The Doctor of Nursing degree is a full-time programme running for 36 months from the date of first registration for the programme. Students may apply to transfer their registration to part-time status in Year 3 of the programme, such students must complete the programme within 48 months of registration for the programme.

All candidates will be interviewed. In addition, applicants will be expected to present a written reflective commentary on their professional experience and provide an outline proposal for a research idea. Candidates must also:

• have completed a Master's degree in nursing or related discipline;
• be a Registered Nurse or Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (formerly An Bord Altranais) or be qualified for such a registration;
• have a minimum of one year post-master's experience or provide evidence that they can perform at this level thereby satisfying the University that they have the ability to complete the programme;
• supply letters of recommendation, including one from a faculty member familiar with the applicant's graduate work and one from a person familiar with the applicant's clinical practice;
• Supply a written goal statement of 500 to 1,000 words. The goal statement should focus on recent experience, how the DN will enhance the applicant's professional development, and career goals following completion of the programme.

Candidates who meet these requirements will be shortlisted for interview. Individual interviews with a School of Nursing and Midwifery Senior Lecturer or Professor will be scheduled after admission materials have been submitted.

Students take 270 credits as follows:

Year 1
Students select 60 credits from the following:

NU7014 Advanced Nursing Theory (20 credits)
NU7015 Health Systems, Policy and Regulations (20 credits)
NU7016 Leadership and Collaboration (20 credits)
NU7017 Healthcare Informatics (20 credits)
NU7018 Advanced Research Quantitative Methods (20 credits)
NU7019 Advanced Research Qualitative Methods (20 credits)

Students undertake work on the thesis with a notional workload to the equivalence of 30 credits (i.e. 600-900 hours). Typically at this stage of the thesis the student will conduct a literature review or other relevant research to scope the nature of the research proposal. The candidate's research and thesis preparation must be carried out under the supervision of a doctorally prepared staff member or adjunct professor from the School of Nursing and Midwifery.

Year 2
Students take a further 60 credits, taking the modules they did not select in Year 1:

NU7014 Advanced Nursing Theory (20 credits)
NU7015 Health Systems, Policy and Regulations (20 credits)
NU7016 Leadership and Collaboration (20 credits)
NU7017 Healthcare Informatics (20 credits)
NU7018 Advanced Research Quantitative Methods (20 credits)
NU7019 Advanced Research Qualitative Methods (20 credits)

Students undertake work on the thesis with a notional workload to the equivalence of 30 credits (i.e. 600-900 hours). Typically at this stage of the thesis the student will be developing their research methodology, seeking ethical approval if required, and commencing more detailed research and writing.

Year 3
Students undertake work on the thesis with a notional workload to the equivalence of 90 credits (i.e. 1800-2700 hours). Typically at this stage of the thesis the student will be completing their research and writing up their thesis for presentation for examination by viva voce. The thesis shall comprise 40-50,000 words. Students may register as either full-time (complete over 1 year) or part-time (complete over 2 years).

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Examinations

Full details of regulations governing Examinations for each programme are contained in the Marks and Standards 2015 Book, and for each module in the Book of Modules 2015/2016

Programme Learning Outcomes for DN (Doctor of Nursing) (NFQ Level 10, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of theoretical models, methods, policies in relation to health services and a capacity to evaluate their application to nursing.
• Generate new nursing knowledge through original research that develops the substantive body of knowledge and merits publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Develop a systematic understanding of research methods including research design, sampling strategies, experimental and quasi-experimental design, systematic observation, questionnaire design, interviewing techniques, participant observation, action research, policy orientated research.
• Demonstrate a capacity for critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of complex ideas and processes and relate these to nursing practice.
• Reflect critically on strategic policy and practice decisions to lead others through processes of complex change at individual and health service levels.
• Synthesise and apply theory and research to define and develop policies and practices that seek to achieve original values in the specialist professional field.
• Critically translate theoretical underpinnings for the discipline of nursing and apply research findings and new knowledge insights into contemporary nursing practice.
• Review and critically evaluate the value base of professional nursing work in light of social and political change.