Nursing - Diabetes

Preparing nurses to effectively contribute to diabetes nursing



Diabetes is a global health emergency, projected to affect over 600 million people by 2030 (10% of the world’s population). The WHO classifies it as an epidemic, a view echoed in Ireland’s HSE policy. Poorly managed, it leads to major cardiovascular risks. Effective care requires managing blood sugar, pressure, and lipids, alongside promoting healthy behaviours. Yet these targets are difficult to achieve. With rising prevalence and pressure on health services, specialist diabetes training for clinicians - especially nurses in multidisciplinary teams is urgently needed.



This programme only accepts nurses working in approved healthcare settings in Ireland. Please refer to the entry criteria below for further details.



Who is this course for?



This programme aims to prepare nurses to effectively contribute to diabetes nursing practice.  The essence of diabetes nursing is the provision of individualised care to patients with diabetes. Caring for patients with diabetes requires nurses to have specialist knowledge and skills that meet the physical, psychological, mental and social needs of patients and their relatives. The multi-faceted nature of nursing in diabetes care settings encompasses the whole spectrum of care, from prevention to diagnosis to treatment and chronic disease management and this course encompasses that ethos. 



Year 1 is theoretical-/clinical-based and represents 60 ECTS credits which is equivalent to a Postgraduate Diploma Diabetes at completion (which students can exit with, if they wish, at the end of Year 1).



Year 2 is research thesis based which builds on the knowledge and skills learned in Year 1 and represents 30 ECTS credits, thus providing a total of 90 ECTS (Year 1 & 2) which is the requirement for the awarding of a Masters Health Sciences Diabetes. 

Year 1 (60 Credits)

Required GPN10: Diabetes

Required NU921: Clinical Competence 1

Required NU623: Clinical Governance: Supporting Safe Practice

Required NU605: Recognising & Responding to Client Deterioration

Required PO5101: Management of Diabetic Foot Disease

Required NU502: Advanced Research Methods

Required NU6439: Service Improvement

Required NU922: Clinical Competence 2

Year 2 (30 Credits)

Required NU6515: Research Dissertation

Candidates must hold an Honours Level 8 primary degree in Nursing, Midwifery or Children’s Nursing.



Applicants who do not hold an honours degree or postgraduate diploma (Level 9) may apply but must clearly demonstrate the capacity to complete the programme at this level, and must successfully undertake a minimum of one 10 ECTS module (Level 9) offered as a Professional Credit Award.

2 years, full-time (MHSc)

1 year, full-time (PDip)

Blended Learning

Next start date: September 2026

Graduates of the programme can apply for a clinical nurse specialist role in Diabetes care.