Nursing - Children's Nursing

The Higher Diploma in Nursing (Children’s Nursing) programme is delivered in partnership with the UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, and Children’s Health Ireland. This post-registration children’s nursing programme is a one-year fixed programme, awarding an academic accreditation at the Level 8 National Qualification Authority Ireland framework.



This programme will build upon your existing nursing knowledge, skills, attitudes, and professional values, enhancing your ability to care for infants, children and young people, and their families, within a variety of paediatric healthcare settings.



How will I benefit?

On successful completion of the programme, you will receive a level 8 Higher Diploma in Nursing (Children’s Nursing) from UCD’s School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems. The programme is recognised nationally and internationally and is a highly regarded qualification. With it, you will be well-positioned for employment opportunities in a variety of paediatric healthcare settings both nationally and internationally. Academically there are opportunities to pursue to Masters/PhD level.



What Will I Learn?

The Higher Diploma in Nursing (Children’s Nursing) Programme delivers a curriculum aligned with NMBI Standards and Requirements for Post-Registration programmes (2018) and UCD Academic Regulation (2020) underpinned by several specific philosophical assumptions concerning child and family centred care, children and their families, professional children’s nursing practice and knowledge and scholarship. This programme aims to provide registered nursing practitioners with advanced nursing knowledge, skills, attitudes, and professional values, through deep understanding and collaborative practice with infants, children and young people, and their families, following a child and family-centred care approach.

Module/Trimester/Credits



Stage 1 Core Modules

NMHS33250 Nurs Child Enduring Needs Autumn 5

NMHS33260 Nurs Child Diverse Needs Autumn 5

NMHS33300 Principles Children's Nursing Autumn 10

NMHS33310 Nurs Child Acute Set (HDip) Autumn 5

NMHS33330 Practice Placement 1A Autumn 5

NMHS20810 Growth & Development Child Spring 5

NMHS33320 Evid Based Care Child (HDip) Spring 10

NMHS33340 Practice Placement 1B Spring 5

NMHS33490 Comm Care&Service Child (Hdip) Spring 10

NMHS33350 Practice Placement 2 Summer 5

NMHS33360 Practice Placement 3 Summer 5

NMHS33370 Practice Placement 4A Summer 10

NMHS33380 Practice Placement 4B Summer 10

All applicants must:

• Registered with NMBI as RGN/RPN/RNID

• 6 months relevant nursing experience within the last 2 years up to and including 1st April of the year of application

• Students who have English as a second language must satisfy the English language requirements of the university to be eligible to apply



Please Note: If your preference is to be a student of UCD (partnered with CHI at Crumlin) there is an essential requirement that you must have undertaken a Level 8 Research Module (either stand alone or as part of a level 8 programme)



Please Note: If English is not your native language, unless you have completed your primary degree through English in an English-speaking country, an English language qualification is required for all programmes. Please refer to: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/policiesandgeneralregulations/generalrequirements/minimumenglishlanguagerequirements/ here for more details.



Desirable Criteria:

· Experience working with or caring for children and families

· Awareness of professional and paediatric issues

· Management of clinical risk and quality issues

· Experience of research-based practice and audit



Documents required:

• Copy of current Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland P.I.N.

• Copy of Birth Certificate or Personal Page of Passport.

Online Application.



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: No



Applications will be advertised by Children's Health Ireland. Applications are now open until 1st March 2026 for this programme, please visit the CHI advertisement at: https://www.rezoomo.com/job/91379/?source=light&color=253C70&from=chi.jobs to complete your application.

1 year full-time. Delivery: On Campus.

X895: Higher Diploma in Nursing (Children's Nursing) Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught