Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing
Overview
This is a new and exciting Tertiary Pathway to the BSc (Hons) 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.
Provider Locations and Structure
Year 1
QQI Nursing Studies 5M4349 to include Patient Lifting and Manual Handling – FET College Cathal Brugha
Years 2-5
School of Nursing and Midwifery, The GAS Building, D’Olier Street, Trinity College Dublin
Course Content – For All Years
Modules subject to change in accordance with an MNBI new standards and requirements and TCD faculty quality review process.
Year 1 – QQI Nursing Studies 5M4349
Anatomy and Physiology
Nursing Theory and Practice
Communications
Work Experience
Understanding Mental Health
Human Growth and Development
Sociology
Care of The Older Person OR Care Skills
Course content may be revised for educational or organisational reasons and is subject to agreement with TCD and the National Tertiary Office
Year 2 – Trinity College Dublin
- MNU11008 Understanding Mental Health, Distress and Illness and Approaches to Care
- MNU11009 Psychotherapeutic Skills and the Recovery Approach within Mental Health
- MNU11010 Biological Sciences Underpinning Health and Wellbeing
- MNU11011 Health Promotion, Essential Knowledge for Skills and Practice
- MNU11012 Psychosocial Foundations for Care
- MNU11013 Foundations for Professional Practice
Year 3 – Trinity College Dublin
- MNU22014 Essentials of Communication in Community Mental Health Setting
- MNU22015 Physical Health and Pharmacology in Mental Health
- MNU2200x Elective (choice)
- MNU22016 Enhancing Professional Practice
- MNU22017 Managing Care in Practice
- MNU22018 Practice Placement
Year 4 – Trinity College Dublin
- MNU33014 Working with People with Serious Mental Health Problems
- MNU33015 Working with Specialist Groups who have Multiple & Complex Needs
- MNU3300x Elective (choice)
- MNU33016 Clinical Judgement, Professional Practice, Foundations of Management
- MNU33017 Practice Placement
Year 5 – Trinity College Dublin
- MNU44003 Using Research to Enhance Nursing and Midwifery Practice
- MNU44004 Applied Clinical Management and Interprofessional Practice
- MNU44005 Linking Education Practice Year 4
Planned Intake (Number of Places)
15 Places
Entry Requirements and Eligibility
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.
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.
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.
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 Mental Health 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.
