Short Courses Content
Stand Alone Module | Nursing
Foundations of Dementia Care
LEVEL OF STUDY : 7 - postgraduate level
Module Code: TBC
This module explores the theoretical foundations that inform high-quality, evidence-based dementia care. It enables students to develop an advanced understanding of the neuropathological, psychological, social, and environmental dimensions of dementia and to critically analyse how these influence assessment, intervention, and service delivery.
| Duration | 1 semester |
| Delivery | Online |
| Fees from | No Fee |
| Start date | To be confirmed |
Emphasis is placed on translating theory into practice through critical reflection, ethical reasoning, and leadership in person-centred care.
Students will address the following themes:
- Theories and models of dementia care and their application in clinical and community settings
- Neurobiological and cognitive changes associated with dementia
- Psychosocial and behavioural models in understanding the lived experience of dementia
- Ethical, legal, and cultural issues influencing care and decision-making
- Approaches to communication, relationship-centred practice, and carer support
- Leadership, policy, and innovation in dementia care and service improvement
- Reflective and evidence-informed practice in dementia care
For provisional timetables, please refer to the section below titled Delivery.
Fees
| Commissioned Health Trust | No Fee |
| Self Funding / Fee Paying - 2026/27 | £856 |
Tuition fees and other charges are set by the University and are subject to change. | |
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a professional qualification in Nursing, Midwifery, or Allied Health and Social Care Services. See Selection Criteria for full requirements.
The Programme
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Course Content
Aim: To enable students to critically evaluate theoretical perspectives, research evidence, and policy frameworks underpinning dementia care, and to synthesise this knowledge in developing person-centred, ethical, and evidence-informed approaches that enhance the wellbeing and dignity of people living with dementia and their carers. On completion of the module, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to critically interpret and apply theoretical and research evidence to inform high-quality, person-centred dementia care.
- Demonstrate advanced communication skills to support meaningful engagement and therapeutic relationships with people living with dementia, their families, and carers.
- Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and apply ethical and legal frameworks in complex decision-making situations within dementia care.
- Demonstrate leadership and collaborative skills in promoting interprofessional, inclusive, and innovative approaches to dementia care and service development.
- Demonstrate reflective and analytical skills to integrate theory with practice, enhancing professional judgement and continuous improvement in dementia care.
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Outcomes
This stand alone module is worth 20 CATs points. Where a clinical skills component is included, there may be a requirement for support and supervision of an experienced practitioner within the student’s clinical area.
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Delivery
Students should note that delivery may be via blended learning, with a mix of online and face to face classes as detailed within the module timetable on Canvas.
Autumn (AUT) teaching commences w/c Monday, 21 September 2026 (Week 1) and finishes w/c Monday, 14 December 2026 unless otherwise advised.
Spring (SPR) teaching commences w/c Monday, 18 January 2027 (Week 18) and finishes w/c Monday, 27 April 2027 unless otherwise advised.
Venue for first class listed below - thereafter, students should check the Weekly Planner facility on QSIS for remaining venues.
First Semester
Monday
10am - 1pm
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Selection Criteria
Applicants must have a professional qualification in Nursing, Midwifery, or Allied Health and Social Care Services. They shall normally hold a relevant 2.2 Honours degree or above, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
Applicants who do not hold a 2.2 Honours degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) may be considered on a case-by-case basis where they can demonstrate evidence of successful study at Level 6 in a healthcare related subject.
Applicants must provide evidence of at least 20 CAT points at Level 3/6. Certificates must clearly state level of study and credit worthiness in order to meet the entry requirements.
In addition, applicants accessing post graduate certificates or standalone modules must be working the relevant clinical area.
International Trained Nurses/Midwives: If you hold an international qualification you will need to provide a UK ENIC Statement of Comparability. This should be obtained prior to submitting your application. You can apply for a statement through the ENIC website: Statement of Comparability (enic.org.uk)
Please note that these courses are not open to international applicants living outside the UK/ROI.
How to apply
We will advertise again in June 2026 for September 2026 entry.
Please complete the form below if you’d like to join our mailing list and be notified when applications reopen.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST - CPAD PROGRAMMES
For any queries, please email cpadsnam@qub.ac.uk.
Please note that these courses are not open to international applicants living outside the UK/ROI.