Overview
Nurses play a critical role in society. They help people to achieve, maintain or regain independence and the best possible health, and at other times they provide comfort, support and dignity.
This course will give you the knowledge, skills and professional values to work as an effective and compassionate nurse. During each semester, you’ll complete a clinical placement, which ensures you’ll meet the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) requirements. Our health service provider partners – Beaumont Hospital and Connolly Hospital – offer diverse clinical settings, giving you a broad range of clinical learning opportunities.
Also, the Erasmus+ exchange programme is open for application to all 2nd year nursing students and takes place in semester 1 of 3rd year. Find out more about this placement exchange on our International Placement webpage.
A world of opportunity
Once you complete this internationally recognised degree, you can register as a nurse with the NMBI and work in Ireland or overseas. You’ll be qualified for roles in acute hospital settings, in the community, schools, general practice, occupational health, and traditional hospitals and care facilities.
Qualified nurses are sought after internationally, so graduates can always work and travel abroad. You could also opt to pursue a career in clinical management, education or research.
DCU People
"One day it'll all just click for you, and then there's no going back."
Read more about Niamh Walsh
"I’ve loved every minute of the course and I’ve made so many new friends."
Read more about Niamh Guthrie
"I’m really interested in is hearing student voices becoming the voices of professional nurses."
Read more about Anne Kirwan
Careers & Further Options
Careers
Upon graduation, your internationally recognised degree will qualify you to work as a Nurse both at home and abroad.
You’ll also be eligible for professional registration with Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
You’ll find work opportunities in the community, schools, general practice, occupational health, and traditional hospitals and care facilities. Career pathways also exist in clinical practice, management, education and research.
- Education
- General Nurse
- Research
DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.
DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path.
Entry Requirements
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply
Minimum of O6 or H7 in Mathematics and minimum of O6 or H7 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply
GCE A Level E or GCE AS Level D or GCSE 4/C Mathematics and GCE A Level E or GCE AS Level D or GCSE 4/C in one of Physics, Chemistry , Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science
Please visit our Admissions Webpage for application guidance and to review specific FET course requirements, please visit the CAO QQI FET Requirements Look Up Facility.
Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.
To apply to DCU, please visit www.cao.ie.
Please see the How to Apply section.
No entry path
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. Click here for further information on international applications.
Course Structure
Programme Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this programme, students will:
| provide person centred, age-attuned care that is underpinned with knowledge of anatomy, physiology and related biosciences; have the ability to draw on theoretical concepts derived from nursing, psychology, sociology and related health care professions, deliver care that is targeted to meet the individual holistic needs of persons and their families in order to promote optimum health outcomes, deliver care that is underpinned by the best available evidence to inform decision making in health care practice settings and are able to communicate effectively with individuals, families and colleagues; |
| utilise detailed knowledge of the physiological, biomechanical and psychosocial principles underpinning acute and chronic illnesses to help meet the specific health care needs of clients in diverse health care settings including acute hospitals, extended care facilities, community settings, occupational settings and statutory health facilities; apply the legal, ethical and professional frameworks that underpin evidence based practice, including research knowledge to support evidence based practice; demonstrate the ability to incorporate the social, political, cultural and environmental concerns that impact on healthcare; appreciate the contemporary political influences which shape health care policy; |
| demonstrate the ability to use a complex range of clinical and technical skills including informatics that are essential for safe nursing practice; establish and maintain caring therapeutic interpersonal relationships with individuals/clients/ groups/ communities; have the ability to appraise and critique the best available evidence to guide judgement and decision making in nursing practice to work towards health gain and to initiate health promotion activities; |
| act as an effective member of a health care team and participate in the multidisciplinary team approach to the care of patients/clients and families; have the ability to apply appropriate skills in the management of others within a healthcare setting including co-ordination, delegation and supervision; be competent in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating interventions in order to provide person centred age-attuned care to patients/ clients and families in specific settings; |
| co-ordinate and critically evaluate cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills including being able to critically examine and reflect on their personal practice-based knowledge and to apply best available evidence to underpin sound judgement and decision making in nursing practice. Be able to justify and be accountable for professional decisions and to practice safely and effectively, fulfilling his/her professional responsibility within his/her scope of practice; able to communicate clearly and to establish and maintain interpersonal relationships with clients, families and communities having achieved the necessary competencies required for entry to the register of nurses maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI); |
| have an awareness of the need to be accountable for the care of individuals, families with specific health care needs in a variety of health care settings; demonstrate the achievement of competence in all domains as required by NMBI which include skills of critical analysis, problem-solving, decision-making and reflection; have the ability to act independently as an accountable practitioner with a sound underpinning of the theoretical knowledge that informs practice and is in turn informed by that practice; demonstrate the ability to select and use resources effectively and efficiently, to apply standards that demonstrate quality assurance and quality management and ability to foster a caring, therapeutic relationship with individuals and their families; |
