RCSI Clinical Leadership programme

Embark on a distinctive journey with our online Professional Diploma in Clinical Leadership. Designed for both emerging and established healthcare professionals, this programme offers a unique blend of flexibility and advanced learning under world-class medical educators.

Our curriculum bridges critical gaps in clinical leadership and management, empowering you to excel in specialised roles and lead with confidence. Accelerate your career and commit to leadership excellence in the evolving world of healthcare.

Register your interest

Secure your spot for the Professional Diploma in Clinical Leadership starting autumn 2024.

Study Clinical Leadership with RCSI Online

Learn online at your own pace and acquire a highly sought-after skill set, enabling you to design and lead effective solutions for optimal patient care in your specific setting.

This part-time, nine-month Professional Diploma in Clinical Leadership is a distinctive healthcare management course that promotes collaborative learning among health professionals. It utilises state-of-the-art international methods from emerging disciplines like positive psychology. This programme is evidence-based and tailored to meet the developmental needs of both individuals and their organisations.


The programme consists of three dynamic modules:

  • The Clinical Leader: Understanding and Managing Oneself
  • Leading People and Managing Resources in the Clinical Context
  • Leading Change and Quality Improvement in Health Services

Delivered entirely online, the course is structured to accommodate the demanding schedules of healthcare professionals, with an emphasis on developing essential leadership skills. Our adept team ensures a comprehensive and engaging learning experience, supporting students of varying technical expertise.

Assessment involves continuous coursework, including two individual reflections and a two-part individual assignment, all contributing to a 100% weighting. Detailed guidelines for due dates and word counts are provided in the Assignment Descriptor.


Accredited by the NUI, the programme enables graduates to broaden their career prospects and to apply their enhanced skills across diverse organisational roles. Join us to progress into a skilled leadership and management role within the clinical setting.

  • Price: €5,750
  • Duration: 9 months
  • Start date: Autumn 2024
  • Delivery: Online
  • Qualification: ProfDip

Enquire now

RCSI Scholarship opportunities

Elevate your healthcare career with our prestigious RCSI scholarships designed for professionals committed to leadership excellence. Join us in shaping the future of healthcare leadership. Apply now to take advantage of these scholarship opportunities.

RCSI HealthCARE Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Available to applicants who have made the first instalment payment.
  • Offer: Three scholarships, offering a 30% reduction in tuition fees.
  • Deadline: Applications must be submitted by July 26, 2024.

Women in Leadership Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Open exclusively to new applicants identifying as women.
  • Offer: Two scholarships covering full tuition.
  • Deadline: Submit your application by 30 May, 2024.

Enrol in time for October start!

The RCSI Graduate School of Management is committed to its mission of educating future leaders in healthcare delivery and related research. Become part of our international learning community and enjoy collaborative group work, team building, and networking opportunities in a supportive environment.

Why study Professional Diploma in Clinical Leadership with us?

  • Explore the core concepts of self-awareness, resilience, and emotional intelligence to become an effective leader or manager in a clinical setting.
  • Develop critical awareness of team leadership and inter-professional communication within various healthcare contexts.
  • Lead and manage resources in healthcare settings while maintaining a positive outlook in your role as a clinical leader.
  • Transform healthcare delivery by boosting operational efficiencies, and implementing strategies impacting performance outcomes.
Senior nurse with junior student in busy hospital corridor

Hear from our alumni

Melanie Ryberg Headshot

"The flexibility was really important when I was working full-time and had a young child. The skills, knowledge and language that I developed during the diploma afforded me the additional lens and language to move things forward."

Melanie Ryberg, Clinical Leadership graduate

International expert faculty

Dermot O’Flynn is the Director of Professional Development and Corporate Training at the Institute of Leadership. He is Programme Director for the Professional Diploma in Clinical Leadership (online) and Director for the European Clinical Leadership Development Programme for Surgeons. He is also a qualified European Executive Coach and is currently coaching a group of HSE Clinical Directors who are working in Ireland.

 

Dermot O'Flynn headshot

Your journey ... our promise

Follow in the footsteps of our former graduates who have embraced RCSI's promise to 'lead the world to better health'. These individuals are advancing patient care across geographical boundaries. Watch the video to gain insights into their journeys and contributions.

Begin your journey

Why RCSI?

Healthcare focus

Ranked number one in the world for ‘Good Health and Well-being’ in THE Impact Rankings 2023.

Global outlook

Ranked in the Top 200 of the Times Higher Education (THE) Clinical and Health 2024.

International recognition

Accredited by National University of Ireland and internationally recognised.

Worldwide network

International alumni base of 19,000 healthcare professionals and leaders.