School of Nursing and Midwifery
Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Dublin Trinity College
in partnership with St Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar
M.Sc./ PG. Dip in Cancer Care
Online application for this course will open on 8th May 2009 and closing date for applications is 22nd May 2009.
For information on applications, please email Ruth at archbolr@tcd.ie or for further information on the programme, contact Mary Mac Mahon; mary.macmahon@slh.ie (+353 1 406 5223)
For information on how to get started with your application, please see the website:
www.tcd.ie/Nursing_Midwifery/courses/postgrad_msc_cancer_care.php
Introduction
The School of Nursing and Midwifery in partnership with St. Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar, offers an MSc in Cancer Care. This programme has been developed to meet the new demands and challenges within the health care system and specifically within cancer care. The course is firmly grounded in a body of knowledge and clinical expertise that aims to promote excellence in the area of cancer care practice. It is also designed to provide an academically robust education for the participants and the various modules offered develop and complement subjects undertaken at degree or ‘equivalent’ level.
Course Aim
The aims of the course are:
- To develop a competent, accountable professional, sensitive to the many physical, psychosocial and emotional components of the individuals reactions to health, illness and particularly cancer.
- To enable the development of reflective, analytical and reasoning skills to give a deeper and broader understanding of the concept of nursing practice and the developing role of the nurse within the health service and particularly cancer care.
- To develop the cognitive and creative skills to enable the nurse to make a valuable contribution to developments in innovation and research in both professional advancement and health care overall.
Admission requirements
The criteria for admission are as follows:
- All applicants are required to be registered on the live register maintained by An Bord Altranais
- have a minimum of two year’s clinical experience in nursing with one year being in a recognised Cancer Care setting
- for a period of 22 weeks each year of the course, be employed in the area of cancer care nursing
- hold at least an upper second class honours degree in nursing
or
- otherwise satisfy the selection panel that they have the ability and/or the experience to complete the course successfully
Duration
This MSc course will take place over two academic years on a part-time basis only. The course comprises both academic and clinical components. Students are required to attend the university/St Luke’s Education Centre for 30 days over the course of the 1st year. This attendance is mainly day release but one full week in January, another in September and a limited number of 2 consecutive day attendance will be required. 5 days attendance is required in the 2nd year. Subject to notice other study days may be necessary. Students are also required to undertake clinical placement in year one and work in a recognised oncology setting for 22 weeks each academic year.
Course design
Academic component
The academic component comprises 6 modules in year 1, and 1 module in year 2 plus a research dissertation.
In year one the students undertake the following modules (ECTS in brackets):
- Theory and Practice of Research Methods for Healthcare (10)
- Theoretical Foundations of Nursing and Oncology Nursing (10)
- Foundations in cancer care (10)
- Psychosocial Issues in Oncology Care (10)
- Oncology Care 1: control and management of treatment side-effects (10)
- Oncology Care 2: control and management of treatment side-effects (10)
In year two the students undertake the following:
- Advanced Research Methods (Qualitative or Quantitative) (10) and
- Major Dissertation (30)
Clinical component
The clinical component of the programme is designed to build on the nurse’s clinical competency over time and is integral to the course. As such, students of the programme are required to work in a designated Cancer Care setting for a minimum of 22 weeks (825 hours) each year based on a 37.5 hour week. This is to maximise experience gained in Cancer Care practice to facilitate competency development over the 2 year period. This arrangement also facilitates those working part-time or job-sharing admittance to the course.
In year 1, within this 22 week period, the students are also required to undertake two professional practice placements to include:
Chemotherapy X 2 weeks (based on 30 hours per week x 2 weeks)
Radiotherapy X 2 weeks (based on 30 hours per week x 2 weeks)
These placements may be carried out in the students own place of work depending on the specialty practice area.
In year 2, further consolidation of clinical practice will be assessed through further development of their clinical portfolio, again following on Benner’s model to the level of Proficiency. A designated clinical supervisor/facilitator will be allocated to each student to facilitate clinical practice development. Further clinical placements are optional and will depend on students particular requests. These may include administration of cytotoxics, palliative care or paediatric oncology
Progression
All students register on the MSc course in the first instance. Students may choose to exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Cancer Care on successful completion of six modules. Students who successfully complete all the required elements of the M.Sc. course will be awarded an M.Sc. in Cancer Care.
Module Descriptors and Assessments
1st Year
|
Advancing the Theoretical Foundations of Nursing and Cancer Care |
The aim of the module is to facilitate and enable exploration of the development of nursing knowledge and theory, critical analysis of the relationship between research, theory and practice and exploration of nursing practice through the use of reflection.
(Assessed by written assignment)
|
Foundations in Cancer Care |
The aim of this module is to furnish the student with an understanding of the underlying principles and treatments in relation to different cancer types and to develop an understanding of the different treatment processes.
(Assessed by written examination)
|
Oncology Care 1: Control and Management of Side-effects of Disease and Treatments |
The aim of this module is to enable the nurse to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be an effective contributor to the multidisciplinary team effort and be and effective contributor to (the) patients care and management. It also aims to examine and explore professional role development, including both the Clinical Nurse Specialist and The Advanced Nurse Practitioner, in relation to current and future professional and health care developments. This will include international as well as national trends.
(Assessed by case presentation)
|
Oncology Care 2: Control and Management of Side-effects of Disease and Treatment
|
The aim of this module is to develop the students’ knowledge of side-effects arising from metastases including nutritional and rehabilitative issues, while encouraging a supportive environment where the patient and family are treated in a holistic manner. It also aims to develop and enhance the students’ knowledge and understanding of the concepts and principles underpinning palliative care thus contributing to the patients’ well-being and quality of life, including spiritual, emotional, cultural and social factors.
(Assessed by Care Study)
|
Psychosocial issues in Cancer Care
|
The aim of this module is to develop a greater knowledge and understanding of the psychosocial dimension of the cancer care continuum thus allowing the student to explore the psychosocial and ethical concepts that underpin practice. It also aims to allow the student the opportunity to examine the various dimensions of cancer care and develop greater reasoning and analytical skills thus promoting a more patient-centred and supportive environment.
(Assessed by Written Assignment)
|
Theory and Practice of Research Methods for Healthcare (30 class contact hours)
|
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to research in professional practice, consolidating participants’ previous knowledge and appreciation of research. It emphasises the implications of a research base for health care including the impact of this research base on the quality of care. Research methodologies and methods are explored. The skills developed by participants include critiquing published literature and preparing a detailed research proposal.
(Assessed by Research Proposal)
|
2nd year
Advanced Qualitative Research Methods
Or
Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
This module consists of two options; these are quantitative research methods or qualitative research methods. The module builds upon and advances the knowledge and skills gained on the research module undertaken in year one of the MSc course.
The aim is to reinforce the concepts associated with quantitative and qualitative research methods. In addition, the module provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to plan, prepare, conduct and evaluate research.
The dissertation is 20-25,000 words and is a requirement for the award of the Masters Degree.
|
Course Fees
The fees for the MSc in Cancer Care are:
|
EU Applications |
Non EU Applications |
|
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Part Time |
€7,500 |
€5,000 |
Tbc |
Tbc |
Contact
WEBSITE: www.tcd.ie/Nursing_Midwifery/
Application Procedure
Online application for this course will open in early May 2009.
To register your interest and be informed of when the online application is open, please email Ruth at archbolr@tcd.ie or for further information, contact Mary Mac Mahon; mary.macmahon@slh.ie (+353 1 406 5223)
For information on how to get started with your application, please see the website:
www.tcd.ie/Nursing_Midwifery/courses/postgrad_msc_cancer_care.php |
