Community & Primary Healthcare

Community and Primary Healthcare are at the heart of HSE Sláintecare's vision for the right care, at the right place, at the right time. The Government’s direction is to bring care closer to home for patients and service users and by taking this course you can facilitate this vision.

This specially devised diploma in Community and Primary Healthcare will enhance your knowledge and skills in prevention, early intervention, and self-management of conditions in the community and promote an understanding of the importance of integration of services for the continuity of care.

A unique aspect of the Postgraduate Diploma in Community and Primary Healthcare is that it includes a clinical practicum, which will be undertaken in your workplace. The placement facilitates your knowledge of the community and primary healthcare setting under the guidance of the Programme Lead, preceptors, and healthcare professionals in the community and primary healthcare setting.

Applicants must:

Note you will be asked to provide the following as part of the application process for this programme:

Recognition of Prior Learning

Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be given to applicants who do not hold a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8). Such applicants may be considered for admission following a review of their individual qualifications and professional experience in a suitable area such as Clinical Therapies, Nursing, Midwifery, or other allied health professions. RPL applicants may also be invited for an interview.

Garda Vetting

Students, or applicants in receipt of an offer, will be subject to UCC's Student Garda Vetting Policy as relevant. Students will be prohibited from engaging in a placement unless the vetting process has been cleared.

Fitness to Practise

This programme is subject to the University's Fitness to Practise Policy.

The diploma programme is suitable for individuals who are currently working in community and primary healthcare and who are seeking enhanced qualifications for their career advancement.

In today’s competitive workforce, postgraduate qualifications are an essential part of continuous professional development (CPD) and career advancement. Our diploma supports students from a range of professional health backgrounds in developing knowledge, skills, and competencies to assist them in delivering health and well-being in the community and primary healthcare setting.

The programme also supports students to take on the delivery of community and primary healthcare at a specialist level as well as in leadership and senior roles. 

Following successful completion of the diploma you may progress to Community Practitioner roles and onwards to specialist and senior practice roles in the community and/or Primary Healthcare setting. Progression pathways will vary by discipline, setting, and availability of promotional opportunities.