Garda Vetting

ALL students entering courses in the College of Medicine and Health will be working with vulnerable people in clinical areas during their time at University College Cork. Most of these clinical areas will be under the ownership and authority of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE requires all students working within its organisation have obtained “Garda Vetting” which involves a police check to establish whether they have had criminal convictions in the past or whether there are any criminal proceedings pending. The Gardaí provide this information for students who have resided in Ireland for a period of 6 months or more (including permanent residence).

ALL students who have resided outside Ireland for a period of 6 months or more must furnish a Police Clearance Certificate from their country or countries of residence. This Certificate should state that the student has no convictions recorded against him or her while residing there. In addition to obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate, all students may be invited to sign a legal declaration (Affidavit) in the presence of a Commissioner for Oaths confirming that they have no criminal convictions current or pending. The College of Medicine and Health, if necessary, will make arrangements for this to be done during Orientation using approved wording. Students will be required to pay a small charge to the Commissioner for Oaths for this service.

Infectious Diseases Policy

Applicants offered places in undergraduate programmes in the College of Medicine and Health will be subject to tests in line with medical best practice to establish their health status in relation to certain infectious diseases.

A screening procedure for Hepatitis B must be completed by students entering Medicine, Nursing or Dentistry prior to full registration and this is followed by a vaccination programme. Students in other programmes may be exempt from pre-registration screening but must all undergo a vaccination programme to confer immunity against Hepatitis B. Details will be advised to students after entry. Students may also be required to be tested/immunised for other infectious diseases (e.g. tuberculosis) before being admitted into the clinical environment. These requirements are designed to protect students and patients and are mandatory. Students are expected to bear the costs of these vaccinations.

Applicants not "in good standing"

Applicants who have previously been unsuccessful in any Medicine programme are deemed not to be “in good standing” and will only be considered for admission to UCC’s Medicine programmes on a case-by- case application basis, to be considered by the relevant Programme Board. Applicants should include any details of extenuating circumstances along with their application.