Specialist Practice - Cancer Care & Haematology

Course Overview

This programme has been developed to meet the new demands and challenges within the healthcare system and specifically within cancer care and haematology nursing. The course is firmly grounded in a body of knowledge and clinical expertise that aims to promote excellence in cancer care practice and haematology nursing. It is also designed to provide an academically robust education for the participants and the various modules offered develop and complement subjects undertaken at degree or equivalent level.



Is This Course For Me?

This course is designed for nurses working in clinical practice who wish to develop their knowledge and competency in cancer care & haematology. There is a flexible approach where you can study between 1-3 years to complete an M.Sc. Specialist Nursing.



The blended approach to course delivery is designed for busy professionals to learn, with carefully planned assessment schedules, and supportive academic and clinical facilitators to guide you in your learning.



Course Structure

The course is offered on a two-year part-time basis. Year One starts with a full week of studying in September and continues thereafter one day per week for the remainder of the year. Year Two consists of workshops throughout the academic year.



Students must pass all modules in order to progress to the second year of the M.Sc. pro-gramme during which they complete a dissertation. Students may opt to exit at the end of year one and be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma. If all elements of the course have been passed the student has the option to return to undertake year two within four years. The specialist courses are taught in partnership between the School of Nursing and Midwifery and the associated Health Service Providers.

In Year One, students take four specialist modules: Cancer and Haematology Nursing; Psychosocial Issues in Haemato-Oncology Nursing; Haemato-Oncology Nursing; Practice Placement Module. Students also take two core modules: Theory & Practice of Enquiry Methods for Healthcare; Leadership, Quality Improvement and Governance.



In Year Two, students must complete a dissertation.

Admission Requirements Specialist Nursing strands:

Admission to the strand will be subject to place availability. The entry criteria for this strand are:

• Current registration on the appropriate nursing division of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland Active Register

• Two years post-registration clinical experience since first registration

• Twelve months experience (within the last two years) in the specialty in Ireland at the time of application.



Candidates must also fulfil one of the following criteria:

• An honours degree in nursing or a related discipline or equivalent professional and academic qualification or satisfy the selection committee that they have the academic ability to successfully complete the programme.



Each student will be engaged in specific practice settings in Ireland relevant to each individual strand for the duration of the programme of study.



Additional criteria may be required by individual Health Service Providers

Students will be required to undergo Garda Vetting, you can learn more at: https://www.tcd.ie/students/orientation/postgraduates/garda-vetting.php

Closing Date: 30th June 2025

1 year part time

Next Intake: September 2025

Career Opportunities

Designed to enable registered nurses to increase their knowledge, experience and clinical skills within this chosen specialty, this course prepares the cancer and haematology nurse to function as a competent, effective and caring specialist nurse.