Specialist Practice - Gerontological Nursing

Course Overview

The gerontological nursing strand will promote standards for safe effective care for service users and facilitate nursing postgraduate students to develop a critical awareness of issues and challenges linked to gerontological healthcare as a distinct entity.



Gerontological nursing as a core specialist and as an additional strand to the current M.Sc. in Nursing: Specialist Nursing is supportive of and aligns with both the School of Nursing and Midwifery’s and the wider College’s strategic plans of strengthening community, building valuable partnerships, and engaging wider society.



Is This Course For Me?

This course is designed for nurses working in clinical practice who wish to develop their knowledge and competency in gerontological nursing. 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.

The course is offered on a two-year part-time basis. This course includes clinical and practice-based teaching, learning and assessment and students may be required to attend additional sessions at associated service provider sites as well as at the student’s practice base during year one of the course.



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.

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: 31st July 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 gerontological nurse to function as a competent, effective and caring specialist nurse.