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PgDip in Professionalism in Medicine and Health Sciences

€11,590 (EU)/€15,090 (non-EU)

The online PgDip in Professionalism in Medicine and Health Sciences integrates medical ethics, biomedical law, leadership, cultural competence and patient-centred care, enhancing professional identity formation and ethical decision-making.

A doctor taking case notes with a patient at a desk.
PgDip in Professionalism in Medicine and Health Sciences

€11,590 (EU)/€15,090 (non-EU)

The online PgDip in Professionalism in Medicine and Health Sciences integrates medical ethics, biomedical law, leadership, cultural competence and patient-centred care, enhancing professional identity formation and ethical decision-making.

Award

Postgraduate Diploma

Duration

1 year

Mode of delivery

Online - Part-time

Credits

60 ECTS

Next start date

08 September 2025

About

The PgDip in Professionalism in Medicine and Health Sciences from the Centre for Professionalism in Medicine & Health Sciences at RCSI is a pioneering online programme designed to empower graduate healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to innovate and lead in professionalism, patient safety and quality of care.

Designed and delivered by our international expert faculty using the ‘Introduction to Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence (iCARE) in Professionalism’ Framework, this programme integrates medical ethics, biomedical law, leadership, cultural competence, and patient-centred care, enhancing professional identity formation and ethical decision-making. Participants develop practical strategies to navigate ethical dilemmas, drive clinical excellence, and foster trust in healthcare systems.

Designed for busy healthcare professionals, the flexible online format offers interactive learning, enabling students to engage with expert faculty and a global peer network while balancing education with professional commitments.

The programme prepares graduates to lead advancements in professionalism, patient safety, and healthcare governance. Whether in clinical practice, healthcare management, education, or policy, participants will be equipped to champion ethical leadership, improve patient outcomes, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.

This course is a Level 9 award on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.

RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences logo
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Excel in professionalism, ethics and leadership to enhance patient trust and healthcare integrity.

Hospital icon

Advance patient safety and healthcare quality through evidence-based strategies and ethical best practices.

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Master ethical decision-making and biomedical law, ensuring compliance and accountability in complex clinical settings.

Transformation icon

Strengthen resilience and professional identity, fostering confidence, adaptability and moral courage in healthcare.

Collaboration icon

Navigate institutional challenges and drive systemic change, shaping policies and professional standards.

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Connect with a global network of healthcare professionals, gaining cross-cultural insights and leadership perspectives.

Suitable for

This online PgDip in Professionalism in Medicine and Health Sciences is suitable for doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists, pharmacists, allied health and social care professionals, and healthcare administrators seeking to advance their careers in professionalism, ethical leadership, and patient safety while driving systemic change in healthcare.

What you will learn

Module 1 Introduction to Professionalism, Ethics and Biomedical Law

Introduction and foundation in professionalism, ethics, biomedical law, research ethics, standards and regulation.

Module 2 Compassion in CARE

Compassion in patient-centred care, collaborative care, communication, advocacy, complaints, bereavement and self-care.

Module 3 Accountability in CARE

Accountability in trust, integrity, candour, open disclosure, patient safety, quality improvement, relationships and stewardship.

Module 4 Respect in CARE

Respect in dignity, confidentiality, equality, cultural competence, healthcare teams, positive leadership and conflict management.

Module 5 Excellence in CARE

Excellence in continuous improvement, judgement, medical leadership, scholarship, innovation and healthcare delivery.

Module 6 Professionalism in Practice

Professionalism in practice in governance, quality improvement, role-models, raising concern, incidents, audits and performance.

Faculty highlight

Register your interest

Are you interested in learning more about this programme? Submit your details below and a member of the team will be in touch with you shortly.

