Nursing is a commitment to care, compassion, and clinical excellence. Aspiring nurses find that Ireland is one of the best destinations in Europe.
With a strong healthcare infrastructure, modern university campuses, and globally recognised qualifications, Ireland is among the best environments for undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students.
Here, we'll explore the different nursing education routes available in the country, placement opportunities, and how to plan for your future as a professional nurse.
Overview of Nursing Courses and Programmes
The nursing courses available in Ireland are designed to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare system.
Whether you begin with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing or pursue a postgraduate diploma or MSc in Nursing, you'll have access to rigorous academic training and practical, real-world experience.
Undergraduate nursing programmes typically last four years and mix theoretical learning and clinical placements and can include specialisations in areas like:
- General Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Children’s and Paediatric Nursing
- Intellectual Disability Nursing
- Midwifery
Programmes are available at institutions such as Dublin City University, the University of Galway, University College Dublin, and Trinity College Dublin.
These programmes have a modular structure, with students earning credits for each of the modules they complete in subjects such as anatomy, nursing science, healthcare ethics, professional practice, and clinical skills.
Advanced postgraduate options, such as the MSc in Nursing, Nursing Education, and Healthcare Management, are also available for professionals seeking roles in leadership, research, or education.
| University | Programme | Duration | Entry Requirements | Clinical Placement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity College Dublin | BSc Nursing (General) | 4 years | Leaving Cert + CAO Points | Yes |
| Dublin City University | MSc in Nursing Education | 2 years (PT) | BSc Nursing + 1 Year Experience | Yes |
| University College Dublin | BSc Nursing (Mental Health) | 4 years | Leaving Cert + CAO Points | Yes |
| University of Galway | Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing | 1 year | BSc Nursing or Equivalent | Yes |
| University College Cork | BSc Midwifery | 4 years | Leaving Cert + CAO Points | Yes |
The programmes are aligned with the standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), which ensures that they are professionally recognised in Ireland and internationally.
Aligned with EU and NMBI standards
Eligible for recognition in the UK, Australia, Canada & more
Combines academic excellence with hands-on clinical skills
Learning Experience and Clinical Practice
The educational experience in a nursing programme in Ireland goes far beyond lectures and classes. Programmes are designed to blend academic knowledge with clinical application, ensuring students are ready to thrive in real healthcare environments.
From the very first day, you'll be experiencing a curriculum that combines science, professional practice, and hands-on learning.
Universities like Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and University of Galway all boast cutting-edge clinical skills labs with environments that replicate hospital settings.
A course's nursing modules combine lectures, group seminars, case-based learning, and practical workshops. Students in these programmes gain the skills needed to work in medical wards, mental health units, maternity clinics, or community healthcare settings.
The placements are structured, supervised, and assessed to a high standard, ensuring proper patient care and student development.
Patient communication and empathy
Clinical decision-making
Medication management
Leadership and teamwork
Infection prevention & control
Ethical and legal awareness in care
You'll get guidance from clinical instructors, nursing tutors, and health professionals during your training. The balance between university-based learning and clinical practice means that graduates are well-prepared to face the complexities of the modern Irish healthcare system.
Entry Requirements and How to Apply
Universities in Ireland have rigorous academic standards, particularly for undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas in nursing.
Undergraduate Programmes (BSc Nursing / BSc Midwifery)
Applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) for most BSc Nursing programmes. You'll need:
- A Leaving Certificate with strong results in science-related subjects (e.g. Biology, Chemistry)
- A minimum number of CAO points (varies by university and year)
- Proof of English language proficiency (for international applicants)
Applicants can choose specialisms like general nursing, mental health, children's nursing, or midwifery. Programmes usually last four years and include clinical placements.
Postgraduate Programmes (Diploma, MSc, Certificates)
If you're a registered nurse aiming to specialise or advance your nursing career, you may apply directly to the college or university offering the course. Entry requirements generally include:
- A recognised BSc in Nursing (Hons)
- Post-registration clinical experience (usually at least 1 year)
- A current NMBI registration (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland)
Common postgraduate options include:
- MSc in Nursing Education
- Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Practice
- Certificate in Healthcare Management
There are also part-time options so working professionals can continue their education without giving up work.
