Women's Health Specialist 2 - NUR1139

NFQ level: 9

ECTS credits: 10

Commencing: January 2026

Cost: The fee for this module is €1,250.

The University does not refund application or registration fees for professional development courses, however, students can defer their registration to the next available sitting, except in the case of micro-credential courses where there is no availability for a deferred entry.

Closing date: 1st December 2025, or earlier if this course is oversubscribed.

Module aim
The aim of this module is to support advancement of clinical competence and knowledge related to Women’s Health. The module will focus on abnormal gynaecology relevant to the practice of ambulatory gynaecology in a variety of healthcare settings (Sláintecare and National Maternity Strategy). During the module students will develop an individual ePortfolio which they can use as a resource and add to throughout their career.

Who should apply?
Registered nurses and midwives.

Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:

• Demonstrate and make critical choices in the early detection and screening skills in the management of gynaecological disorders across the woman’s lifespan.
• Scrutinise, evaluate and challenge assumptions to explore the holistic, psychological, social, sexual and cultural aspects of care in contemporary Ireland.
• Critically evaluate the complex theories and concepts underpinning the Legal and ethical issues experienced in your specialist practice
• With the use of self-reflective practice develop and apply critical aptitude towards a vision of a professional specialist practice to meet service and women’s needs.

Online delivery - online delivery over a 12-week semester. 

Entry requirements

Applicants will typically hold a (NFQ) Level 8 Honours Degree with a H2.2 or equivalent. Candidates will generally hold a primary degree in a relevant discipline.

In addition, candidates must:

• be currently registered in one of the following four divisions of the Register of Nurses maintained by NMBI: General Nursing; Psychiatric Nursing; Intellectual Disability; Nursing or Children’s Nursing.
• have a minimum of 12 months post registration experience, which should be 12 months full-time experience OR 24 months at minimum of 19.5 FTE.
• be employed for a minimum of 19.5 hours per week or 0.5 FTE.

In line with DCU’s (2019) Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, candidates who do not have the appropriate level of academic attainment for direct entry may apply for access via the Recognition of Prior Learning process (RPL). Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. Prior learning may be formal accredited learning or experiential/uncertified learning which includes the knowledge, skills and personal qualities acquired through life, work experience and study which are not formally attested. 

Prospective students may apply through the RPL route if they meet one or more of the following entry 4 requirements:

• Relevant learning, qualifications and experience within their RPL application
• Holding a position or role related to health or social care, health and social inclusion promotion, or a related area
• Holding an appointment or professional position in the domain
• Professional qualifications in the domain, with clear articulation of intention to progress to work in the domain

Please Note: Applicants may not apply to take more than 30 credits of microcredentials.

How to apply

For information on how to apply for this micro-credential, please visit our Application Guide.

Click on this link to apply via the DCU Application Portal. 

For further details, contact: snpchenquiries@dcu.ie or email mary.nevin@dcu.ie