BSc (HONs) in Mental Health Nursing
– Cork & MTU Kerry

INTRODUCTION:

This five-year degree programme in Mental Health Nursing, typically known as a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Mental Health Nursing, is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to become Registered Mental Health Nurses (RPNs) and enter the professional practice of nursing through the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. The curriculum is comprehensive, combining theoretical education with practice based teaching and clinical experiences.

The aim of mental health nursing is to promote mental health and wellness, to plan with, support and provide nursing care to people who suffer from mental illness and mental distress, and to support families and communities in dealing with mental health challenges. This care can be provided in acute care facilities such as hospitals, in peoples own homes and community care settings. Supporting on-going mental health recovery is an important role of being a mental health nurse.

Our graduates work with individuals, families and communities to prevent mental health problems and promote recovery so that as many people as possible can live full lives in community settings. At the heart of the role of the mental health nurse is the ability to establish therapeutic relationships with individuals and their families.

Year 1: Cork Education and Training Board – Cork College of FET- Morrisons Island Campus.

Year 2 – 5: Department of Nursing and Healthcare Sciences, MTU, Kerry North Campus.

Applications are only accepted using this link: Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing | Courses (NEW) | National Tertiary Office

Note: This is a separate application process from other Nursing courses on our website.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

All applicants must be a minimum of 17 years of age on 1st Jan of the commencement year.

Learner minimum educational attainment for entry:

Leaving Certificate with five subjects/LCVP at grade O6  including Maths or a distinction in Leaving Certificate Applied

or 

QQI Level 4 award with a minimum of a merit grade

or 

Mature applicants – (aged 22 on or before 1st January of the course commencement year). These applicants do not have to meet the minimum entry requirements listed here and are considered on an individual basis (previous education, work experience, and demonstration of competence to undertake the programme)

or 

An applicant who is a minimum of 17 years of age on 1st Jan of the commencement year with at least 2 years post Junior Certificate relevant experience. All applicants must demonstrate that they would qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant under the Student Grant Scheme (SUSI) and/or are in receipt of a Department of Social Protection (DSP) long-term means-tested social welfare payment and/or be from one or more of the priority groups or from any priority group identified as part of the next National Access Plan (2022-2028).

Note: To progress from year one of the five-year undergraduate degree in Mental Health Nursing, successful learners must achieve the full QQI Level 5 Award, with a minimum of five distinctions.

At least one of the five distinctions (80%+) must include a distinction in one of the following three modules. The student must also achieve at least two high merits (72%+) in the other two modules:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Nursing Theory and Practice
• Human Growth and Development

Learner pre-requisites:

• Fitness to Practice Medical statement signed by their GP
• Personal Statement
• Interview
• Garda Vetting

This course requires students to be Garda vetted. All applicants will undergo a processing stage during which further information will be gathered in relation to their application.

DURATION:

September to May Year 1.

FEES:

No fees apply for Year 1.

CERTIFICATION:

• QQI Level 5 Certificate in Nursing Studies 5M4349 in Year 1.

COURSE CONTENT:

COURSE CONTENT:

WORK PLACEMENT / EXPERIENCE:

Students are required to undertake a four week block placement (150 hours) during their first year on QQI Nursing Studies. Students will undertake four weeks (min 150 hours) of work placement in a hospital or healthcare setting. Garda vetting is an integral part of the application procedure for this course. The college follows the National Immunisation Advisory Committee’s (NIAC) Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland which states that healthcare students should, as a minimum, receive or have received completed courses of immunisations for:

• Hepatitis B (minimum 2 doses)
• Influenza
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR 2 doses)
• Varicella (Chicken Pox)  (1 or in some cases 2 doses)

Note: Some placements may have additional vaccination requirements e.g. Covid-19.

During the degree programme in MTU Kerry, students undertake eighty-one weeks, 45 weeks as a supernumerary nursing student and 36 weeks as an Intern.

Work placement is a highly valued component of the student experience here at the college. An excellent opportunity for you to gain insight into the world of work.

EDUCATION PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES:

Note: To progress from year one of the five-year undergraduate degree in Mental Health Nursing, successful learners must achieve the full QQI Level 5 Award, with a minimum of five distinctions.

At least one of the five distinctions (80%+) must include a distinction in one of the following three modules. The student must also achieve at least two high merits (72%+) in the other two modules:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Nursing Theory and Practice
• Human Growth and Development

The other Morrison’s Island Campus Nursing Studies Progression routes are also available.