Application Process
- Undergraduate: Apply via CAO.ie before the annual deadline (typically in February).
- Postgraduate: Apply online through the university’s portal. Deadlines vary by institution.
- Before submitting applications, international students should review specific visas, tuition fees, and documentation requirements.
As for the criteria for each course, institutions will provide information on the criteria or admissions advisors who can help you through the application process.
Remember that competition is high for most medical courses in Ireland, and you should apply as early as possible.
General Nursing: Best for hospital and ward-based care
Mental Health Nursing: Ideal for those interested in psychology and psychiatry
Children’s Nursing: Focuses on paediatrics and child development
Midwifery: Specialises in pregnancy, childbirth, and women’s reproductive health
How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse?
How long it takes to become a nurse depends entirely on your programme and the student's entry point when they join the programme.
of full-time study.
Postgraduate Diplomas or MScs (for registered nurses) tend to take one or two years, with CPD Modules and Certificate programmes ranging from three to twelve months while continuing to work.
Clinical placements in hospital wards, community care settings, and specialised health services are part of your studies, too. These will bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world healthcare.
You don't stop learning after you get your qualification, either. Continuous professional development (CPD) is a part of every nurse's career, and the NMBI in Ireland requires it to maintain professional registration.
Postgraduate options also allow nurses to focus on management, nurse education, or advanced clinical practice.
Career Opportunities in Nursing and Midwifery
Nursing degrees in Ireland offer clinical care, education, research, and management options.
Typically, graduates of a BSc in Nursing or Midwifery start their careers as Registered General Nurses (RGNs) or Registered Midwives, working in hospitals, maternity units, GP practices, or community care.
As nurses gain experience and further qualifications, they'll have the option to specialise in areas like:
- Mental health nursing
- Paediatrics
- Geriatric care
- Palliative care
- Surgical and emergency services
For those completing a postgraduate diploma or MSc, additional roles open up, such as:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
- Nurse Educator or Lecturer
- Healthcare Manager
- Research Nurse
While offering high standards of compassionate care often draws people into the profession, it's completely fair for potential nurses to consider how much they are paid in Ireland, with higher roles often receiving better compensation.
Nursing Education in Dublin and Galway
The most popular options for studying nursing in Ireland are the cities of Dublin and Galway, which both offer academic excellence and vibrant student life.
Dublin
The city of Dublin is home to top-tier academic institutions like Trinity College Dublin (TCD), University College Dublin (UCD), and Dublin City University (DCU). These universities provide:
- BSc degrees in general, mental health, and children’s nursing
- MSc programmes in Nursing Education, Clinical Practice, and Healthcare Management
- Access to major teaching hospitals for clinical placements
Trinity, for example, is famous for its research-driven curriculum and interprofessional learning model.
Galway
Galway is a respected centre for nursing education and research. It has undergraduate, postgraduate, and CPD programmes, with an emphasis on:
- Critical thinking
- Evidence-based practice
- Integration of theory and clinical experience
Generally, students in Galway benefit from smaller class sizes, community-based placements, and closer collaboration with local healthcare providers.
The history of nursing in Ireland has shaped both modern care standards and the institutions that teach nursing in the country.
Private Tutoring and Academic Support
Nursing education is a rewarding and challenging choice. The modules, placements, and high expectations of students may require extra assistance.
Luckily, private tutoring can help students understand course content, boost their confidence, and even help them manage their coursework and other commitments.
One-on-one support for challenging subjects
Flexible sessions tailored to your schedule
Exam prep and assignment guidance
On Superprof, you can connect with tutors across Ireland and worldwide. Whether you need help with anatomy, care planning, or research methods, private tutors can tailor every session to you, what you need to learn, and how you best learn.
It's very common for tutors to have backgrounds in clinical practice, education, or research. Many offer the first session for free, so you can try a few first.
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