Postgraduate Certificate in Quality Improvement Leadership in Healthcare

Develop the confidence and skills to integrate and implement quality improvement theories and methods

The RCPI Postgraduate Certificate in Quality Improvement Leadership in Healthcare one year programme is funded for HSE employees by the National Quality and Patient Safety Directorate (NQPSD).

(https://www2.healthservice.hse.ie/organisation/nqpsd/about/).

On successful completion of the programme, participants will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, accredited at Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications and recognised by Quality and Qualifications Ireland with 30 ECTS credits.

This is a team- and project based- learning programme, designed to provide learners with leading edge knowledge and skills in aspects of quality improvement, implementation science, patient safety and enhanced leadership capacity.

Previous Project - IMPROVING LUNG CANCER OUTCOMES:
A project to improve lung cancer outcomes in Ireland by decreasing the proportion of cases diagnosed at the late stage disease led to a 50% increase in e-referrals to rapid access clinics.

Programme learners apply as a multidisciplinary team of three members who commit to engaging in a workplace improvement project.

This programme aims to provide a transformative experience in terms of personal growth and leadership development. Teams are supported by expert faculty to analyse the systems in which they work and to evaluate, integrate and implement theories and methods of quality improvement.

  New QI Guide and Toolkit

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the two modules of the programme, you will be able to:

1. 1. Critique the components of effective leadership for quality improvement in their own clinical practice.
2. 2. Apply improvement methodologies and tools to a quality improvement project.
3. 3. Implement a systems approach to quality in healthcare, including/covering/exploring the domains of safety, effectiveness, timeliness, person centeredness, efficiency, and equity.
4. 4. Reflect on the theories of patient safety and evaluate opportunities for improvement or implementation within their clinical practice.
5. 5. Reflect on the concepts and models of person-centred care and consider how patient and family engagement can be a driver for quality in their clinical practice.
6. 6. Generate a project report and evaluate the use of improvement science methods, including measurement tools, to influence and support implementation.

When you complete the programme, you will join our vibrant network of Quality Improvement graduates, who regularly collaborate with the wider quality improvement movement in Ireland and internationally to share knowledge, insights and experiences - all in the best interests of patients and quality of care.

Previous Project - WHAT MATTERS TO YOU? 
Initiative to promote co-produced care in CAMHS setting with collaborative care planning and a new, colourful goal-setting form to complete with young people increased the frequency of a young person’s goals listed in their care plans from 40% to 80% in new cases.

Design and Delivery

This programme is delivered using blended learning, which is a flexible way of completing the course that combines online educational materials and opportunities for interaction online with traditional place-based classroom methods and virtual classroom sessions.

The programme is delivered over 10 months and will include approximately 8 full-day in-person sessions, 4 full-day virtual classroom sessions and a series of virtual team calls via zoom.

All in-person sessions will be held in RCPI, No. 6 Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

Modules and Assessment

More information can be found in the programme handbook here

Start dates 

The dates are based on the 2026-2027 academic year. Please see the dates in the ‘workshop dates’ tab above.

You are expected to aim for 100% attendance and full engagement in the programme.

Scheduling is subject to confirmation for 2026-2027 academic year.

Fees

This programme is fully funded by the National Quality & Patient Safety Directorate, therefore it is free for those working in the HSE.

The fee for non-HSE applicants will be €5000.

About the application form

The application form is completed online. The application process should involve all three team members though only one will submit on behalf of the team. It is possible to complete the form in stages using the SAVE FOR LATER option.

You will be asked to complete sections about your team member demographics and contact details, your experience of QI and you will be asked to explain your workplace improvement idea and why you feel your team should be selected.

Supporting documentation

You must provide the following with your application:

 • Letter to confirm executive sponsorship from your organisation’s CEO, Clinical Director, General Manager and/or relevant senior manager for your application.

 • Letter to confirm line manager approval for each team members’ application and attendance on the programme.

 • A Curriculum vitae may be requested to demonstrate attainment of a level 8 qualification or equivalent and 3 years post-graduation experience.

Application process

One person per team should complete and submit relevant accompanying letter(s) of support.

 • Applications are checked and verified. You will be informed if your application is not eligible.

 • Eligible applications will be considered by a selection committee in July 2026.

• The outcome of the selection process will be notified to all applicants within one week of the selection meeting.

