PgDip in Care of the Surgical Patient (Nursing)

Royal College of Surgeons

Ireland, Dublin

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Royal College of Surgeons

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Graduate Diploma

Study Type

Part Time

Delivery

Online

Campuses

Online

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year

Tuition Fee

EUR 7,040 / Total

Next Intake September-2026

PgDip in Care of the Surgical Patient (Nursing)

About

Advance your theoretical knowledge and develop a critical and questioning approach as you explore professional, clinical, leadership and managerial issues relevant to care of the surgical patient with RCSI School of Nursing and Midwifery. Enhance your clinical practice by developing an in-depth knowledge of the principles of surgical care choosing between the perioperative strand or the preoperative/postoperative strand.

Through the development of key research skills, you will be supported to explore evidence supporting safer patient care in these settings and emerging trends in these areas.

This programme is delivered part-time via an active blended learning approach including self-directed learning and live online classes approximately once every week. Further support is provided through the Module Lead, Programme Director and regular online drop-in sessions.

The award title for this course is Postgraduate Diploma Nursing (Care of the Surgical Patient); you will have the option to choose between two further specialties within this programme – perioperative or pre/post.

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

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

You must:

Hold an NFQ Level 8 qualification. However, applicants who do not hold a Level 8 qualification may still be eligible to join the programme through our supported-entry pathway programme. This is subject to an assessment of prior learning and experience.
Have an active registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland or other registration in a country in which they are practicing if international students.
Be working in the specialist practice of the programme for the duration of the programme.
Provide a clinical learning agreement signed by a director of nursing or designate.

English Program Requirements

English language requirement exceptions

English language requirements are published here. If you have completed undergraduate/postgraduate full-time studies in the medium of the English language (three or more years cumulatively), or if you are registered with the NMBI, you are exempt from these requirements.

Career

Learning outcomes

This programme will provide you with the skills and knowledge to:

Demonstrate a critical understanding of a comprehensive range of knowledge in the area of caring for the surgical patient.
Articulate a critical awareness of the latest evidence-based knowledge in the specialist area.
Demonstrate a range of research and specialist knowledge and skills to the specialist area of clinical practice.
Select from a broad range of specialist skills and knowledge in the specialist area.
Act in a comprehensive and often unpredictable variety of professional and ill-defined contexts in the specialist area.
Take significant responsibility for the work of individuals and groups and lead and initiate activity in the specialist area.
Critically self-evaluate professional and personal learning needs and those of others within your specialist area of practice and link to related continuing professional development requirements.
Present a reflective and questioning approach to specialist practice delivery and exhibit professional application of your knowledge in an accountable, responsible and evidence-based manner.