Frequently asked questions

Our programmes are fully delivered online so that you are able to study at a pace that fits your lifestyle. Our Academic Team have cultivated a safe, rigorous and interactive learning environment; combining the flexibility of online learning with the structure of an on-campus programme, so that postgraduates are able to further their learning and knowledge wherever they are in the world.

Through collaborative live seminars/sessions and case-based learning, our approach to graduate study capitalizes on the students' ability to work independently, with frequent support from academic and clinical experts. We do appreciate that there may be times where you are unable to join a live session, so there will always be a recording for you to watch back in your own time.

Our Student Advisors and Academic Team offer a wealth of resources and guidance to provide a rich and engaging online experience for our students. Before starting your first module, you will be invited to attend an Online Orientation with your cohort - this session is organised to support adult learners of all levels and promises a smooth transition to online learning (if you are new to asynchronous/synchronous study).

Our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is designed to be intuitive, accessible and easy to navigate. A dedicated Programme Coordinator will be available to you, should you experience any technical difficulties, or have any specific questions relating to your student portal.

We design programmes exclusively for healthcare graduates and working professionals from diverse backgrounds, who share the drive to advance their careers. RCSI educates doctors, nurses, health and social care professionals, allied healthcare practitioners and healthcare-based managers and executives of all levels. When you enrol in a programme, you will join a passionate and multi-disciplinary student body; and are encouraged to interact with your peers through collaborative group work, team building and networking opportunities.

RCSI promotes multiculturalism and inclusiveness, and we currently teach students from over 30 countries and continue to welcome prospective students from all over the world.

We are fully mindful that our students are adult learners, studying on various time zones, and managing complex schedules. Our programmes have been developed to complement busy lifestyles so that you are able to develop your knowledge and employability, without taking time away from your professional or life commitments.

Preparation is everything – your course content, readings and resources can be accessed 24/7 within the virtual learning environment (VLE), so that you are able to study and prepare for your assessments comfortably. Your learning will be assessed using several methods, including written reflections, individual assignments, team assignments or case studies. 

If you would like to find out more about programme workload or assessments, please contact our team.

You can apply through the course pages on our website.

Comparable to our programmes, student applications can be completed at your own pace and do not need to be submitted in one sitting. Applications are free to submit, and all applicants will be issued with a username and password. Applications can be accessed and edited several times and are submitted to the international Enrolment Advisory Team on completion.

We do encourage applicants to submit their applications in a timely fashion before all intakes, in order to guarantee a place on their desired programme.

If you have any questions on the admissions process, please get in touch and our team will be in touch as soon as possible.

Our programmes are taught and assessed in English, so it is vitally important that every student feels comfortable and competent when speaking and writing in English. To ensure an enjoyable and productive experience for students, we ask that all applicants to our academic programmes (e.g. MSc and Diplomas) provide confirmation of their English competency by completing an English Proficiency Test (IELTS). Required scores vary based on the individual course that you are applying for. Evidence of English competency is not required for our CPD short course.

Exemptions do apply: 

• Applicants who have completed their School or Undergraduate studies (three or more years) in English, in a country where English is the majority native language (see below).
• Applicants who have completed their School or Undergraduate studies (three or more years) in an English-speaking institution, in a country where English is not the majority native language and where an IELTS score of 5 or more was a requirement for admission to the programme.
• Applicants who have been working in a country where English is the majority native language, or for an employer where English language is the official language (three years or more). 
• Graduates of an RCSI Undergraduate programme in Dublin and Bahrain. Certified proof will need to be uploaded in the Apply upload section.

If you have any questions regarding the English Language requirements, please get in touch and our team will be in touch with you following your enquiry.

All RCSI academic programmes (e.g. MSc and Diplomas) are accredited by the NUI. For CPD short courses, details of CPD approval can be found on the individual course page.