QUALIFICATION / CERTIFICATION

Course Title: Tertiary Degree in Mental Health Nursing (in partnership with Trinity College Dublin) 

Course Award Number: 5M4349

Qualification/Certification: QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies 

Duration: 1 year - this will take place in Cathal Brugha College

Registration Fee:

ABOUT THE COURSE

1 Year Full‑Time Tertiary Pathway to Mental Health Nursing in TCD

This is a new and exciting Tertiary Pathway to the BSc in Mental Health Nursing in Trinity College Dublin. There are 15 places on this pathway.

Mental Health Nursing – Is it the right choice for me?

Mental Health Nursing is a specialised area of nursing that focuses on providing holistic, person‑centred care to people with mental health challenges across their lifespan. Mental Health Nurses work to promote independence, health and quality of life, while advocating for each person’s rights, inclusion and dignity.

As a Mental Health Nurse, you can work in a wide range of settings, including:

• Community services and day programmes

• Residential and supported‑living services

• Acute hospitals and specialist healthcare services

You may support children, adults and older people with mental health challenges, often working closely with families, multidisciplinary teams and community organisations.

Learner pre-requisites

• Personal Statement

• Interview

• Garda Vetting

This course requires students to be Garda vetted.

Prospective students should also be aware that some aspects of this course are physically demanding and should satisfy themselves that they are physically fit enough to undertake it. All applicants will undergo a processing stage during which further information will be gathered in relation to their application.

Learner’s Desirable Competencies and Experience

Learners interested in undertaking this course should want to be part of an active and changing dynamic environment. They should, enjoy working with others and value caring for people. In addition, learners should be excellent communicators with problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

If you are accepted onto this pathway, you will be enrolled and registered as a student of Cathal Brugha College and Trinity College Dublin from the start. Only applicants who meet all of the requirements below at the end of the year will secure their place on the undergraduate degree in Mental Health Nursing in Trinity College Dublin.

To progress to Year 1 of the BSc in Mental Health Nursing in Trinity, you must:

• Successfully complete the 1‑year, full‑time FET programme

• Achieve the QQI Level 5 Major Award in Nursing Studies (5M4349)

• Gain distinctions in 5 modules including:

Nursing Theory and Practice or Care Support

And

Anatomy and Physiology.

Certification

QQI Nursing Studies 5M4349

Also to include Patient Lifting and Manual Handling

Subjects

• Anatomy and Physiology 

• Nursing Theory and Practice 

• Communications 

• Work Experience 

Course content may be revised for educational or organisational reasons and is subject to agreement with TCD and the National Tertiary Office

 Entry Requirements

All applicants who wish to apply for this five-year programme (Year 1 in Cathal Brugha College and years 2,3,4,5 in TCD) must meet the following minimum entry criteria:
• Leaving Certificate with five subjects at grade 06 including Mathematics

or
• a Distinction in Leaving Certificate Applied including Maths

or
• QQI Level 4 Major Award, or other qualifications equivalent to a major award at level 4 on the NFQ at Merit including Maths

or

Applications are welcome from mature applicants (aged 23 years at the date of commencement of the course). These applicants do not have to meet the minimum entry requirements listed and are considered on an individual basis; previous education, life experience, and demonstration of competence to undertake the programme.

And

CERFL proficiency at B2 for applicants whose first language is not English

And

Applicants must be 18 years of age by the 1st January in the year following commencement of the course.

Non-EU citizens, who are not in the international protection system, but have permission to reside in Ireland unrelated to their student status (such as Stamp 4 visa holders) would be eligible to apply for the programmes but would not be eligible for free fees. They would therefore be liable to pay tuition fees for the FET portion of the programme, and fees (as determined by the individual HEI) per year of the HE portion. More information on eligibility and nationality criteria can be found here: https://hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/course-fees/. 

We are ringfencing 5 places for the Traveller and Roma communities

Oversubscription

In the event of over subscription, priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate that they qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant under the SUSI and/or are in receipt of a DSP long-term means tested social welfare payment and/or be from one or more of the priority groups identified as part of the National Access Plan 2022-2028 (National Access Plan 2022-2028 | Policy | Higher Education Authority)

Course entry requirements and eligibility are in agreement with TCD and the National Tertiary Office.

Selection Process

After shortlisting based on the above Entry Requirements and Eligibility, applicants will be invited to Round 1 interviews which usually take place in May.

• A 20-minute interview (in-person) and a writing exercise will be scored.

• Offers will be made to eligible applicants, and a waiting list will be formed.

• Conditional offers which will be issued subject to LC/LCA/Level 4 examination results.

• We will organise Garda Vetting and please note that this course requires applicants with No Disclosures.

• Applicants will be required to agree to receive vaccinations which will be organised and paid for through the programme, when they are enrolled on the course.

• Vacant places will be offered via above competition process until the 30th of September.

Progression Opportunities

On successful completion of this programme your place on the BSc in ID Nursing at TCD awaits. To progress to Year 1 of the BSc in Mental Health Nursing in Trinity, you must:

• Successfully complete the 1‑year, full‑time FET programme

• Achieve the QQI Level 5 Major Award in Nursing Studies (5M4349)

• Gain distinctions in 5 modules including:

Nursing Theory and Practice or Care Support

And

Anatomy and Physiology.

You are eligible to apply for many other CAO courses through the CAS Higher Education Links Scheme. You will also be competent to work as a Healthcare Assistant. The focus of this programme will be to fill the 15 places offered by TCD in Mental Health Nursing.