Advanced Clinical Practice - Postgraduate Certificate

During this programme, you will:  

• Develop advanced capabilities in service improvement and evidence-based decision-making—essential for senior roles in healthcare. 

• Flexible, career-aligned learning allows you to choose from a range of modules tailored to your professional interest.   

• Integrate research knowledge with clinical expertise and patient preference to provide effective, high quality clinical services. 

• Learn alongside professionals from various allied health disciplines, fostering teamwork and broadening your perspective on integrated patient care.

Key information:  

• Complete part-time over one year or full-time over one semester.  

• Blended Delivery – online and on campus. 

• Modules listed with an (O) have previously been delivered online and may be available in future semesters, subject to confirmation. Remaining modules are delivered on campus. 

• Students take modules totalling 30 ECTS credits during the programme. One core module of 12 ECTS and additional modules from the elective listing.
• ECTS is a standard system across Europe for measuring learning achievements. ECTS credits for each module are listed below. 

• Designed for working professionals. 

• Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters for part-time students. Full-time students can complete during the autumn semester. 
   
• You will graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practice. 

• Modules with (M) beside them can be taken as independent micro-credential.  

• Can be used to complete 30 credits towards MSc Advanced Healthcare Practice or Master of Professional Practice (MPP)   

You will learn through a blend of:  

• Lectures and workshops. 

• Reflective practice and guided research. 

• Regular feedback from faculty. 

Year 1 

Autumn Semester 

Core module:  

• Evidence Based Practice (PY5021) (O) 12 ECTS equips students with the skills and knowledge to adopt evidence-based practice (EBP). 

Electives  

• Principles of Primary and Community Care (M) (NS6034) 9 ECTS explores the principles of primary and community care in a dynamic healthcare environment. 

• Leading and Managing Practice (M) (NS6035) 9 ECTS explores many facets of the leadership and management role and what they mean for nurses and other healthcare professions. 

• Social Influence and Attitude Change (O) (PS6171) 6 ECTS explores applicability of social influence and attitude change strategies to specific social contexts. 

• Independent Learning Module 3 (O) (PY5022) 9 ECTS allows students to explore discrete projects that answer or address challenges or needs in their clinical practice under the guidance of an academic. 

• Project Management in Practice (O) (MN6041) 6 ECTS equips students with knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to apply project management principles, tools and techniques to deliver value to the organisation. 

• Lean Thinking / Lean Tools 1 (O) (AU5041) 6 ECTS + explores the concepts behind the Lean tools, and examines the various elements involved in effectively using these tools to support the organisation's Lean transformation.  

• Applied Positive Psychology (SS6161) 9 ECTS explores the scientific study of wellbeing and optimal human functioning for individuals, groups, communities and organisations. 

Spring Semester 

Electives:  

• Intercultural Care (M) (NS6040) 9 ECTS examines knowledge, skills and attitudes required to provide competent care in culturally appropriate ways. 

• Qualitative Research in Methods in Psychology (PS6042) 6 ECTS introduces students to qualitative methods generally and to a range of specific qualitative methods. 

• Independent Learning Module 3 (O) (PY5022) 9 ECTS allows students to explore discrete projects that answer or address challenges or needs in their clinical practice. 

• Project Management in Practice (O) (MN6041) 6 ECTS equips students with knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to apply project management principles, tools and techniques to deliver value to the organisation. 

• Applied Behaviour Change (O) (CT6102) 9 ECTS explores health behaviour change theories from psychology and develop students' skills to evaluate existing interventions and develop their own. 

• Promoting Quality & Safety in Healthcare (NS6038) 12 ECTS explores the concept of quality and safety in healthcare in promoting quality patient outcomes. 

• Research Methods (O) (CT5031) 12 ECTS enhances your abilities to understand and engage in all aspects of the research process. 

Places on some modules are limited. Module availability is subject to change. 

+ Places are limited to 5 students per semester.  

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.  

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) or equivalent in a health profession. 

• Applicants should be a healthcare clinician, noted on the list of regulated professions. 

• The university may shortlist and invite you to an interview.   

Other Entry Considerations: 

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme. 

At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. 

International students:   

• For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students. 

Checklist of documents: 

• *Academic transcripts and certificates – Translated if needed.
  • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport
• Copy of your CV 

English Language: 

• English Language Competency certificate
• For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements   

Guidelines on Completing your Application   

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
  • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist. 
  • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc. 
• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying

Full Time EU €3,300, Non EU €3,300

Part Time EU - €6,000 Non EU €6,000

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.  

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office  website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie).  

Funding 

Springboard - Candidates who satisfy the eligibility criteria under Springboard+ can qualify for 90% or 100% funding subject to the availability of places. To clarify eligibility please go to https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility 

Find further information on funding and scholarships. 

This Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practice can lead graduates to the following sectors and careers:   

• Clinical Leadership and Management
• Healthcare Manager / Service Lead
• Healthcare / Clinical Services
• Public Health / Community Health
• Management / Health Administration 

Fiona Murphy, graduate of the Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practice-   

I completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practice to enhance my clinical skills and improve service to my clients in the community. I have since progressed on to do Master's degree in Advanced Healthcare Practice.  

Adapting to distance learning was a challenge at the beginning, however I became adept at new methods of research, group work and project management.  

I enjoyed the multidisciplinary nature of the programme which promotes collaboration and networking. I appreciated the opportunities for self-directed learning, as you can tailor your projects to your own research goals. The most rewarding aspect to date has been developing new approaches to research and new avenues of service provision.  I also have a better synthesis of complex issues in healthcare and global public health.  The learning I got from the programme has enhanced the quality of my practice and the service I provide to my clients. 

Still Curious?  

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.      

Online Information Sessions 

Wesley Mulcahy, Senior Occupational Therapist in Acute Paediatric Neurology in CHI, Crumlin

I have undertaken a Postgraduate Certificate in the School of Allied Health and am now completing the Advanced Healthcare Practice MSc in 2020. The course has been a perfect blend of classes, online and self directed learning which has allowed me to complete it in line with the demands on my job. I work full time, and have been able to complete my studies around this. The modules undertaken have allowed me to complete projects with a very direct impact on my practice, including case studies, pathway development and culture change projects. This has allowed the study to have a very applied, practical element and as such, doesn't feel separate from my clinical practice.

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