Health Sciences - Wound Healing & Tissue Repair

Course Overview

This programme aims to prepare healthcare professionals to effectively manage (within their scope of practice) challenging wound healing and tissue repair issues. The goal is to provide experienced, dedicated healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills in wound healing and tissue repair to ensure the highest quality of care for patients. Lecturers and facilitators on this course are recognised for their expertise nationally and internationally through research, education and clinical practice.



Unique features of this programme include the multidisciplinary approach. It is the first Level 9 course in skills development and competency in compression therapy and Doppler technique. The lecturers are internationally recognised for their expertise in this field.



Course Outline

Using a blended learning approach, this programme will be delivered through a combination of online learning and face-to-face skills teaching. On completion of Year 1 students have the option of being awarded a Postgraduate Diploma or (if they have achieved the minimum 60% average mark across these modules) may progress onto the second year to complete the MSc programme.



Modules are delivered using guided learning packs that provide a study guide, directed learning activities (both online and practice based), key reading, reflective points and e-tivities.



Students will be supported online as they work through each unit, using the virtual learning environment BlackBoard Collaborate. Students will be expected to engage in blogs, to respond to posted questions or activities and to complete e-titivies. The face-to-face teaching component (workshops) will take place at intervals throughout the semester. Workshops will focus on key skills and application.

Modules:

- Students will complete three core and three specialist modules in the first year (60 ECTS). Eligible students will then complete a research dissertation (30 ECTS) in the second year.



- Core modules: Advanced Research Methods; Clinical Governance—Supporting Safe Practice; Service Improvement.



- Specialist modules: Management of Venous Leg Ulceration; Management of Diabetic Foot Disease; Advanced Wound Care Management or Vascular Disease.



Year 1 (60 Credits)

Required NU623: Clinical Governance: Supporting Safe Practice

Required NU6439: Service Improvement

Required NU6104: Management of venous leg ulceration

Required NU502: Advanced Research Methods

Required PO5101: Management of Diabetic Foot Disease

Optional RPL010: Recognised Prior Learning

Optional RPL020: Recognised Prior Learning

Optional RPL030: Recognised Prior Learning

Optional NU438: Advanced Wound Care Management

Optional PO5102: Vascular Disease



Year 2 (30 Credits)

Required NU6515: Research Dissertation

Optional RPL030: Recognised Prior Learning

Applicants must:

- Hold an honours bachelor‘s degree at NFQ Level 8 in a healthcare profession. Applicants who do not hold an honours degree or Higher Diploma (Level 8) must demonstrate that they have successfully completed (in the previous two years) a module at Level 9. Please consult the professional credit awards at Level 9;



- Hold current registration with their relevant governing body in Ireland, for example, NMBI, CORU, IMC;



- Be currently employed in healthcare;



- Have a minimum of six months’ clinical experience in an appropriate setting since qualification;



- Students taking the Venous Leg Ulceration module [NU6104] must be in a position to work with clinicians providing care for patients with venous leg ulceration in a hospital or community setting, including the application of compression therapy and recording of Doppler ultrasound.

How to apply

We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible.



Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)

For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specified closing date. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.



Online Application

Applications to most postgraduate programmes at University of Galway are made online via www.universityofgalway.ie/apply (see "Application Weblink").

Postgraduate Diploma: 1 year full-time Masters: 2 years full-time (if eligible for second year following Postgraduate Diploma).

Next start date: September 2024.



Closing Date: 31st May 2024.

Career Opportunities

Students graduating from this programme will be able to enhance their clinical skills and knowledge in the area of wound healing and tissue repair. As wound management crosses many disciplines, the career path will vary according to the discipline. In the field of nursing, this programme will support nurses’ application for the role of Clinical Nurse Specialist in Tissue Viability (but does not guarantee that such an appointment will be made).