course Outline
PROGRAMME CONTENT (subject to change)
Year One
This year totals 60 ECTS and is delivered over an academic year. The theoretical component of year one is comprised of six modules (if a registered midwife) and seven modules (if not a registered midwife). You will complete two clinical practicum competency assessments within the community setting comprising of Practicum One (1, 2 and 3 professional assessments) and Practicum Two (4 and 5 professional assessments). For students who are not registered midwives one clinical skills assessment in the maternity unit is also undertaken.
Modules (Year One):
Note: Year one is currently sponsored by the HSE.
Master of Health Sciences (Public Health Nursing)-Year Two
On successful completion of year one you can register with the NMBI as a Public Health Nurse. You can either choose to complete your studies at the end of year one and receive the award of postgraduate diploma in health science (public health nursing) OR you can opt to undertake the Master of Health Science (Public Health Nursing) by completion of year two. Entry to year two of the programme is subject to you achieving 60% on the aggregate of modules undertaken in year one. In Year 2 you complete a research dissertation (30 ECTS) on a topic of relevance to public health nursing.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate, you will have the opportunity to practise autonomously within a community setting. You will have developed a specific knowledge that will enable you, as a community practitioner, to provide primary healthcare and target public health issues in the community.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
September 2025
University of Galway
University Road,
Galway,
H91 TK33, Republic of Ireland
Be registered in the General Nursing Division of the Register of Nurses maintained by the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) or entitled to be so registered AND have a minimum of three years' post-registration general nursing experience or
Be registered in the General Nursing Division and another Division of the Register, including Registered Midwife (RM), Registered Children’s Nurse (RCN), Registered Nurse Intellectual Disability (RNID) or Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) Divisions of the Register of Nurses and Midwives maintained by the NMBI or entitled to be so registered; AND have a minimum of 18 months' post-registration general nursing experience as an RGN, and 18 months post-registration experience as an RM or RCN or RNID or RPN and
Meet the academic criteria set by the relevant Higher Education Institute (HEI); Hold an NQAI Level 8 qualification (honours degree) or proof of equivalency; Demonstrate that they have undertaken a programme of study at NFQ Level 8. The academic transcript provided will be used as evidence to demonstrate this, and it should be for the highest level award.
Unless the candidate’s name is registered in the midwives division of the NMBI register, they must complete an approved module of study on child and maternal health, approved by the NMBI, as part of the programme;
Satisfy the selection/admission committee that they have the ability to complete the programme;
Meet in full the requirements for registration specified by NMBI to be eligible for the award of the Master Health Science (Public Health Nursing).
IELTS: 6.5 overall no less than 6.5 in any one component; Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE): 176 overall; Cambridge C2 Advanced (CPE): 180 overall; TOEFL: 88 overall (20 Listening, 20 Speaking, 24 Writing, 19 Reading); Pearson PTE: 61 overall, no less than 61 in any one component.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
While situated in one of the smaller university cities globally, Galway has a far-reaching reputation for excellent research and study programmes.
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