Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and Hibernia College Announce Strategic Partnership to Train the Health Leaders of the Future
The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with Hibernia College to deliver a diverse suite of health education programmes.
This collaboration brings together the unique strengths of each organisation. RCPI is an established postgraduate medical training body with strong clinical expertise and experienced academic leadership. Hibernia College has a proven record of delivering standards of excellence in online education and digital pedagogy, including QQI-accredited programmes across education, nursing, data analytics, and corporate governance.
The partnership builds on RCPI’s existing success in delivering innovative online health education programmes and extends its capacity to meet growing demand across the wider healthcare workforce.
The first programme - Professional Diploma in Healthcare Leadership will be open for applications in late 2025. The course, commencing in early 2026, is designed for current and aspiring healthcare leaders seeking to enhance their strategic, operational, and people management skills. It will be delivered fully online, allowing participants to engage with expert faculty and peers while balancing professional commitments.
It is designed for healthcare professionals who are taking on or preparing for leadership roles in clinical practice and healthcare delivery. This includes doctors in hospital and family medicine settings, nurses and midwives advancing into governance or management roles, and allied health professionals leading service improvement or interdisciplinary teams. It will also appeal to those in health service operations, quality improvement, digital health, and the wider healthcare industry who collaborate closely with clinical teams.
On successful completion, participants will hold a Professional Diploma in Healthcare Leadership awarded by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.
Speaking about the partnership, RCPI President, Dr Diarmuid O’Shea said: "This collaboration reflects our commitment to advancing healthcare education in Ireland and beyond. In partnering with Hibernia College, we are creating a powerful platform for professional development at the forefront of innovative digital learning to improve health.
Dr Mary Kelly, Academic Dean of Hibernia College, added: “We are proud to partner with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland to support healthcare professionals in their leadership journey. This collaboration brings together the expertise, resources, and innovative teaching approaches of both institutions. Our shared vision is to ensure learning is accessible, engaging, and impactful for all.”
Further details of the Professional Diploma in Healthcare Leadership, including application timelines and course structure, will be announced in the coming weeks.