Course Outline
The interdisciplinary MSc in Dementia provides healthcare professionals with the skills to expertly care for a person with dementia from diagnosis to end-of-life. Taking a biopsychosocial approach, with expert lecturers and facilitators from a range of academic and clinical backgrounds, course content includes dementia presentations, assessments, sub-types and differentials; restorative and adaptive cognitive and non-cognitive interventions; a strong focus on communication, ethical approaches and care planning; translation of evidence to clinical practice; and reflection on legislative, policy and societal influences on dementia care across health and social care settings.
The MSc in Dementia can be studied full-time or part-time. A range of optional modules allows a student to tailor their learning to their own setting and role and includes an optional clinical placement module. Optional independent study modules give maximal skill-development opportunities, allowing a student to undertake an in-depth literature review, a supervised audit, service evaluation or quality improvement project, or to develop a business case or implementation plan. At all times the emphasis is on critical appraisal of research evidence, and knowledge of current policy and societal influences, and how these translate into best possible care for the person with dementia in real-world settings.
Programme Requirements
The full-time MSc (Dementia) runs over one calendar year (12 months) from the date of first registration for the programme. Students take taught modules to the value of 60 credits incorporating approximately 300 hours of structured contact time provided face-to-face, via webinars or online (3-8 in-class days per month during the term). Most classes are held in two-day blocks (weekdays). Students also undertake a research dissertation (30 credits) which is submitted at the end of the calendar year.
Students take CORE MODULES to the value of 35 credits as follows:
- CG6015 Understanding Cognitive Disorders and Dementia (10 credits)
- CG6016 Advanced Issues in Dementia Care (10 credits)
- CG6017 Clinical Practicum in Dementia (5 credits)
AND EITHER
- EH6038 Applied Research for Gerontology and Rehabilitation (10 credits) OR
- MH6014 Advanced Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals (10 credits)
Students take ELECTIVE MODULES to the value of 25 credits from the following:
- CG6002 Stroke Rehabilitation (10 credits)
- CG6006 Falls, Mobility and Movement Disorders (10 credits)
- CG6007 Independent Study (5 credits) *
- CG6011 In-depth Independent Study (15 credits)*
- CG6012 Neuromuscular Disorders (10 credits)
- IP5001 Holistic Approach to Palliative Care (5 credits)**
- MH6016 Advance Care Planning (5 credits)
- NU6053 Ethics for Specialist Practice (5 credits)
*Students can take CG6007 or CG6011 but not both
** Can only be selected if the student has active registration or is eligible for registration with the appropriate professional healthcare registration body.
Students also take a 30 credit Research module:
- CG6018 Dissertation in Older Person Rehabilitation (30 credits)
Exemptions at the Point of Entry to the MSc in Dementia
Following successful completion of the examinations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia, a student may opt to transfer to the MSc in Dementia, subject to the approval of the Programme Team, with exemptions granted for modules taken within the previous five years. This will not require a new PAC application by the student. Preliminary requests should be made to the Programme Administrator, Ms Lorraine Crossan.
A student previously graduated with the Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia, within five years of completion, and subject to the approval of the Programme Team, may register for the MSc in Dementia, with exemptions granted for modules taken within the previous five years. This will not require a new PAC application by the student. Preliminary requests should be made to the Programme Administrator, Ms Lorraine Crossan.
A student previously graduated with the Postgraduate Diploma in Dementia (exit award), within five years of completion, may re-register for the MSc in Dementia, subject to the approval of the Programme Team, with exemptions granted for modules taken within the previous five years. This will not require a new PAC application by the student. Preliminary requests should be made to the Programme Administrator, Ms Lorraine Crossan.
Per UCC’s policy on Recognition of Prior Learning, a student who has successfully completed modules for Continuous Professional Development within the MSc in Dementia programme, and/or has completed relevant university postgraduate modules in a cognate area at similar NFQ level (subject to the approval of the Programme Team), and who meets the entry requirements for the MSc in Dementia, can apply to register for the MSc in Dementia with exemptions granted for modules taken within the previous five years. This will require a PAC application by the student for the MSc.
Course Practicalities
The MSc in Dementia is a blended learning programme, with some content provided online or via evening webinars, augmented by face-to-face lectures, tutorials, workshops and case-based learning. Workshops focus on peer-learning and skills practice (eg communication skills, capacity assessment, critical appraisal).
Students take taught modules to the value of 60 credits incorporating approximately 300 total hours of structured contact time, provided face-to-face, via webinars or online. Most classes are held in two-day blocks during weekdays. In addition to structured contact time, students perform approximately 900 hours of self-directed learning, submitting module assignments and reports. Students also undertake a research dissertation (30 credits) which is submitted at the end of the calendar year (full-time students) or at the end of the second academic year (part-time students). The research possibilities are broad, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed methodologies.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
This course includes an optional clinical placement module (CG6017) where you can experience dementia care in a range of settings, including novel and innovative services, enhancing your appreciation of integrated service models and the role of other disciplines. The Practice Education Coordinator works closely with you to develop a tailored placement timetable, with placement sessions available local to your usual place of work, or throughout Ireland and abroad, as practical for you. Student feedback on this module is that it is highly valuable for personal clinical practice and for supporting quality improvements in their own work setting.
Skills and Careers Information
In today’s competitive workforce, higher professional qualifications are an essential part of continuous professional development and career advancement. The MSc in Dementia gives Healthcare Professionals the key skills and competencies they need to confidently care for a person with dementia, of any age and in any setting. The MSc in Dementia is particularly suitable for those who want to assume a management and leadership position in the care of people with dementia.
Requirements
Candidates must have the following:
- An Honours Primary Degree in a relevant health care discipline* or an equivalent academic qualification and professional experience to be approved by Programme Team;
- Ideally, candidates should have at least one year’s practical experience in their area of qualification post-registration;
- In some exceptional circumstances, candidates, by virtue of their training and experience may, at the discretion of the Programme Team, be deemed suitable for entry to the programme under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Such candidates may be requested to undergo an interview.
*A relevant health care discipline includes but is not limited to medicine, nursing, pharmacy, occupational therapy, speech and hearing science, audiology, physiotherapy, psychology, and social studies.
Course Website
( https://www.ucc.ie/en/ckx21/ )
