The Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia is a part-time programme running over one or two academic years (9-20 months) from the date of first registration for the programme.

Candidates must have the following:

• An Primary Degree in a relevant health care discipline* or an equivalent academic qualification and professional experience to be approved by Programme Team;
• Ideally candidates should have at least one year's practical experience in their area of qualification post-registration;
• In some exceptional circumstances candidates, by virtue of their training and experience may, at the discretion of the Programme Team, be deemed suitable for entry to the programme. Such candidates may be requested to undergo an interview.

*A relevant health care discipline includes but is not limited to medicine, nursing, pharmacy, occupational therapy, speech and hearing science, audiology, physiotherapy, psychology, and social studies.

Garda Vetting
Students, or applicants in receipt of an offer, on this programme will be subject to Garda Vetting as relevant. Students will be prohibited from engaging in a relevant work placement unless the vetting process has been cleared. Click here to view UCC's Student Garda Vetting Policy.

Recognition of Prior Learning
In accordance with UCC's policy on Recognition of Prior Learning, a student who has successfully completed modules for Continuous Professional Development within the Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia programme, and/or has completed relevant university postgraduate modules in a cognate area at similar NFQ level (subject to approval of the Programme Team), and who meets the entry requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia, can apply vto register for the Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia with exemptions granted for modules taken within the previous five years.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia runs over one or two academic years (9-20 months) from the date of first registration for the programme. Students take taught modules to the value of 30 credits incorporating approximately 100 hours of structured contact time (approximately 1 day per month during term if taken over one academic year). Most classes are held in two-day blocks (weekdays).

Taught modules
Students take core modules to the value of 20 credits as follows:

CG6015 Understanding Cognitive Disorders and Dementia (10 credits)
CG6016 Advanced Issues in Dementia Care (10 credits)

Students take elective modules to the value of 10 credits from the following:

CG6002 Stroke Rehabilitation (10 credits)
CG6006 Falls, Mobility and Movement Disorders (10 credits)
CG6007 Independent Study (5 credits)
CG6012 Neuromuscular Disorders (10 credits)
CG6017 Clinical Practicum in Dementia (5 credits)
EH6038 Applied Research for Gerontology and Rehabilitation (10 credits)
IP5001 Holistic Approach to Palliative Care (5 credits)
MH6014 Advanced Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals (10 credits)
MH6016 Advance Care Planning (5 credits)
NU6053 Ethics for Specialist Practice (5 credits)

Progression to the MSc in Dementia
Following successful completion of the examinations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia, and subject to approval of the Programme Team, a student may opt to transfer to the MSc (Dementia), with exemptions granted for modules already taken.

A student previously conferred with the Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia / Postgraduate Diploma in Dementia (exit award from the MSc) may register for the MSc (Dementia) within five years of completion, subject to approval of the Programme Team, with exemptions granted for modules taken within the previous five years.

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

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2018/2019 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules 2018/2019.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Evaluate models of dementia diagnosis and post diagnostic support, within health and social care systems, and in broader society;
• Incorporate evidence based practice and quality improvement into everyday work;
• Adopt an ethical, person-centred approach to dementia care across the disease trajectory;
• Reflect upon the complex relationship between communication and cognitive impairment;
• Critically discuss the processes involved in planning care, choosing appropriate goals and determining successful outcome for a person with cognitive impairment or dementia.