Nursing - Critical Care Nursing - Intensive Care

Critical care nursing requires an advanced knowledge base, skilled assessment, prompt intervention and ongoing evaluation in order to care for the critically ill with complex needs. The critical care nurse maintains the balance between the science of nursing and the art of caring. This course will provide the nurse with an opportunity to develop, enhance and maintain these specialist skills that are required to care for the critically ill.



This course will provide the nurse with an opportunity to develop, enhance and maintain these specialist skills that are required to care for the critically ill.



The Graduate Diploma in Critical Care Nursing – Intensive Care is a 60 ECTS programme offered over1-year full time (X547) or two years part-time (X745).



What Will I Learn?

• Develop a greater understanding of the holistic principles which underpin the various aspects of critical care nursing particularly in relation to intensive care

• Augment students' knowledge and appreciation of nursing theory and biopsychosocial sciences which underpin critical care nursing practice in intensive care

• Provide students with an opportunity for personal growth and professional development

• Develop skills to enhance their professional practice, including critical analysis, creative thinking, decision making and communication skills



This programme is aimed at advancing the registered nurse’s repertoire of knowledge and skills for professional practice in the care of patients within the critical care environment.

Module/Trimester/Credits



Stage 1 Core Modules

NMHS42770 The Complex Critically Ill Patient 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 10

NMHS43270 ResMethodsAppliedtoHealthcare Autumn 10

NMHS42780 Nursing Care of the Chronically Critically Ill Patient Spring 10

NMHS43140 Developing Leadership Competency Spring 10

NMHS42520 Clinical Practicum Year-long (12 months) 10



Stage 1 Options - A)1 of:

Students who have completed CPD module select NMHS33990, otherwise Select NMHS44230

NMHS33990 Fundamentals of Acute Care CPD Autumn 10

NMHS44230 Fundamentals of Acute Care Autumn 10

• All applicants must hold a primary degree in Nursing (or equivalent in a related discipline)/RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) consideration if no degree

• All applicants must be listed on the Register of Nurses and Midwives, which is maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).

• All applicants must have at least one year’s post-registration experience at the time of application

• All applicants must be employed in intensive care nursing for the duration of the programme and work a minimum of 75 hours per month

• Also, each student must provide documented evidence from the Director of Nursing in the clinical practice area, which guarantees ICU placement for the duration of the programme



Documents Required

• Transcript(s) including date and grading of degree award (non UCD Graduates only) & notarised English translations where relevant

• Nurse applicants: A current photocopy of NMBI registration

• Other health care professionals: A current photocopy of registration with professional registration body

• Copy of Birth Certificate or Personal Page of Passport

• Signed Declaration Form from Employer (original form)

• Completed Professional Reference Form (original form)

• Nurse applicants: Clinical Competence Assessor Nomination Form signed by the nominee

• 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



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No

Assessments are varied (assignments/short examination questions/MCQ/case presentation/practical examination) and occur at intervals throughout and at the end of the trimesters.

60

X547: 1 year full-time

X745: 2 years part-time

Delivery: Blended

X547: Graduate Diploma Critical Care Nursing (Intensive Care) Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught



X745: Graduate Diploma Critical Care (Intensive Care) Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

The Graduate Diploma Critical Care Nursing: Intensive Care provides you with the comprehensive knowledge and skills required for caring for the critically ill. The key knowledge and skills gained on this Programme will also enable you to innovate and lead in your area of practice in Critical Care.