Dementia

Course Outline

Our interdisciplinary MSc in Dementia course provides healthcare professionals with the skills to expertly care for a person with dementia from diagnosis to end-of-life. We advocate a biopsychosocial approach in this course, meaning that we look at the body, mind and environment and consider how they are all connected. Our course content reflects this approach.



The topics on this course include dementia presentations and assessments; restorative and adaptive cognitive and non-cognitive interventions; a strong focus on communication, ethical approaches and care planning; translation of evidence to clinical practice; and reflection on legislative, policy and societal influences on dementia care across health and social care settings.



This programme can be studied full-time or part-time. A range of optional modules allows a student to tailor their learning to their own setting and role and includes an optional clinical placement module. Optional independent study modules provide for skill-development opportunities, allowing a student to undertake an in-depth literature review, a supervised audit, service evaluation or a quality improvement project, or to develop a business case or implementation plan. At all times the emphasis is on the critical appraisal of research evidence, and knowledge of current policy and societal influences, and how these translate into the best possible care for the person with dementia in real-world settings.

Students take taught modules to the value of 60 credits incorporating approximately 300 hours of structured contact time via face-to-face, webinars, or online options. Most classes are held in two-day blocks (weekdays). Students also undertake a research dissertation (30 credits) which is submitted at the end of the calendar year.



Core Modules

Students take core modules to the value of 35 credits as follows:

CG6015 Understanding Cognitive Disorders and Dementia (10 credits)

CG6016 Advanced Issues in Dementia Care (10 credits)

CG6017 Clinical Practicum in Dementia (5 credits)



And either

EH6038 Applied Research for Gerontology and Rehabilitation (10 credits) Or

MH6014 Advanced Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals (10 credits)



Elective Modules

Students take elective modules to the value of 25 credits from the following:

CG6002 Stroke Rehabilitation (10 credits)

CG6006 Falls, Mobility and Movement Disorders (10 credits)

CG6007 Independent Study (5 credits)*

CG6011 In-depth Independent Study (15 credits)*

CG6012 Neuromuscular Disorders (10 credits)

IP5001 Holistic Approach to Palliative Care (5 credits)**

MH6016 Advance Care Planning (5 credits)

NU6053 Ethics for Specialist Practice (5 credits)



*Students can take either CG6007 orCG6011 but not both.



** Can only be selected if the student has active registration or is eligible for registration with the appropriate professional healthcare registration body.



Research Module

CG6018 Dissertation in Older Person Rehabilitation (30 credits)



Exemptions at the Point of Entry to the MSc Programme

- Following successful completion of the examinations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia, a student may opt to transfer to the MSc in Dementia, subject to the approval of the Programme Team, with exemptions granted for modules taken within the previous five years.



- A student previously graduated with the Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia, within five years of completion, and subject to the approval of the Programme Team, may register for the MSc in Dementia, with exemptions granted for modules taken within the previous five years.



- A student previously graduated with the Postgraduate Diploma in Dementia (exit award), within five years of completion, may re-register for the MSc in Dementia, subject to the approval of the Programme Team, with exemptions granted for modules taken within the previous five years.



The above options do not require a new separate application by the student. Preliminary requests should be made to the Programme Administrator, Ms Lorraine Crossan.



- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): a student who has successfully completed modules for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) within the MSc in Dementia programme, and/or has completed relevant university postgraduate modules in a cognate area at a similar NFQ level (subject to the approval of the Programme Team), and who meets the entry requirements for the MSc in Dementia, can apply to register for the MSc in Dementia with exemptions granted for modules taken within the previous five years. This will require a separate by the student for the MSc.



- Please note that part-time study is not open to non-EU candidates.

Requirements:

Candidates must have the following:

- An honours primary degree in a relevant health care discipline* or an equivalent academic qualification and professional experience to be approved by Programme Team;



- Ideally, candidates should have at least one year's practical experience in their area of qualification post-registration;



- In some exceptional circumstances, candidates, by virtue of their training and experience may, at the discretion of the Programme Team, be deemed suitable for entry to the programme under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Such candidates may be requested to undergo an interview.



*A relevant health care discipline includes but is not limited to medicine, nursing, pharmacy, occupational therapy, speech and hearing science, audiology, physiotherapy, psychology, and social studies.



Garda Vetting

Students or applicants in receipt of an offer, on this programme will be subject to Garda Vetting. Students will be prohibited from engaging in a relevant work placement unless the vetting process has been cleared.



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.

Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date: Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

The fee for this course is €8,955.


Part-time students:


If your course is offered full time and part time, the fee for part time courses is half the full time fee.

Start Date 2nd September 2025.

Skills and Careers Information

In today’s competitive workforce, higher professional qualifications are an essential part of continuous professional development and career advancement. The MSc in Dementia gives Healthcare Professionals the key skills and competencies they need to confidently care for a person with dementia, of any age and in any setting. The MSc in Dementia is particularly suitable for those who want to assume a management and leadership position in the care of people with dementia.