Perioperative

During the first year of study, candidates are required to complete three core modules and three specialist modules (60 ECTS), delivered over two semesters (12 weeks per Semester). Clinical competence is formally assessed in each semester through structured competency evaluations, undertaken by an appointed preceptor in collaboration with the programme director. Outcomes of these assessments are recorded on a pass/fail basis and submitted at the conclusion of Semester 2. Candidates who successfully fulfil these requirements progress to the second year, wherein they undertake a 30 ECTS research dissertation.



Post Graduate Modules Year 1



Core modules:



Service Improvement

Clinical Governance

Advanced Research Methods

Specialist Modules:



Physiological Effects of Surgery

Prevention of Anaesthetic Complications

Prevention of Surgical Complications

Masters Year 2



Research Dissertation

The programme has a clinical focus offering opportunities to develop specialist skills and explore new knowledge. Taught components of the programme are delivered in a blended learning format. Blended learning is an innovative teaching strategy which involves a combination of face-to-face and on-line learning. This means that learning/teaching will be delivered on-line through Canvas, an interactive learning system, which connects directly to the University from your own home computer making it possible to combine working full time and studying. Students are required to attend face to face workshops for a total of 12 days across the programme.



All students are required to attend a Postgraduate Induction Day prior to the commencement of the programme. This orientation serves multiple purposes: it provides an opportunity to establish academic and peer networks, to receive comprehensive information regarding programme structure, timetabling, assessment strategies, and the academic resources available to support progression. The Induction further facilitates familiarisation with the institutional virtual learning environment (Canvas), library e-resources, and academic support services, including those pertaining to academic writing.



In addition, students engage in breakout sessions with the programme director and module leaders, during which further guidance is provided on the utilisation of relevant digital tools, the roles and responsibilities of student representatives and the students’ union, and the location of key institutional policies and procedures, including those concerning leave of absence, exemptions, and recognition of prior learning (RPL).

Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Perioperative Nursing are in high demand across public healthcare providers, specialist surgical centres, day procedure units, and private healthcare providers, both in Ireland and internationally.



Where you could work:



HSE hospitals and voluntary healthcare organisations

Private surgical centres and clinics

International healthcare systems in the UK, EU, Middle East, Australia, and North America

Roles you could take on:



Senior Perioperative Staff Nurse (theatre, recovery, anaesthetics)

Clinical Nurse Specialist – Perioperative Care

Theatre or Recovery Room Coordinator

Career progression:



Senior clinical leadership roles such as Clinical Nurse Manager 1,2, or 3 or Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Educator/ Clinical Skills Facilitator

Research or academic positions, with pathways to Master’s or PhD-level study

This programme equips you with the skills, experience, and clinical competence to excel in perioperative practice and take your career to the next level.

Be a registered nurse on the General division of the register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI);



Have a minimum of six months’ post-registration experience (exclusive of post-registration courses);



Be currently working in the required specialist area, i.e., theatre (perioperative setting) and have as a minimum six months’ clinical experience in this specialist area;



Provide written evidence of support from their Director of Nursing for the duration of the programme;



Have an honours bachelor’s degree at NFQ Level 8 in nursing or a comparable qualification. Applicants who do not hold an honours degree or Higher Diploma (Level 8) must demonstrate that they have successfully completed (in the previous two years) a module at Level 9. Please consult the professional credit awards at Level 9 at: www.nuigalway.ie/pca/pca.html.

2 years, full-time (MSc) | 1 year, full-time (PG)

Next start date September 2026

Career Opportunities

The Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Perioperative), Major Award, is at Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. It is informed and guided by NMBI criteria. It is aimed at Registered General Nurses working in the perioperative environment. This programme provides nurses with the specific theoretical knowledge, skills and clinical reasoning abilities required to provide safe and high-quality care in the perioperative specialism. The concepts of patient centred care, evidence-based practice, and promotion of safety are examined in this programme. The learners’ knowledge of physiology, anatomy, ethical and legal practice, and specific operative procedures are also included. It covers a multitude of theory relevant to perioperative nursing practice resulting in significant career opportunities.



Upon completing this programme, students have the requisite knowledge and clinical skills to work in a wide variety of peri-operative care settings, both in Ireland and Internationally. Past Graduates have found employment and promotion opportunities nationally and internationally.



Furthermore, the programme has shown to support and facilitate nursing at specialist and advanced nursing levels. The programme is designed to support the development of knowledge, skills, attributes, and competencies in preparation for specialist and advanced roles within nursing. Successful completion of the Masters in Perioperative Nursing will offer students opportunities to be considered for clinical nurse specialist posts and advanced nursing practice posts.