PgDip in Gerontology (Nursing)
€7,040
Develop your theoretical knowledge and the practical skills necessary to provide evidence-based, quality care to our older population and drive improvements in this area.
Postgraduate Diploma
1 year
Hybrid - Part-time
60 ECTS
September 2025
About
Enhance your career with a PgDip in Gerontological Nursing from the RCSI School of Nursing and Midwifery. Develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to provide evidence-based, quality care to our older population. The research, leadership and critical analysis skills acquired will further your skills as a member of the interdisciplinary team.
You'll explore research, leadership and how to develop critical reflexivity, as well as gerontological-specific modules covering person-centred care, dementia and mental health. With critical discussion of contemporary issues surrounding legislation and quality improvement, you will develop as a thoughtful practitioner ready to respond accordingly to the professional challenges you face every day.
This programme is delivered part-time by RCSI via an active blended learning approach including self-directed learning and live online classes approximately once every week. Further support is provided through the module lead, programme director and regular online drop-in sessions.
An alternative hospital-based version of this programme is also offered and is delivered in partnership with Beaumont Hospital.
The award title for this course is Postgraduate Diploma Nursing (Gerontology).
This course is a Level 9 award on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.
Discuss the needs of older people living with mental health disorders and dementia
Explore the role of person-centred care
Advance your research and leadership skills
Suitable for
This programme is designed for registered nurses and healthcare professionals with an interest in the care of the older person.
What you will learn
Faculty highlight
Biography
Dr Aglecia Budri
Dr Budri is a lecturer and programme director at RCSI, lead researcher at the Skin Wounds and Trauma (SWaT) Centre, and visiting professor at the Sao Paulo State University (UNESP). Her main research interests encompass wound care/tissue viability, education and health information technology.
Find out more
Course information
This programme will provide you with the skills and knowledge to:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of a comprehensive range of knowledge in the area of gerontology nursing.
- Articulate a critical awareness of the latest evidence-based knowledge in the specialist area.
- Demonstrate a range of research and specialist knowledge and skills to the specialist area of clinical practice.
- Select from a broad range of specialist skills and knowledge in the specialist area.
- Act in a comprehensive and often unpredictable variety of professional and ill-defined contexts in the specialist area.
- Take significant responsibility for the work of individuals and groups and lead and initiate activity in the specialist area.
- Critically self-evaluate professional and personal learning needs and those of others within your specialist area of practice and link to related continuing professional development requirements.
- Present a reflective and questioning approach to specialist practice delivery and exhibit professional application of your knowledge in an accountable, responsible and evidence-based manner.
The programme will begin in September each year.
This programme is assessed through a range of assessment modalities.
All programmes offered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery are accredited by RCSI, the National University of Ireland and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. Recognition by bodies in other jurisdictions must be determined by individual applicants.
Admissions
You must:
- Hold an NFQ Level 8 qualification. However, applicants who do not hold a Level 8 qualification may still be eligible to join the programme through our supported-entry pathway programme. This is subject to an assessment of prior learning and experience.
- Have an active registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland or other registration in a country in which they are practicing if international students.
- Be working in the specialist practice of the programme for the duration of the programme.
- Provide a clinical learning agreement signed by a director of nursing or designate.
Learning occurs in many contexts including work, involvement in social and community activities, and learning through life experience generally.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) does not give credit for experience as such – rather, it considers learning that was acquired as a result of the experience. RPL may be used to gain admission to programmes where you may not have obtained the standard entry requirements. This is considered on a case-by-case basis.
Exemptions from programme modules that duplicate learning already demonstrably acquired through prior learning may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
For more information, please contact the School of Nursing and Midwifery:
- Tel: +353 1 402 2445
- Email: nursing@rcsi.ie
English language requirements are published here. If you have completed undergraduate/postgraduate full-time studies in the medium of the English language (three or more years cumulatively), or if you are registered with the NMBI, you are exempt from these requirements.
The total fee for this programme is €7,040.
Please note:
- Fees include the €45 NUI fee.
- There is an additional application fee of €50 which is non-refundable.
- Fees are subject to review annually.
- Fees can be paid by bank transfer. Full details on fee payment will be emailed to you before the commencement of your programme.
- You can pay your fees in three instalments – one payment of 40% is due before you commence the programme, while the remaining payments can be paid in two 30% instalments in November and February of your year of study.
- If you meet the criteria for a non-EU student, please contact us for more information on fee payments at tel: +353 1 402 2445 or email: nursing@rcsi.ie.
Sponsored students:
If your study is sponsored by your employer, you will be required to upload written confirmation of your sponsorship when accepting your programme offer. You will be unable to accept your offer until confirmation of sponsorship is received or a payment is made. Please view our Postgraduate fees policy for more information.
How to apply
Applications for September 2025 are now open, please apply at the link below or email nursing@rcsi.ie for further information.
Apply now