Medicine & Health Sciences - Professionalism in Medicine & Health Sciences

The MSc in Professionalism in Medicine and Health Sciences from the Centre for Professionalism in Medicine and Health Sciences at RCSI is a pioneering online programme designed to empower graduate healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to innovate and lead in professionalism, patient safety and quality of care.



Designed and delivered by our international expert faculty using the ‘Introduction to Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence (iCARE) in Professionalism’ Framework, this programme enables you to develop practical strategies to navigate ethical dilemmas, drive clinical excellence, and foster trust in healthcare systems.



Designed for busy healthcare professionals, the flexible online format offers interactive learning, enabling students to engage with expert faculty and a global peer network while balancing education with professional commitments.



The programme prepares graduates to lead advancements in professionalism, patient safety, and healthcare governance. Whether in clinical practice, healthcare management, education, or policy, participants will be equipped to champion ethical leadership, improve patient outcomes, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.



Please note: This is a two-year MSc programme. Students who successfully complete Year 1 (60 ECTS) and do not wish to proceed to the research dissertation may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip). The PgDip in Professionalism in Medicine and Health Sciences is also available for direct application here.



This course is a Level 9 award on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.



Suitable for

This online MSc in Professionalism in Medicine and Health Sciences is suitable for doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists, pharmacists, allied health and social care professionals, and healthcare administrators seeking to advance their careers in professionalism, ethical leadership, and patient safety while driving systemic change in healthcare.

Module 1

Introduction to Professionalism, Ethics and Biomedical Law

Introduction and foundation in professionalism, ethics, biomedical law, research ethics, standards and regulation.



Module 2

Compassion in CARE

Compassion in patient-centred care, collaborative care, communication, advocacy, complaints, bereavement and self-care.



Module 3

Accountability in CARE

Accountability in trust, integrity, candour, open disclosure, patient safety, quality improvement, relationships and stewardship.



Module 4

Respect in CARE

Respect in dignity, confidentiality, equality, cultural competence, healthcare teams, positive leadership and conflict management.



Module 5

Excellence in CARE

Excellence in continuous improvement, judgement, medical leadership, scholarship, innovation and healthcare delivery.



Module 6

Professionalism in Practice

Professionalism in practice in governance, quality improvement, role-models, raising concern, incidents, audits and performance.



Module 7

Research Methods and Dissertation

Advanced research skills and methodologies in professionalism, culminating in a dissertation.

To be eligible, you must hold a Bachelor of Medicine (MB) or a primary degree in a health and social sciences field, or a relevant discipline.



If you do not hold a bachelor’s degree, you may still be eligible through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway.



English language requirements for postgraduate programmes are published on the RCSI website.



Supporting Documentation:

As part of the application process, you are required to submit the following documents:



Mandatory documents:

• Curriculum vitae (CV) outlining your academic and professional experience.

• Copy of your passport.

• Copy of your educational transcripts – official records from previous studies.



Where applicable:

• Proof of sponsorship if your fees are covered by an employer or funding body.

• Evidence of English language qualification if you do not meet the English language exemption criteria.



Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

If you do not meet the minimum academic requirements above, you may still be eligible to apply through recognition of prior learning (RPL).



What is RPL?

RPL is the assessment of knowledge, skills, and competencies previously acquired through:

• Professional work experience

• Community and social activities

• Informal or experiential learning



What RPL can be used for

• Admission to the programme if you do not meet the standard academic entry requirements.

• Exemptions from specific modules where you have already demonstrated equivalent learning outcomes.



How to apply via RPL

Applicants must submit supporting evidence demonstrating prior learning and competence. Each RPL application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.



English language requirement exceptions

English language requirements for Postgraduate programmes are published on the RCSI website.



All applicants must meet RCSI’s English language requirements unless exempt.



Minimum English proficiency scores:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall

• Duolingo: 120 out of 160

• Equivalent scores on other standardised tests



Exemptions apply if you:

• Completed at least three years of your undergraduate/postgraduate studies full-time in English in a country where English is the majority native language.

• Studied in an English-speaking institution (for three or more years) in a country where English is not the majority language, provided an IELTS score of 5+ was required for admission.

• Worked for three or more years in a country where English is the majority native language.

• Are a graduate of an RCSI undergraduate, MSc, or professional diploma programme in Dublin or Bahrain.



Note: Certified proof of English proficiency must be uploaded as part of your application.

2 years. Mode of delivery Online - Part-time.

Next start date: September 2026.

Progression options

The MSc in Professionalism in Medicine and Health Sciences is structured as a progressive learning pathway, allowing students to develop their expertise in professionalism, ethics and leadership at increasing levels of depth and complexity.