ObjectivesThis programme is designed to provide professionals working in health and social care with the knowledge and skills required to deliver high quality, holistic, person-centred care to people with dementia and their carers. It aims to meet the need for expertise among the multidisciplinary team working in the context of an ageing population.
Entry requirementsEntry Conditions Students should have honours degree in a relevant health and social care profession. Graduates with less than a first or upper second class honours degree are normally interviewed. Nurses aiming for a Specialist Practice qualification recorded on the NMC register are required to: • be entered on the NMC register • have three years’ relevant clinical experience and currently be working in a relevant area International students must have obtained an overall mark in their degree that indicates a level of performance equivalent to a UK honours degree. They must also have English IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall, and 6 in each section of the test. International students aiming for a NMC recognised specialist nursing qualification must gain temporary registration for the period of the programme and study full-time in Northern Ireland.
Academic titlePostgraduate Diploma/MSc in Dementia Studies
Course descriptionStructure and Content
The Postgraduate Certificate comprises three taught modules offered by the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences. It consists of 60 credits of study presented through specialist modules about dementia. The Postgraduate Diploma comprises six taught modules. It consists of 120 credits of study presented through three specialist modules about dementia (60 credits), two core modules on research and epistemology (45 credits), and one more advanced module on dementia (15 credits) . Those completing this level of study may continue to undertake a Research Project (60 credits) for the award of the MSc in Dementia Studies.
Those nurses undertaking the specialist practice qualification within this programme will also complete 75 days of practice and demonstrate achievement of clinical competencies specified.
Exemptions and Transferability
It is not anticipated that students will wish to transfer in or out of the programme. However, it would be possible for students to carry credits from these programmes into several Postgraduate Diploma/MSc programmes in nursing or other health and social care areas of study.
Careers And Postgraduate Opportunities
Students graduating from this programme will be well qualified for a range of senior posts within the area of dementia care in practice, research, education, management or policy making.
Professional Recognition
This programme has been planned as a free standing Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma/Masters degree open to all professionals working in the area of dementia care aimed to enhance the quality of care of clients and families. It has been presented for academic and professional recognition to the relevant professional bodies that have a post-qualifying education structure in place