MSc (Evidence-Based Future Healthcare)

Course Overview

The MSc in Evidence-Based Future Healthcare is an exciting new fully online interprofessional postgraduate course designed for busy healthcare workers seeking to transform their current practice, optimise healthcare outcomes and advance their careers in a rapidly evolving field. Our future-facing programme aims to equip healthcare workers from all backgrounds with the skills and knowledge to tackle current and emerging healthcare challenges by utilising cutting-edge approaches to evidence identification, appraisal, and implementation.

The programme will be delivered by experts in evidence-based healthcare from the University of Galway, with guest contributions from international experts. This programme is also closely linked with the internationally-recognised centres of excellence of Evidence Synthesis Ireland, Cochrane Ireland and the HRB Trials Methodology Research Network.

Webinar Watch back our recent webinar where Programme Director, Dr Elaine Toomey, answered all your pressing questions in relation to this programme.

Programme launch‌

In October 2023 we welcomed TD Hildegard Naughton, Government Chief Whip and Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy to University of Galway campus to launch our programme. This event coincided with World Evidence Based Healthcare Day and was covered in several local national and international media outlets. Read more here.

Our programme launched in Oct 20th 2023 on World Evidence Based Healthcare Day with first intake of students in Sept 2024. Pictured below at the official launch are, from left, Dr Elaine Toomey, a lecturer in Evidence-Based Healthcare at University of Galway, Health Research Board fellow and Co-Director of the new Masters Government Chief Whip and Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton T.D. and Professor Martin O'Donnell, Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Galway. Credit—Martina Regan Photography.

1. A 1.1 (or equivalent) or 2.1 (or equivalent) Bachelor’s honours degree in a healthcare-related field*
2. Applicants should have relevant work experience in healthcare, including direct care for individuals or communities in clinical settings, non-clinical roles in healthcare administration, policy, or research and community service focused on healthcare.
3. Applicants from diverse backgrounds with a variety of healthcare experiences, including those such as health policy, public health etc, healthcare management etc., are welcomed
4. A minimum overall score of 7.0 IELTS, with no less than 6.5 in any one band for international applicants

*Applicants from non-healthcare-related degrees will be considered (minimum requirement of 2nd Class Honours, Grade 1) on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the coordinators.

The MSc in Evidence-Based Future Healthcare opens a broad spectrum of employment and career advancement opportunities for graduates. Here's why this program holds the potential to significantly benefit your professional trajectory:

1. Up-to-date skillset: This programme equips you with cutting-edge skills and knowledge to tackle present and emerging healthcare challenges, making you a crucial asset in any healthcare environment.
2. Promotion opportunities: Holding a specialised Master's degree makes you an ideal candidate for senior roles and leadership positions in your current organisation or other healthcare organisations.
3. Research proficiency: You’ll gain a solid foundation in in various health research methodologies, an attribute highly valued in the healthcare sector, improving your prospects for conducting further research such as a PhD, or applying for advanced training programs.
4. Dual Clinical-Academic positions: This programme will benefit those currently in or aiming to apply for dual clinical-academic roles thanks to its focus on both practical and academic aspects of healthcare.
5. Interprofessional learning experience: Our programme places a strong emphasis on interprofessional learning and groupwork to reflect the realities of modern healthcare. You will benefit from a wealth of perspectives in the classroom, strengthening your learning experience and, ultimately, improving the healthcare system and outcomes for people receiving care.
6. Versatile career paths: If you have a broader interest in research implementation within healthcare decision-making, this program also prepares you for careers in health policy agencies, funding bodies, research commissioning bodies, and healthcare administration.
7. Competitive edge: With its interprofessional and future-facing focus, this degree will provide you with a competitive edge, improving your prospects in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.