Nursing - Emergency Nursing - Children

The Graduate Diploma in Emergency Nursing(Children) programme runs in partnership with UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, and Children Health Ireland. This programme is delivered via blended learning, incorporating a mix of interactive online lectures, self-directed learning and in-person classes. To complete this programme over 1 year, please apply for the Full Time option. To spread your modules over 2 years, you may apply for the Part Time option.



This programme aims to build upon and advance the emergency nurse’s repertoire of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and professional values. This programme will build on your existing knowledge and skills in caring for infants, children and young people within the paediatric emergency care settings. This training will enhance advanced knowledge of the nursing staff working in the paediatric emergency settings and enable them to utilise a range of therapeutic interventions and enhance their ability to review differing approaches and trends in the care and treatment of infants, children, young people and their families in paediatric emergency settings.



What Will I Learn?

On successful completion of the programme, you will receive a Graduate Diploma in Paediatric Emergency 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 to work in a variety of paediatric emergency care settings both nationally and internationally. Many of our graduates are now working in diverse roles such as nurse managers, educators, researchers and advanced practitioners.



The course may be taken over 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. Assessments are varied (assignments/short examination questions/MCQ/case presentation/practical examination/online discussion boards) and occur at intervals throughout and at the end of the trimesters. Students will attend college one day per week and learning experiences are also undertaken in planned block weeks of study, at local hospital sites.



Indicative Timetable

Our course delivery blends online learning with essential in-person practical sessions to ensure comprehensive skill development.



Trimester 1 (September - December):

All core lectures will be conducted online. Practical elements are integrated through four dedicated face-to-face days held on UCD campus. These sessions will focus on interactive workshops, vital clinical skills, immersive simulation-based education, and clinical examination practice.



Trimester 2 (January - May):

Online lecture delivery continues in Trimester 2. Additionally, students will attend two face-to-face days, specifically located at our partner clinical sites: CHI at Crumlin and CHI at Temple Street. There will be three further face-to-face days at UCD, dedicated to workshops, clinical skills, simulation-based education, and clinical examination sessions.



We have carefully planned the timetable to ensure ample breaks between all face-to-face sessions, preventing any back-to-back scheduling where possible.

Module/Trimester/Credits



Stage 1 Core Modules

NMHS42740 Child with Specific Needs 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 10

NMHS42470 Acutely Ill Child Autumn 10

NMHS43270 ResMethodsAppliedtoHealthcare Autumn 10

NMHS42730 Acutely Injured Child Spring 10

NMHS43140 Developing Leadership Competency Spring 10

NMHS42480 Clinical Practicum Year-long (12 months) 10

• Registered with NMBI as a Registered General Nurse* or registered Children’s Nurse.

• Have at least 12 month’s experience in emergency nursing care.

• Currently employed in an ED where children also attend.

• Other criteria include previous experience and evidence of ongoing professional development.

• Every application is reviewed on an individual basis – extra clinical placements may be required.

• *If you are an RGN - you must identify a Preceptor/Mentor in your own clinical site who has an RCN qualification/who has completed a Higher/Graduate Diploma in Paediatric Emergency Nursing.



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

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

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

• Photocopy of Birth Certificate or photocopy of Personal Page of Passport

• Signed Declaration Form by Employer

• Completed Professional Reference Form

• 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

X615: 1 year full-time

X752: 2 years part-time

Delivery: Blended

X615: Graduate Diploma Emergency Nursing (Children) Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught



X752: Graduate Diploma Emergency Nursing (Children) Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught