| Code | N/A |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Year Full-time |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time |
| Qualifications | BSc (Hons) |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
| Fees | See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Closing Date | 5 May 2025 |
| Non-EU Closing Date | 31 May 2025 |
Course Outline
Our BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies programme is a post-registration degree for registered nurses, set at Level 8 of the National Framework of Qualifications (National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, 2003). The School of Nursing and Midwifery, located within the College of Medicine and Health at UCC, is delighted to present this innovative programme aimed at building on the foundations provided by pre-registration programmes and professional experience. It should appeal to candidates from a number of clinical and/or management positions. Our course is designed to provide you with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge applicable to current practice in general and specialist areas.
You can complete this BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies programme over one academic year (60 credits).
If you have completed flexi-option modules (at Level 8 or above), you may also be eligible for exemption from some modules. Application for exemptions must be made at the time of application.
Students take modules to the value of 60 credits.
- NU4001 Nursing Science (10 credits)
- NU4016 Evidence-based Nursing Practice (10 credits)
- NU4108 Patient Safety and Quality Improvement in Nursing and Healthcare (10 credits)
- NU4111 Leadership, Management, Ethical and Legal Accountability in Nursing (10 credits)
- NU4112 Nursing People with Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases (10 credits)
- NU4113 Primary Healthcare for Population Health (10 credits)
See College Calendar for additional information on the Programme and the Book of Modules for further information on the modules.
Course Practicalities
This course is designed to allow nurses and midwives to work and attend university simultaneously, in order to suit service, personal and academic requirements. However, some of our students allow themselves protected university time by taking unpaid study leave.
Students attend university for approximately 40 days in one academic year, with lectures given over three block weeks and a one-day-per-week release for the remaining time.
Assessment
Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have formal examinations. Many modules use other types of assessment including essays, critical literature reviews, in-class tests, a community project, a research project, and a written paper.
Who teaches this course?
The School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, has been ranked within the top 50 nursing schools in the world, according to the QS global subject rankings. The school provides a world-class environment for cutting-edge research to prepare tomorrow’s nurses to shape and advance health care practices through research and education. Within UCC’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, researchers are addressing global challenges, including the growing burden of diseases, nurse workforce requirements, population aging, and sustainable approaches to healthcare and health promotion; our teaching staff, including those listed below, are at the forefront of these developments.
- Dr Caroline Kilty
- Dr Valeria Venditti
- Dr Margaret Curtin
- Dr Mohamad Saab
- Dr Vera McCarthy
- Mr Lloyd Frank Philpott
Why Choose This Course
Top 50 Nursing School in the World
Being ranked within the top 50 nursing schools in the world, according to the QS global subject rankings, we provide a world-class environment for research and education.
In particular, this course allows you to continue work in clinical practice. In order to facilitate learning, we embrace a wide range of teaching and learning strategies, including blended learning. A variety of support networks are available to assist students in continuing their education at third level.
This course aims to build on the foundations provided by pre-registration nursing courses and professional experience. It fosters analytical and critical thinking skills, enabling qualified nurses to become more effective in clinical practice. We promote the idea of evidence-based practice by providing nurses with an awareness of nursing research and relevant research methodologies. The course will help you to develop self-directed learning skills and provide an opportunity for personal growth and development.
Connected Curriculum
Our learning approach reflects our commitment to the Connected Curriculum where we emphasise the connection between students, learning, research and leadership through our vision for a Connected University. Our staff will support you in making meaningful connections within and between topics such as nursing, healthcare, science, leadership, and management.
Skills and Careers Information
The course provides an opportunity for you to enhance and develop your knowledge of nursing, as well as the science and theory supporting nursing practice. On completion of the course, you will be in a position to apply for further postgraduate education courses at certificate/postgraduate diploma or MSc level. For more information on our postgraduate options please see our Nursing & Midwifery postgraduate course page.
Requirements
To be eligible to apply, applicants must be Registered Nurses or Midwives recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). Applicants from outside Ireland must hold active registration as a nurse in the professional register of their country of residence.
For English language requirements, please see the English Language Requirements for EU Applicants.
Fees and Costs
See our Undergraduate Fee Schedule for the latest information.
How To Apply
EU Applicants
- The application process for the BSc Nursing Studies 2025/2026 will open on 5 February 2025.
- Applications are made through the UCCApply portal only. The portal will be made available on this webpage on the opening date.
- A non-refundable administrative fee of €50 is required to process the application.
QQI FET candidates are not eligible to apply for this course.
Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded with your UCCApply Application so please have the following documents ready for upload:
- Transcript of Nursing Qualifications / Confirmation of Nursing Qualifications
- Confirmation of current Nursing Registration
- Passport Photo - Please upload a passport-style photo, not a photo of your passport
- Proof of Identity - if not previously registered in UCC, please upload a clear readable copy of one of the following; Passport/Birth cert/Irish Driving licence (credit card format)/ Marriage cert
- Transcripts - if applicable
- Evidence of English Language Proficiency - if applicable
All documents in a language other than English must be officially translated (you cannot translate these yourself).
Non-EU Applicants
Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.
To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page.
Refer to our International Office page for more information on how to apply to UCC.
The closing date for non-EU applications is 31 May 2025