Postgraduate Student Information

All of the school's postgraduate programmes use blended learning. **Blended learning is a teaching strategy that involves a combination of on-campus days and online teaching and learning. It enables students to access course material online anytime, on or off campus. Blended learning provides flexibility and accessible development opportunities for registered nurses and midwives with family and work commitments. In that regard, attendance is required on campus for six or seven days per semester for level 9 programmes, including the level 9 continuous professional development modules. Furthermore, through the use of technology, blended learning offers opportunities for learners to assume greater independence in their learning.

See Postgraduate Student Schedules below for Year 1 and Year 2 students.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process by which prior learning is formally valued. It is a means by which prior learning is identified, accessed, and recognised by an educational institution as part of their programmes, courses and/or modules on the National Framework of Qualifications. This makes it possible for an individual to build on learning already achieved, and to be rewarded for it.

Applications are welcome from potential learners as well as currently registered students. RPL applicants can include lifelong learners, those wishing to upskill/reskill, and people without formal qualifications who possess significant learning from work, life, etc.

The School of Nursing and Midwifery is committed to the principles of equity and accessibility and facilitates entry to programmes through non-traditional routes. Applicants who do not meet the normal academic requirements may apply to have prior learning considered under the University of Limerick's policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Applications

Non-degree-holder applicants need to demonstrate that they can perform adequately at this level. Applicants should be aware that these programmes require a high level of commitment in terms of time and study. Applicants must have good academic writing and computer skills.

Supporting Statement

The supporting statement should take the form of a reflective learning statement that identifies the applicant's prior learning and experiences. Assessors of applications will give due regard to professional and statutory accredited study.

The supporting statement must be presented in essay form and submitted as a word-processed document not exceeding 1,000 words. It must be written in an academic style and must include an introduction, a main section, a conclusion and, where applicable, appendices.

Introduction
The introduction must specify why you want to undertake this programme of study and how you think the programme will contribute to your personal and professional development.

Main Section
The main section of the statement must describe an experience from practice and must demonstrate how learning has occurred through this experience. The main section must not exceed 800 words.

Conclusion
The conclusion should summarise the main points presented in the supporting statement. It can also be used to list references to any published works that you have referred to in the main section.

Appendices
Use appendices to include evidence of having undertaken recent learning, such as completed courses, skills updates or study days attended. A photocopy of certification is sufficient.

* RPL applicants who have successfully completed a level 9 module are not required to submit a supporting statement. Instead, a transcript of the successfully completed level 9 module must be submitted with the application form.

Acceptance Criteria

Applications are considered under the following criteria:

Authenticity
Is the evidence genuine and clearly defended as your own achievement?

Validity
Is the evidence sufficient and does it support your claim?

Standard
Are the learning, knowledge, skills and achievements demonstrated through the evidence at an acceptable level?

Relevance
Is the learning demonstrated through the evidence relevant to the programme of study you are applying for? This means that it will be considered in the context of the learning outcomes of the programme.

Currency
Is the learning current, or if not, is there evidence of appropriate updating?

Application forms are available on the link below, and on each programme. 

Recognition of Prior Learning Application Form

Further Information:

Graduate and Professional Studies, University of Limerick.

A significant feature of these programmes is their direct relevance to clinical practice. Programme content is designed to empower students with knowledge and skills to deliver evidence-based nursing and midwifery care in the clinical practice setting. The elective choices offer students the opportunity to select modules relevant to their own practice and develop their knowledge and understanding in order to support patient care

There is a dedicated course director on each programme. The course director will answer any queries you might have before you come to the University and while you are a student. 

During the programme, support is provided by lecturers on an ongoing basis by phone, email, online lectures and at drop-in clinics.

All postgraduate nursing programmes that contain a clinical practicum will require students to have Garda clearance.

Find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Please see link to Postgraduate Student Schedules for Year 1 and Year 2 students for the 2026/2027 academic year. 

These schedules provide key information on teaching, learning, and programme activities to support your academic planning throughout the year.