| operationalise an awareness of the need to update or deepen their knowledge/skill set and to conduct further education through research, academic or professional training; to demonstrate an ability to independently acquire further expertise and to ensure that the use of this expertise complies with the ethical standards of the profession and be able to learn to act in variable and unfamiliar contexts. Will be able to recognise and critically evaluate their own learning needs to enable them to take responsibility for lifelong professional development; able to identify and use opportunities for continuous learning and personal development; work independently and use professional networks to support their practice; be able to reflect upon their practice and identify gaps in their understanding and have developed the confidence and ability to deal with these, seek and make use of appraisal of their work from peers and colleagues and able to avail of experienced colleagues as informal networks of support to enhance professional development; |
| demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the nurses role in society and the need to communicate effectively within this environment; an understanding of the need for the highest ethical standards of practice; have an understanding that, as part of a team, the importance of the need to consider the opinions of other members and to put in place a plan/design/process that is cognisant of these opinions. Be able to express a comprehensive personal world view manifesting solidarity with others; have an awareness of the potential and strengths of each person in their care; use interpersonal skills that will encourage the development of helpful, caring relationships with people in the care of nurses and their families. Be able to recognise the factors which contribute to, and which adversely affect, the physical, mental and social well being of people in the care of nurses; identify and analyse the social and health implications of lifespan development, disability and illness for adults, children and his or her family, friends and community. |
(All Nursing Disciplines)
- Personal and Professional Development
- Core Nursing Skills
- Psychology
- Sociology of Health and Illness
- Caring and Communication in Nursing
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Clinical Practice Placements
Year 1 Stream Specialisms
- General Nursing
- Understanding Intellectual Disability
- Mental Health Nursing
- Children’s Nursing
Year 1 Options (General Nursing)
- Skills for Success
- Intercultural Communication
General Nursing Year 2
- Principles of Caring for Specific Patients
- Caring for the Adult
Year 2 Options General and Mental Health Nursing
- Anthropology, Health and Illness
- Humanities and Health
- Pain Management
- Sexuality and Sexual Health
Year 2 (All Nursing Disciplines)
- Personal and Professional Development
- Clinical Pharmacology for Nursing Practice
- Altered Bodily Processes
- Research and Nursing Practice
- Clinical Practice Placements
Year 2 Options General and Mental Health Nursing
- Anthropology, Health and Illness
- Humanities and Health
- Pain Management
- Sexuality and Sexual Health
Year 3 (All Nursing Streams)
- Ethics in Nursing
- Research and Nursing Practice
- Clinical Practice Placement
General Nursing Year 3
- General Nursing
Year 3 Options (General, Mental Health and Intellectual Disability Nursing)
- Palliative Care
- Clinical Judgement and Decision Making
- Introduction to Critical Care Nursing Working for Inclusion
Year 4 (All Nursing Streams)
- Nursing Informatics, Management and Leadership
- Health Promotion in a Multicultural Context
- Research Enquiry
- Clinical Practice Placement
General Nursing Year 4
- General Nursing
Fees and Funding
Fees
All programme fees are per annum and subject to an annual increase.
How To Apply
Applicants presenting EU/FETAC Level 5 examinations: Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May
To apply for this programme:
Candidates should apply directly here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.
Please provide
- Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
- If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to 1st July. All Non-EU candidates are advised to apply early, as places are limited.
All candidates are required to apply through CAO. Mature Entry is for those that are 23 years of age or older by 1st January in the year of entry, applicants are also required to sit a test. Candidates are assessed by the Nursing Careers Centre (NCC) of An Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, NMBI).
Mature entry route is based on applying for a nursing course via www.cao.ie by 1st February. Late applications (up to 1st May) may be considered on grounds of mature years, where an applicant has registered and taken the NMBI written assessment in the current year. Applicants can also avail of the change of mind facility on CAO up to 1st July. Although it is possible to make a late application to mature nursing, it is not possible to apply late for other mature entry routes. All other mature entry routes should be applied for by 1st February, to ensure they can engage in any mature assessments.
For details please visit: www.nursingcareers.ie or email: careersinformation@NMBI.ie to request a copy of their nursing and careers booklet.
No entry path.
Please see Application Procedures or E-mail ugadmissions@dcu.ie.
Candidates submitting EU examination results are required to apply through the CAO at www.cao.ie.
Candidates submitting non-EU examination results are required to apply directly here.
Life On Campus
At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.
DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.
Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.
DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.
Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.
There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.
For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.
The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.
Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.
DCU Glasnevin Campus
FAQs
What is the ratio of practical experience to lecture-based learning?
Approve 50:50
When and where do I complete my hospital placements?
Each year you will have the opportunity to practise nursing in the clinical setting in your linked healthcare service. These are called ‘practice placements’. During Years 3 and 4 longer periods are spent on these practice placements. In the last six months of the nursing programme, students do an internship (paid) in the healthcare setting.
Is there an Erasmus as part of the Nursing course?
Yes, Erasmus opportunities are available, further information is available on the School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health International Placement webpage.
Is DCU all one campus?
DCU is a multi campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses. The St Patrick's campus is where the Education courses are taught and some of the subjects from the BA Joint Honours degree. There is a 20-25 minute walk between the campuses but there are buses and bikes available to go between them also.
Click here to see maps of all of our campuses
If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
We have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.
Does DCU provide accommodation?
DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.
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