Prospective Students

MSc in Psycho-oncology (DC998) Not running for academic year 2011/2012

Fact File

Duration:	18 Months to 2 years
Fee information	Click Here
Indicative Timetable	(Weeks 20-31)

Degree Information:

Psycho-oncology is concerned with the psychological, social, behavioural and ethical aspects of cancer. It addresses the two major psychological dimensions of the disease: the psychological responses of patients, their families and caregivers; and the psychological, behavioural and social factors that may influence the disease process. It is envisioned that, by working with relevant healthcare organisations and the Health Service Executive, you will help raise awareness and stimulate development and delivery of multidisciplinary services, which are necessary for the psychological wellbeing and health of patients with cancer, and their families, at all stages of the illness, from diagnosis to terminal care and death.

Aims and Objectives:

For students to be sensitive and respond adequately to the broad range of psychological, emotional and spiritual needs of the person with cancer, and their families.
To adopt and apply relevant problem solving techniques and evidence based solutions relevant to and in line with international best practice in psychosocial oncology.
To contribute new knowledge to planning, development and delivery of optimal psychosocial oncology services in the clinical and community setting through analytical and research skills.

Programme Structure:

This is a two year, part-time programme and all modules will be assigned academic credit in line with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The structure of this Masters comprises six modules, studied over 18 months, with two 10 credit modules per semester, on one day per week. To achieve the M.Sc. award you will be required to pass the 30 credit research dissertation module, in the final semester of the second academic year of the programme.

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

Career Prospects:

The new cancer treatment strategy, 'A Strategy for Treatment Control in Ireland' (National Cancer Forum, 2006), emphasises the need for a connected, multidisciplinary partnership approach to care. This aims to maximise benefits for patients and endorses the need for significant expansion in all aspects of cancer service capacity, including psycho-oncology and supportive care in four new managed Cancer Control Networks. The M.Sc. in Psycho-oncology will support the requirement for the establishment of both the Clinical Nurse Specialist and Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Psycho-oncology roles as determined by the National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery.

Entry Requirements:

Direct entry to the programme will be considered for candidates who hold a relevant primary degree and professional qualification, with a minimum of second-class honours. A candidate who does not hold such a degree will be considered for admission on the basis of AP(E)L (accreditation of prior learning). Candidates will normally be expected to have 1-2 years recent relevant professional experience and be working in an oncology/palliative or community setting.