Contemporary Issues in Healthcare
€375
Discover how social groups, policy changes, and demands for sustainable healthcare intersect, and assess their impact on future roles in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.
Micro-credential
4 weeks
Hybrid - Part-time
5 ECTS
November 2025
About
As science and healthcare develop at an increasingly rapid pace, there are emerging issues in society and healthcare that impact patients and their care.
With the micro-credential in Contemporary Issues in Healthcare from RCSI School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences you'll enhance your understanding of key emerging issues in healthcare and society at national and international levels. You'll examine key policy changes in Ireland and the EU, and consider how they have impacted citizens and the healthcare system.
The course will explore the relationship between group membership, social class and healthcare, and you'll be prompted to reflect upon the conflicts/challenges triggered by ever-increasing demands from citizens and international policymakers for sustainable healthcare. You'll apply these themes to your own context, considering how the above challenges provide possible opportunities for your career in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.
This course is delivered through a combination of online learning and in-person attendance at RCSI's Dublin campus, and is a Level 9 award on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.
Explore 'social worlds' and the role of healthcare in/equality
Consider the impact of social groups
Apply your learnings and reflect on your own career and future interests
Suitable for
This micro-credential is designed for those who hold an undergraduate healthcare degree (pharmacy or medicine) or a primary degree in biological, chemical or mathematical/statistical science, including computer science.
Register your interest
Applications for these programmes are currently closed.
Course information
RCSI's micro-credentials may be stacked to build to a higher award.
We are proud to be a recognised University of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
Recognition by ministries and bodies in other jurisdictions must be determined by the individual applicants.
Admissions
Applicants should have successfully completed an undergraduate healthcare (pharmacy or medicine) degree or a primary degree programme (minimum of a 2.1 honours or equivalent) in a biological, chemical or mathematical/statistical science (including computer science).
In addition, candidates who hold a primary degree, with a second-class grade (H2.2) in a biological, chemical or mathematical/statistical science (including computer science) and with industrial experience will be considered.
Students who successfully secure a place on the programme can apply for a student visa. RCSI can provide a visa letter to support an application for a student visa.
If English is not your native language, an English language qualification is required. English language qualifications include a minimum overall score of 6.5 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), as per RCSI requirements. More information about English language requirements for Postgraduate study at RCSI is available here.
Fee: €375.
Fees for this micro-credential have been subsidised by the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 3 Micro-Credentials Subsidy, funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
Please note
- There is a non-refundable online application fee of €50. Fees can be paid by bank transfer, cheque (made payable to ‘RCSI’) or bank giro. Full details on fee payment will be emailed to you shortly before the commencement of your module.
- Payment is due in full before the start of the module.
How to apply
Applications for the 2025 intake of this programme will begin in September 2025.