The aim of the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Professional Nursing blended learning programme is to provide an accessible, innovative, flexible and practice-orientated sustainable programme that will attract and retain nurses who will continue to work as nurses within an integrated health service. The graduates of the programme will develop an advanced level of theoretical knowledge and innovative practice to practice at a higher level of capability as independent, autonomous and expert nurses. On completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Professional Nursing, the graduate will be able to:

1. Generate an advanced level of theoretical knowledge and attributes for delivering evidence based expanded professional practice.
2. Develop autonomy, leadership and negotiation skills in order to advance clinical, risk and ethical decisions at advanced professional practice level.
3. Critically evaluate knowledge and nursing science that will actively contribute to the professional body of knowledge.
4. Critically utilise e-technology and e-health platforms to inform all aspects of personal and professional development.
5. Develop leadership capacity in the context of current structural and professional change in the Irish health service