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Course information

  • Define the fundamental principles of professionalism, ethics, and biomedical law, demonstrating an understanding of their significance in promoting health, well-being, and patient safety.
  • Describe the core elements of the iCARE model (Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence), explaining their importance in practical healthcare settings and their contribution to sustainable and patient-centred care.
  • Apply in-depth knowledge of professionalism, ethics, and the iCARE model to address healthcare challenges, fostering patient safety, well-being, and innovative solutions.
  • Analyse barriers to professionalism and iCARE practices in healthcare environments, identifying and evaluating strategies to overcome these challenges and promote equitable access to care.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of professionalism and the iCARE model in fostering high-quality, patient-centred care and contributing to the resilience and improvement of healthcare systems, while enhancing the well-being of patients and professionals.
  • Create innovative strategies that integrate professionalism and iCARE principles to enhance healthcare delivery, leadership, and collaboration, aligned with global health priorities.
  • Develop advanced interpersonal skills, including leadership and collaboration, to promote professionalism in healthcare environments and contribute to team-based patient care and well-being.
  • Apply research methodologies to conduct an original dissertation on professionalism, analysing data, synthesizing findings, and advancing evidence-based practice to improve healthcare outcomes related to professionalism (exclusive to the master's programme option).
  • Critically reflect on personal and professional experiences to analyse the formation and evolution of your professional identity, with a focus on promoting self-awareness, well-being, and continuous professional growth.
  • Actively develop your professional identity by integrating personal values with professional standards through experiential learning, mentorship, and role modelling to foster excellence in practice and enhance patient and colleague well-being.

The PG Dip in Professionalism in Medicine and Health Sciences is structured as a progressive learning pathway, allowing students to develop their expertise in professionalism, ethics and leadership at increasing levels of depth and complexity. The programme has the following progression options:

Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) – 60 ECTS
Designed for professionals seeking practical expertise without a research component.

  • Six taught modules (60 ECTS)
  • Applied projects, case studies, and reflective practice
  • Focus on patient-centred care, ethical leadership, and system-wide accountability.

Progression:
Completion of the PgDip is required to advance to the MSc. Students completing Year 1 (PgDip) will have the option to continue to the MSc.

Year 1: Core Modules (PgDip and MSc)

1. Introduction to Professionalism, Ethics and Biomedical Law (10 ECTS)
Provides a foundation in professionalism, ethics, biomedical law, research ethics, and healthcare regulations, establishing essential principles for ethical medical practice.

2. Compassion in CARE (10 ECTS)
Explores compassion in patient-centred care, collaborative care, communication, advocacy, and bereavement while addressing complaints and self-care strategies for healthcare professionals.

3. Accountability in CARE (10 ECTS)
Examines accountability in trust, integrity, candour, open disclosure, patient safety, quality improvement, professional relationships, and stewardship in healthcare systems.

4. Respect in CARE (10 ECTS)
Focuses on dignity, confidentiality, equality, cultural competence, healthcare teams, positive leadership, and conflict management, reinforcing professionalism in diverse clinical settings.

5. Excellence in CARE (10 ECTS)
Promotes continuous improvement, professional judgement, medical leadership, scholarship, innovation, and healthcare delivery, ensuring high standards in clinical practice.

6. Professionalism in Practice (10 ECTS)
Integrates professionalism into governance, quality improvement, role-modeling, raising concerns, incident reporting, audits, and performance evaluation in healthcare settings.

Semester 1 (8 September 2025 – 19 December 2025)

  • Orientation: 8 September 2025
  • Module 1 – Introduction to Professionalism, Ethics and Biomedical Law: 22 September 2025 – 31 October 2025
  • Module 2 – Compassion in CARE: 3 November 2025 – 12 December 2025

Winter Break: 13 December 2025 – 4 January 2026

Semester 2 (5 January 2026 – 19 June 2026)

  • Module 3 – Accountability in CARE: 5 January 2026 – 13 February 2026
  • Module 4 – Respect in CARE: 16 February 2026 – 27 March 2026
  • Module 5 – Excellence in CARE: 30 March 2026 – 8 May 2026
  • Module 6 – Professionalism in Practice: 11 May 2026 – 19 June 2026

Note: This timetable is provisional and subject to change.

About this schedule:

  • Structured yet flexible: Each module runs for six weeks, allowing in-depth exploration of professionalism concepts.
  • Designed for busy professionals: Balances weekly engagements with self-paced learning.
  • Interactive and engaging: Live tutorials, discussion boards, group projects, and reflection activities to ensure a collaborative learning experience.

Formative assessment will include participation in online classroom activities and group work. Summative assessment for the majority of the modules will involve:

  • Discussion-board posts 
  • Written literature-based assignment
  • Individual reflection 
  • Group project. 

