Gerontological Care

Meeting the healthcare and social care needs of older people demands expert assessment and strategic planning by a multidisciplinary team, including nurses, doctors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers, pharmacists, speech & language therapists and more. If you're a healthcare professional dedicated to excellence in gerontological practice and aiming to broaden your impact, the MSc in Gerontological Care offers a cutting-edge pathway to elevate your career and professional development. This programme equips you with the advanced, evidence-based skills needed to assess, plan, and deliver person-centred care for older adults across acute, community, and residential settings. This programme is designed for UCD graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Gerontological Nursing / Care or equivalent Level 9 qualification. This programme is delivered via blended learning, incorporating a mix of interactive online lectures, self-directed learning and in-person classes.



What Will I Learn?

The MSc in Gerontological Care will be awarded to students who have completed the requirements of the UCD Graduate Diploma in Gerontological Nursing / Care, and who complete the MSc research and dissertation module NMHS43870 Diss: Evidence Synthesis (30 ECTS).



The UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems provides graduate programmes to prepare nurses and midwives to excel as caregivers and as leaders. Many of the School’s graduates have gone on to assume key clinical and leadership positions in their discipline, both nationally and internationally. This programme will provide you with an opportunity to develop, enhance and maintain the specialist skills that are required to care for older persons.



How will I benefit?

Successful participants in this programme will be awarded a MSc in Gerontological Care.



You will learn from leading academics and clinical experts who are deeply embedded in Ireland’s health system and care of older people. Our faculty maintains strong partnerships with local and regional healthcare providers, including major hospitals, primary care networks, and community-based services. This ensures that teaching is grounded in current practice and informed by the latest research in gerontological care. This connection between university and frontline services enhances the real-world relevance and impact of your learning.



Possessing a broad and deep understanding of the theory and skills required for caring for older adults, you will be well positioned to work in a variety of settings specialising in this area both nationally and internationally. The programme is particularly aimed at preparing healthcare professionals to assume senior and specialist roles in gerontological care.



The MSc in Gerontological Care aims to provide students with the requisite knowledge and discipline-specific skills for their specialist role in gerontological care in a range of care settings. The Programme will build on students’ prior knowledge and experience in either older person’s care services or in tertiary care. The Programme will:



• provide an advanced educational experience which will develop the student’s capacity for independent judgement and problem-solving skills.

• provide an educational framework to support the development of analytical and critical skills for an enquiring and creative approach to the theory and practice of gerontological nursing.

• develop the student’s capacity to respond to changing needs in gerontological nursing.

• develop the student’s capacity to identify and integrate best evidence into gerontological nursing practice.



The MSc in Gerontological Care is designed for nurses who are involved in the care of older persons in acute, community or long-term care settings. This programme is aimed at health professionals who have completed the UCD Graduate Diploma (Level 9) in Gerontological Nursing / Care.

Module / Trimester / Credits



Stage 1 Core Modules

NMHS44020 Evid synthesis & translation 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 30

• Applicants must have completed the Graduate Diploma in Gerontological Nursing or equivalent (NFQ Level 9)



Documents Required:

• Transcripts(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)

• Signed Declaration Form from employer (original 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 at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Online Application.



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: No

1 year full-time. Delivery: Blended.

XA40: Master of Science in Gerontological Care Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

The School is renowned for its graduate programmes that equip health professionals to excel as expert clinicians and visionary leaders. Our alumni have gone on to secure senior and specialist roles in hospitals, community services, long-term care facilities, academia, government agencies and industry, both in Ireland and around the world. You’ll sharpen the specialist competencies and leadership capabilities needed to:



• Lead multidisciplinary teams in designing and delivering age-friendly services

• Drive quality improvement and evidence-based practice initiatives

• Influence policy development and service planning at local, regional and national levels

• Educate and mentor the next generation of gerontological care professionals

• Contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes the future of healthy ageing



Built upon strong clinical partnerships and UCD’s global research excellence, this programme will position you to make a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of older adults across diverse care settings.