View the RCPI Admissions Policy and Procedure

You may appeal the admission decision within 10 working days of the decision. For information and assistance in appealing an admission decision, please see the following:

RCPI Appeals Policy

Selection process

Applications are reviewed based on the proposed quality improvement project and whether the project fits in with the six domains of healthcare quality AND whether it addresses one of the common causes of harm.  They are also assessed based on their previous involvement in QI (if any) and why the team think it would be beneficial for them to participate in the programme.

Contact us

If you would like to speak to us about this programme please contact us at qualityimprovement@rcpi.ie

You must apply as a multidisciplinary team

Application Process:

In order to apply for this course you must first complete the application form and upload the following documentation:

1. Proof of Identity

2. Proof of level of English if required

Successful applicants will be contacted once your application is reviewed as per our T&Cs.

Click here to view our Terms & Conditions

Entry requirements

• Teams must consist of three members, all of whom must be working in Irish healthcare setting, whether hospital or community based.

• All three team members must commit to working together for the duration of the programme (12-18 months to include project write up and submission).

• Each team of three will comprise at least one consultant or equivalent senior health and social care professional.

• Teams should be multidisciplinary, for example including:

Medical Consultant/Medical Specialist

Chief Executive Officer

Nursing personnel

Physiotherapists

Pharmacists

Allied Health Professionals

Operations personnel

Human Resources personnel

Communications personnel

Administration personnel

 All team members must:

• be working in the Irish health service.

• have a minimum of 3 years post-graduation experience as an employee in the health service.

• have a minimum Level 8 Honours Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Diploma).

English language requirements

Minimum language proficiency requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of the following level of English language proficiency:

Primary Qualification in English

A primary degree (Level 8 or equivalent or above) awarded by a recognised higher education institution where the medium of instruction and assessment was English.

OR

Professional Experience in an English-Speaking Health Setting

Evidence of current or recent employment in a health or clinical setting where English is the primary language of professional communication, documentation, and service delivery and where such employment is subject to English language verification by a state regulator.

Option 1: CV demonstrating you work or have worked in an English environment

Option 2: Official letter on headed paper, signed and stamped by your employer, verifying that you work in an English-speaking setting.

OR

Standardised English Language Test

An IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no individual band score below 6.0, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the institution.

Equivalent tests may include OET, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or other recognised assessments, benchmarked against IELTS 6.5 using internationally accepted concordance tables.

Where English language testing is used to demonstrate proficiency, results must normally have been obtained within the previous two years.

Team leadership

For teams in a hospital setting, the lead/senior person will be the most suitable team member and dependent on the proposed project, this will include a medical or surgical consultant. Some projects may not require a consultant to be part of the team.

For more information, please read our Admissions Policy.

Recognition of Prior Learning

There is currently no recognition of prior learning for this programme. 

You can access the relevant policies and procedures linked below.

Access, Transfer and Progression Policy

Protection of Enrolled Learners

RCPI has procedures in place for the protection of enrolled learners. You can access the information on this through the policy and procedure linked below.

Protection of Enrolled Learner Policy

Workshop dates for 2026/2027

Session Delivery Mode Date

Induction Virtual 1 hour (1-2 pm) 02 September 2026

Module 1 Unit 1, Day 1 In-person 09 September 2026

Module 1 Unit 1, Day 2 In-person 10 September 2026

Module 1 Unit 1, Day 3 In-person 11 September 2026

Module 1 Unit 2, Day 4 In-person 08 October 2026

Team Coaching Virtual - allocated slot 11 November 2026

Team Coaching Virtual - allocated slot 12 November 2026

Module 1 Unit 3, Day 5 Virtual 25 November 2026

Module 2 Unit 3, Day 6 Virtual 07 January 2027

Team Coaching Virtual - allocated slot 20 January 2027

Team Coaching Virtual - allocated slot 21 January 2027

Module 2 Unit 4, Day 7 In-person 10 February 2027

Module 2 Unit 4, Day 8 Virtual 11 March 2027

Module 2 Unit 5, Day 9 In-person 14 April 2027

Module 2 Unit 5, Day 10 Virtual 12 May 2027

Team Coaching Virtual - allocated slot 26 May 2027

Team Coaching Virtual - allocated slot 27 May 2027

Module 2 Unit 6, Day 11 In-person 23 June 2027

Module 2 Unit 6, Day 12 In-person 24 June 2027

Teams that are accepted onto the programme will be informed with the decision letter. Scheduling is subject to confirmation for 2026-27 academic year at the start of the programme and is subject to change.