Master of Science in Advanced Healthcare Practice (SUSA)

Programme structure

The MSc in Advanced Healthcare Practice is a flexible postgraduate programme delivered over one year full-time or two years part-time, using a blended learning approach that combines online and on-campus delivery. Students complete a total of 90 ECTS credits, including two core modules and a range of elective modules aligned to their professional interests.

Teaching is delivered across autumn and spring semesters, with dissertation components typically completed in the final semester. Full-time students complete the majority of taught modules within the first year, while part-time students spread their learning across two years.

The programme offers a flexible, career-focused structure allowing students to tailor their learning through elective modules covering areas such as leadership, quality and safety in healthcare, community care, behaviour change, and project management. Some modules may also be undertaken as micro-credentials.

Modules

Core modules include Evidence-Based Practice and Research Methods for Health, which develop critical skills in applying research to clinical decision-making and evaluating healthcare interventions.

Students can select from a wide range of elective modules, including:

• Leadership and management in healthcare practice
• Primary and community care
• Quality and safety in healthcare
• Intercultural care and communication
• Behaviour change and psychology
• Project management and innovation
• Teaching and learning in health professions

Independent learning modules enable students to address real-world challenges within their own clinical practice through guided academic support.

A key component of the programme is the research dissertation (30 ECTS), completed over the duration of the programme. Students define a research question relevant to their area of practice and undertake supervised research, enhancing their ability to contribute to clinical knowledge and service improvement.

Teaching and learning approaches include lectures, workshops, reflective practice, guided research, and continuous feedback, supporting the development of advanced clinical reasoning, leadership, and evidence-based practice skills.

The programme is designed to support professionals in enhancing their clinical expertise, leadership capabilities, and ability to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care within multidisciplinary healthcare environments.

Eligible students

Applicants must hold a professionally accredited Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent) in a recognised health profession with a minimum second-class honours (2.2). Eligible disciplines include regulated health and social care professions such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, speech and language therapy, nursing, and related fields.

Applications may also be considered on the basis of relevant professional experience through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Shortlisting and interview may form part of the selection process. Please note this programme is not open to non‑EU applicants due to visa requirements.

Application

Tuition EU: Full-Time €7,200, Part-Time €3,900 per year. Non-EU: Full-time €14,700, Part-time €7,800 per year. Year 2 fees are subject to change. Please note that this programme is not available to students who require a study visa for Ireland.

Duration 1 Year Full-time / 2 Years Part-time (90 ECTS)

Applications are submitted through the University of Limerick application system. More information on the Programme page