Welcome to RCSI

The orientation module will open on our virtual learning environment (also referred to as the VLE or Moodle) in early September 2024. During this two-week orientation period, you will be required to complete some brief exercises and view a suite of short instructional videos. 

There are two important activities to highlight as part of the orientation.

• The Student Agreement and Student Handbook – one of your first tasks will be to confirm you have read and understood the Student Agreement. You will also refer to the Student Handbook regularly during your student journey with us. 
• Plagiarism course and quiz – This is an important and helpful resource. Understanding plagiarism will help you succeed in your assignments. Completion of this course and quiz is mandatory for all students.

There will be two live sessions as part of the orientation module. These live events are an excellent opportunity to meet the programme team and your new classmates, and acquire the skills you need for academic success. Programme staff will be available to assist students at all times throughout the live orientation events. Please be assured that we are experienced in working with students to access new technology and will ensure all our new students are able to participate.

Your Programme Team will consist of:

• Programme Director
• Operations team
• Module Leaders

The Programme Director is your academic lead, they are responsible for the running of the programme and may teach some of the modules. The Operations team is responsible for all non-academic elements and is available to support you with operational, technical and regulatory matters. Finally, the Module Leader is the academic lead for the module, if you have a question or query about a particular module you should contact the Module Lead first.

Delivery
All our academic programmes will be delivered through a blend of online content, activities and live interactive sessions, to offer a collaborative and supported student experience.

You will have the opportunity to become part of an international, healthcare-focused, learning community, no matter where you are based.

Per module, there will be live (or synchronous sessions) where live material is delivered in real-time via the online teaching platform, or non-live (or asynchronous sessions) consisting of pre-recorded lectures, videos, readings and tutorials that are uploaded to a module page on Moodle.

Timetables
Timetables will be made available to students during their orientation module in September 2024. 

Most live sessions occur on Thursday afternoon from 12-1 with the few exceptions of some happening on a Friday.
These sessions take place from 2-3pm to facilitate overseas guest faculty. 

The schedule for each day will be available at the commencement of each module. Students are strongly encouraged to attend all scheduled teaching days listed.

Sometimes there are also additional tutorials or assignment clinics which are recommended/optional to attend and those dates will be released when each module goes live.

All sessions are recorded and can be viewed at a time that suits your needs. During orientation you will be shown where to find your module schedules on the virtual learning environment (VLE). 

Please note that RCSI reserves the right to make changes to the academic timetables, and any updates will be communicated to students accordingly.  

Times Higher Education has excellent guides that offer tips for online study.

You will need the following:

• Laptop or desktop computer
• Stable and reliable internet connection
• Microsoft Word, Microsoft Teams and PowerPoint (or similar) on a laptop/desktop
• Headphones if you are in a noisy environment
• A notebook and pen

The RCSI Student Fees Department manage all matters relating to student fees. If you have any queries in relation to your fees please contact the team directly.

You will be asked to pay your fees at set times during the academic year. The schedule of fee payments are as per our website here.

Invoices will be available on request only to self-funded students. If you are a sponsored student an invoice will automatically be sent to your employer.

We can accept payments via the following routes:

• Debit/credit card:
  Card payments can be made here. (Please note that a 3% service charge is payable on card payments).

• Electronic Financial Transfer (SEPA):

- RCSI FEES ACCOUNT, BANK OF IRELAND, 39 ST STEPHEN'S GREEN, DUBLIN 2

- IBAN No IE75 BOFI 9000 8410 0440 74

- BIC/SWIFT No BOFIIE2D

Please ensure your name is attached to any bank/online transfer. Once you have your IT credentials you may request receipts for fees through the VLE here.

As a reminder please see below for the student fee payment schedule: 

RCSI student cards are available on request only.

To request a student ID card, please follow the below steps:

Download ‘Microsoft Power Apps’ via the App Store or Google Play and upload a profile picture. A video guide is available here.

Email helpdesk@rcsi.ie, copying CPHS@rcsi.com and confirm the following:

• that you wish to order a student card
• your name
• student number
• postal address
• that you have uploaded your photo (as per step 1)

RCSI is committed to building an inclusive learning environment. RCSI considers the principles of universal design in the design and implementation of all learning interactions to ensure that learning is accessible to students.