We are proud to be a recognised University of the National University of Ireland (NUI).

All RCSI programmes, including the MSc/PgDip in Professionalism in Medicine and Health Sciences, are accredited by the NUI.

Recognition by ministries and regulatory bodies in different jurisdictions must be determined by individual applicants. Prospective students are advised to verify recognition with their respective professional or government bodies.

Admissions

To be eligible, you must hold a Bachelor of Medicine (MB) or a primary degree in a health and social sciences field, or a relevant discipline.

If you do not hold a bachelor’s degree, you may still be eligible through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway.

English language requirements for postgraduate programmes are published on the RCSI website.

Supporting Documentation

As part of the application process, you are required to submit the following documents:

Mandatory documents: 

  • Curriculum vitae (CV) outlining your academic and professional experience. 
  • Copy of your passport. 
  • Copy of your educational transcripts – official records from previous studies. 

Where applicable: 

  • Proof of sponsorship if your fees are covered by an employer or funding body. 
  • Evidence of English language qualification if you do not meet the English language exemption criteria. 

If you do not meet the minimum academic requirements above, you may still be eligible to apply through recognition of prior learning (RPL).

What is RPL?

RPL is the assessment of knowledge, skills, and competencies previously acquired through:

  • Professional work experience.
  • Community and social activities.
  • Informal or experiential learning.

What RPL can be used for

  • Admission to the programme if you do not meet the standard academic entry requirements.
  • Exemptions from specific modules where you have already demonstrated equivalent learning outcomes.

How to apply via RPL

Applicants must submit supporting evidence demonstrating prior learning and competence. Each RPL application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 

English language requirements for Postgraduate programmes are published on the RCSI website.

All applicants must meet RCSI’s English language requirements unless exempt.

Minimum English proficiency scores

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall.
  • Duolingo: 120 out of 160.
  • Equivalent scores on other standardised tests.

Exemptions apply if you:

  • Completed at least three years of your undergraduate/postgraduate studies full-time in English in a country where English is the majority native language.
  • Studied in an English-speaking institution (for three or more years) in a country where English is not the majority language, provided an IELTS score of 5+ was required for admission.
  • Worked for three or more years in a country where English is the majority native language.
  • Are a graduate of an RCSI undergraduate, MSc or professional diploma programme in Dublin or Bahrain.

Note: Certified proof of English proficiency must be uploaded as part of your application. 

Places on this programme are limited. Fees are as follows:

  • EU Students: €5,795 per year (€11,590 total for two-year MSc)
  • Non-EU Students: €7,545 per year (€15,090 total for two-year MSc)

EU fees

Year Description Date Fees
Year 1 First payment When confirming acceptance €2,200
  Second payment 30 November 2025 €1,800
  Third payment 31 January 2026 €1,795
Total tuition fee     €5,795

Non-EU fees

Year Description Date Fees
Year 1 First payment When confirming acceptance €3,500
  Second payment 30 November 2025 €2,025
  Third payment 31 January 2026 €2,020
Total tuition fee     €7,545

Please note:  

  • The fee includes all resources, access to our award-winning online learning portal and access to extensive RCSI-only databases. 
  • The fee includes an annual NUI fee of €45. 
  • There is a non-refundable online application fee of €100. 
  • The fee is payable via the above schedule, where relevant. 
  • If you have outstanding fees you will not be entitled to receive your grades or be eligible to progress and or graduate (VLE and Library privileges will be withdrawn in these cases). 
  • RCSI accepts no obligation to refund any fee, or part thereof, in respect of a student who chooses to withdraw from a programme. 
  • If you choose to withdraw from a programme you are liable for full fees owed for the seat on that programme. 
  • All NUI parchments are issued in Latin; you will be required to pay an additional fee of €50 to NUI if you wish to have a parchment published in English. Further information can be found here. 
  • Fees are subject to review annually. 
  • If you are being sponsored or funded by your employer you should upload a funding confirmation letter in the document upload section on the application portal. A template is available below to download at your convenience. 
  • Fees are subject to change. 

View our postgraduate fees policy

How to apply

To find out more, please register your interest above.