Specialist Practice - Emergency Department

Course Overview

The Specialist Nursing - Emergency Department is designed to provide the student with the appropriate level of knowledge, clinical expertise, and technical skills necessary to function as a competent, effective, and caring practitioner. There is a strong commitment to research-based practice, and a focus on the development and integration of theoretical knowledge and clinical experience.



Is This Course For Me?

This course is designed for nurses working in clinical practice who wish to develop their knowledge and competency in the emergency department. 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.



Each module will be assessed by the successful completion of an academic assignment. The assessment of clinical competence will focus on the acquisition of specialist competencies and the clinical assessments will be carried out throughout the clinical placements.

In Year One, students take four specialist modules: Nursing Management of Medical Emergencies; Nursing Management of Paediatric and Mental Health Emergencies; Management of Surgical Emergencies and Trauma Nursing; Supervised Practice Placement (ED). 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: 28th 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 emergency department nurse to function as a competent, effective, and caring specialist nurse.