However, for a small minority of students, reasonable accommodations will be required. RCSI is committed to the provision of reasonable accommodations (RA) as a response to meet individual needs and as far as possible to enable full access and participation for any student with a disability, a significant on-going medical condition, or learning difficulty.

Any student seeking reasonable accommodations to support their learning or access needs are required to confidentially disclose their status and discuss their needs to the learning access and facilitation service (LAFS). 

If you believe you require a reasonable accommodation, we strongly encourage you to contact the learning access team at learningsupport@rcsi.com so that the learning access team can discuss and explore options with you.

Embarking on postgraduate studies while maintaining a full-time job can be both rewarding and challenging. We are committed to your success and want to provide you with valuable hints and tips to ensure a smooth and enriching journey:

Balancing Act: Recognise that managing work, studies, and personal life requires careful planning. Prioritise tasks, create a study schedule, and set realistic goals to effectively manage your time.

Module Insights: Our courses align with Higher Education Authority (HEA) guidelines. Expect around 200-250 hours of commitment per 10-credit module. This encompasses engaging lectures, tutorials, independent study, and assignments. Some modules may demand more attention, so allocate your time wisely.

Credit Structure: Our programme modules are organised into 10 credits each, fostering a balanced learning experience. 

Varied Workload: Understand that each module has its unique demands. While some may be more intensive, others might be more approachable. Gauge your strengths and allocate time accordingly.

Faculty Support: Our dedicated faculty is here to guide you. Programme directors and the operations team are available to address queries or concerns. Don't hesitate to reach out—we've likely encountered similar challenges before.

Learn from Experience: Recognise that challenges faced during the programme are often shared experiences. Lean on our expertise and seek guidance whenever needed. We're here to ensure your journey is both enjoyable and rewarding.

Effective Time Management: Your time is precious. Employ time-management techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique, task batching, or digital tools to optimise productivity.

Utilise Resources: Leverage available resources like online libraries, academic databases, and research tools to streamline your study process.

Peer Collaboration: Engage with fellow students for group discussions, study sessions, and sharing insights. Collaborative learning can enhance your understanding and make the workload feel more manageable.

Self-Care Rituals: Amidst your commitments, remember self-care. Regular exercise, healthy eating, sufficient sleep, and relaxation techniques contribute to your overall well-being.

Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge your achievements along the way. Completing modules or hitting study milestones warrants celebration and motivates you to keep moving forward.

Stay Adaptable: Flexibility is key. Be prepared to adjust your study plan based on unforeseen work demands or personal obligations. Adaptability ensures you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.

In partnership with your dedication and our expert guidance, your educational journey will lead to academic excellence. Your pursuit of knowledge while managing a full-time job showcases your determination, and we are here to provide the necessary support to help you thrive.

We invite you to join our network and stay connected with us through our various social media channels. By following our profiles, you'll gain access to valuable insights, updates, and opportunities to engage with the RCSI Centre for Positive Health Sciences.

Here are our official social media channels:

Facebook: RCSI Centre for Positive Health Sciences on Facebook
Stay up-to-date with our latest news, events, and articles. Like our page and be a part of our vibrant online community.

Instagram: RCSI Centre for Positive Health Sciences on Instagram
Explore the visual side of our journey. Follow us on Instagram to see inspiring photos and stories that promote positive health.

Twitter: RCSI Centre for Positive Health Sciences on Twitter
For real-time updates, discussions, and insights, Twitter is the place to be. Follow us to join the conversation.

LinkedIn Page: RCSI Centre for Positive Health Sciences on LinkedIn
Connect with our professional network on LinkedIn to discover opportunities and industry news. Follow our company page to stay informed.

LinkedIn Group: RCSI Centre for Positive Health Sciences  Positive Health Network Group on LinkedIn
If you're looking to engage in deeper discussions and collaborate with like-minded individuals, our LinkedIn group is the perfect platform.

By following us on these platforms, you'll gain access to:

• Engaging content on positive health sciences.
• Announcements about upcoming events and seminars.
• Career and research opportunities.
• Networking with peers and experts in the field.
• Valuable insights and resources to enhance your understanding of positive health.

Join our online community, and let's explore the journey to positive health together. We look forward to connecting with you on social media and fostering a vibrant and supportive community.