University College Cork

Course Outline

This is an exciting new pathway of the MSc/ Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing programme, Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Oncology) is being offered a blended learning programme (part online and part attendance at workshops/tutorials). It is designed to meet the needs of nurses working in oncology settings who wish to undergo a specialist oncology programme.


The philosophy underpinning oncology programmes in the School recognises the uniqueness of the individual at each stage of the cancer care trajectory. The physical and psychosocial effect of cancer creates specific needs for patients and families from diagnosis to treatment and through to survivorship.


The course provides a structured programme of study that enables the student to develop knowledge, skills and competencies in oncology nursing practice. Blended learning approach will allow more accessibility and flexibility to students of the programme.


This is a Blended Learning programme delivered mostly online with using student-centered content and accessible resources. This is complemented by attendance at workshops. Each module will have its own study guide and content will be available online.


For each 10 credit module there is an estimated 200 hours Student Workload. This includes 184 hours distance online and technology learning, with attendance at workshops for 16 hours (2 days) in UCC. The 5 credit theory modules will be half of this. Each 10 credit module runs for 6 weeks and each 5 credit module runs for 4 weeks. The practice modules involve learning from practice areas.


Semester 1 - September to December (16 weeks) contains 2x 10 credit modules and 1x 5 credit module. The student is required to attend 3 x 8 hour days and 4 x 4 hour days on campus in semester 1 for workshops, lectures and tutorials. The remainder of content is delivered online using our virtual learning environment Blackboard. Learning strategies include module study guides, discussion boards, audio/visual resources and online assessments/activities.


Semester 2 - January to May (16 weeks) contains 2x 10 credit module and 1x 5 credit module. The student is required to attend 4 x 8 hours days and 2 x 4 hours days on campus in semester 2 for workshops, lectures and tutorials. The remainder of content is delivered online using our virtual learning environment Blackboard. Learning strategies include module study guides, discussion boards, teleconferencing and online assessments.


Students will be required to prepare and submit a E-portfolio on professional development activities relating to clinical practice placement.


Prior to commencing the course each student taking a blended module will be provided with an orientation to Blackboard and training on how to use the online technology within the course. IT support will be given to students throughout the duration of the course.


Why Choose This Course

The Postgraduate Diploma in Oncology Nursing is the only course offering an MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Oncology Nursing in the HSE Southern region. This course leads to an MSc in Nursing.


The incidence of cancer is increasing steadily in our society. Therefore, it is important that nurses working in oncology practice are equipped with advanced knowledge and skills to care for patients living with a diagnosis of cancer. The curriculum will enable students to integrate specialised knowledge and technical skills to help people living with cancer and their families throughout the cancer journey.