Interdisciplinary Online Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia

Course details

NU7802 Ways of Understanding Dementia and Dementia Care (10 ECTS): This module was developed in recognition that to become leaders in the field, there is a need for inter-disciplinary health and social care professionals to possess a robust understanding of the nature and context of dementia and dementia care in contemporary practice. The module explores the related concepts using a variety of theoretical, philosophical and practice frameworks, so as to assist students to strengthen and improve their understanding of the knowledge and core skills necessary to support the person with dementia.

NU7803 Critical Issues in Assessment and Care Planning (10 ECTS): This module was developed to enable students to understand the nature, complexity and components of dementia assessment, diagnosis and care planning. The principles underpinning the assessment and management of care for persons with dementia will be explored using a range of theoretical perspectives, to enable students from a variety of disciplines to strengthen and improve their practice.

NU7804 Enhancing the Experience of Living with Dementia (10 ECTS): This module was developed to enable students to appreciate the complexity of living with dementia from a variety of perspectives. The module draws from a comprehensive evidence-based knowledge base that will enhance the students’ sensitivity to the subjective experience of living with dementia. Central to the module is an exploration of the experience of dementia from the unique viewpoint of the person who lives with dementia as well as their significant others. The module will also enable students to acquire knowledge of a range of interventions that can be used to support active living and social connectedness for people living with dementia. Experts in the fields of nursing, medicine, psychology and social policy contributed to the design and delivery of the module. In addition professionals working in design and technology will also discuss their work in the area of enabling and dementia friendly environments.

Students who successfully complete the online Postgraduate Certificate without compensation are eligible for direct entry to the M.Sc./P.Grad.Dip. in Dementia within a five year period of successfully completing this course.

The criteria for admission are that the candidate must:

• a minimum of one year’s professional experience in supporting persons with dementia within the past two years;
• for the duration of the course all applicants are required to be working in an area where dementia care is delivered;
• normally hold an honours degree in a relevant discipline (candidates with relevant, and significant, experience as professional practitioners in the field of dementia care may be considered with a lower class degree or equivalent);
• otherwise satisfy the selection panel that they have the ability to complete and benefit from the course;
• nurses or midwives undertaking this course while based in Ireland, must be currently registered on the appropriate pision of the live register held by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.