The Bachelor of Nursing Science (General) at University of Galway equips students with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional values needed for modern nursing practice. This internationally recognised degree combines academic excellence with hands-on learning, preparing graduates to become safe, competent, and compassionate Registered General Nurses. 

Our strong focus on research ensures graduates are informed, evidence-based practitioners capable of addressing global health challenges and delivering care in a wide range of healthcare settings. 

Programme Accreditation 

To become eligible for registration as a General Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), students must successfully complete all required theory and clinical practice modules over the four-year programme. 

Learning Outcomes 

Upon graduation, students will have achieved the following programme learning outcomes, aligned with NMBI Requirements and Standards (2023/2024): 

1. Acquire the knowledge, professional values and discipline specific competencies to deliver safe, high quality, compassionate, ethical, legal and accountable practice across the life spectrum, and in diverse healthcare settings. 
2. Demonstrate knowledge, clinical skills and professional behaviours underpinned by the Scope of Nursing and Midwifery Practice Framework (NMBI 2015) and the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives (the Code) (NMBI 2021). 
3. Practise as a competent registered nurse to assess, plan, prioritise, deliver and evaluate nursing care based on a comprehensive and systematic assessment of health and nursing needs in consultation with the person receiving such care, their representative and the multidisciplinary team. 
4. Apply theoretical principles to the practice of nursing using professional judgment, critical reasoning, problem solving and self-reflection derived from an evidence base and from the applied life, health and social sciences. 
5. Deliver person-centred, high-quality and safe nursing care based on a collaborative relationship with a person receiving such care that respects their dignity, autonomy, self-determination and rights to make health and life choices across the health spectrum. 
6. Demonstrate skills of effective communication, delegation, inter-professional liaison and team working to promote the quality and safety of the healthcare environment. 
7. Maintain competency to develop and enhance the capacity for self-awareness, reflective practice, leadership and professional scholarship. 
8. Apply evidence from an appraisal of research studies relevant to the division of nursing to the practice of it.  

Module Structure 

Over the four years, students will complete: 

• 23 theory modules
• 8 clinical practice modules 

Each module is either: 

• Shared – taken by students in General, Mental Health, and Midwifery programmes
• Profession-Discipline Specific – focused on General Nursing
• Shared/Profession-Discipline Specific – blending general and specialised content 

Theory modules provide the knowledge base for care delivery, while clinical modules allow students to apply that knowledge in real healthcare settings. The curriculum is designed so that theory and practice inform each other, encouraging integration throughout the programme. 

A 36-week Clinical Internship in Year 4 of the programme provides students with an opportunity to consolidate their clinical skills and become confident in their abilities.   

Modules in Year 4 Semester 2 concentrate on preparing students for the transition from student to qualified practitioner.  

Practice Placement 

Practice modules take place in clinical settings and focus on integrating theory with hands-on experience. 

This approach allows students to combine classroom learning with real-world practice, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed for effective care delivery and decision-making. Practice placements are a vital part of the programme and ensure students meet the professional registration requirements set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI 2023). 

Practice modules run throughout the programme, starting in Year 1, Semester 1, aligning with the NMBI 2024 standards for early clinical placement. Placement timing is carefully planned so students can progressively build their skills, applying each new experience on the foundation of the last. 

From Year 1 to Year 3, students spend between 8 and 17 weeks annually in clinical placements, integrated across semesters. In Year 4, students undertake a 36-week clinical internship, consolidating their learning and preparing for professional practice. 

Clinical Sites 

Students benefit from placements in a range of high-quality healthcare settings within HSE West and affiliated hospitals, including: 

• University Hospital Galway
• Portiuncula University Hospital
• Merlin Park University Hospital
• Blackrock Health Galway Clinic
• Bon Secours Hospital Galway 

These partnerships provide students with exposure to diverse areas of care and expert supervision throughout their training. 

Global Health Exposure: The Global Health – Nursing and Midwifery in the International Setting elective module offers service learning experiences in Africa, specifically in Tanzania and Kenya. 

Comprehensive Clinical Training:  From the outset, students engage in clinical placements integrated across each semester, ensuring continuous development of practical skills. In the final year, a 36-week clinical internship allows students to consolidate their learning and transition into professional practice. 

Research Diven Education: University of Galway's strong research foundation ensures that students are well-informed and evidence-based practitioners. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, enabling students to apply theoretical principles to nursing practice using professional judgment, critical reasoning, problem-solving, and self-reflection derived from an evidence base and applied life, health, and social sciences 

Supportive Learning Environment: Students receive personalised guidance throughout their academic journey. Each student is assigned an Academic Advisor who monitors academic progress and provides support and advice when needed. During clinical placements, students are supervised by registered nurses or midwives who act as role models and resources to support learning in the clinical setting.  

Excellence in Teaching: The programme is delivered by a team of academics with extensive teaching and clinical expertise. Many lecturers are also researchers dedicated to shaping future practice and the health service. 

Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: University of Galway is dedicated to embedding equality of opportunity, diversity, and inclusion within its nursing programmes. The College of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences actively works to eliminate discrimination, advance equal opportunities, and foster good relations by tackling prejudice and promoting understanding and inclusion.

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Nursing Science (General) at University of Galway, you will be eligible to register automatically with the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)—a qualification that is recognised worldwide. 

Graduate Opportunities 

As a registered General Nurse, you can work in a wide variety of healthcare settings including: 

• Acute hospital care
• Continuing care
• Community nursing
• Private healthcare
• Voluntary and independent sector 

You may also choose to specialise in areas such as: 

• Intensive Care
• Accident & Emergency
• Oncology & Haematology
• Palliative Care
• Diabetes & Endocrinology
• Acute Medicine
• Public Health
• Gerontology
• Midwifery
• Perioperative Nursing
• Wound Healing & Tissue Repair 

Also, you can work in private healthcare or within the voluntary and independent sector. Beyond clinical roles, graduates also go on to work in teaching, research, and management roles across the health sector. 

There are a variety of continuing professional development opportunities available to graduates of this programme, in particular postgraduate programmes within the School of Nursing and Midwifery. General Nurse graduates can pursue further study at Post Graduate Diploma, Master’s and PhD level:  

• Master of Health Sciences (Nursing Education)  

• Master of Science in Nursing (Advanced Practice Nursing 

• Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences in a multitude of areas.  

Erasmus Programme: Through the Erasmus Programme, students can apply to study or complete clinical placements in partner universities and healthcare facilities across Europe and worldwide. This experience offers valuable insight into different healthcare systems and enhances both professional and personal development. 

Global Health Elective: Students can also take part in the Global Health – Nursing and Midwifery in the International Setting elective module, available to students in the General, Mental Health, and Midwifery programmes. 
This module includes the opportunity for service learning placements in Africa, with current partnerships in Tanzania and Kenya. These placements provide students with hands-on experience in international healthcare settings and a unique understanding of global health challenges. 

Clinical Placements: As a Nursing student at the University of Galway, you will complete regular clinical placements throughout the programme. These placements give you the opportunity to develop your practical skills while working in a range of healthcare settings. You’ll benefit from the expertise available across the HSE West region, including: 

• University Hospital Galway
• Portiuncula University Hospital
• Merlin Park University Hospital
• Blackrock Health Galway Clinic
• Bon Secours Hospital Galway 

Placement Overview  

Year 1: (8 weeks): 

General Medical and General Surgical experience in the acute hospital setting 

Year 2: (15 weeks):   

• 3 Weeks Acute Hospital and
• 12 weeks Specialty (Older Persons, Learning Disability, Mental Health, Maternity, Community, Self-Selected Placement). 

Year 3: (12 Weeks) Two of the following Acute Hospital placements rotations 

• 6 weeks Medical
• 6 weeks Surgical or 
• 6 weeks Specialty (Emergency Care, Theatre. Paediatrics)  

Year 4 Semester 1:  9 weeks:   

• 7 weeks of the rotation not completed in year 3 and  
• 2 weeks pre-internship Medical or Surgical wards 

Year 4 Semester 2:  36 weeks clinical internship (4 rotations of 9 week each, medical surgical placements) which runs from January to September. During this period, the student will be an employee of the Saolta University Health Care Group and paid a salary. 

These placements strengthen the connection between theory and practice, providing you with a wide variety of opportunities and experiences in all fields of nursing. 

Clinical placements are a core part of the programme, giving you the skills and confidence to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care—meeting the standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI 2023).

This four-year programme, offered in partnership with the Health Service Executive West, leads to the award of Bachelor of Nursing Science (General Nursing) and eligibility for registration in the General Division of the Nurses’ Register, maintained by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), the nursing profession’s regulatory body. 

• Mr. Bernard McCarthy
• Dr. Christina Lydon 
• Ms. Teresa Meaney
• Dr. Catherine Houghton 
• Ms. Eimear Burke 
• Dr. Peter Carr 
• Ms. Naomi Davies 
• Dr. Maura Dowling 
• Dr. Lisa Glynn  
• Ms. Sinéad Hahessy 
• Dr. Orlaith Hernon 
• Dr. Collette Kirwan 
• Ms. Nicola Gill Meeley 
• Dr. Bróna Mooney 
• Ms. Ciara O Meara 
• Dr. Duygu Sezgin
• Ms. Deirdre Fitzgerald  

At the School of Nursing and Midwifery, we are committed to providing a high-quality learning environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, innovation, and excellence in teaching and student support. Our aim is to empower students to reach their full academic and professional potential. 

Through a variety of dynamic learning experiences, students engage with subject experts, build essential skills, and develop global perspectives. 

We integrate the latest technologies in teaching and support independent, lifelong learning with access to a world-class library. 

Examples of the learning opportunities provided in this programme include: 

E-Learning technologies: Much of the course content, including lecture materials and assignments, is shared via our Virtual Learning Environment (Canvas). E-learning is further supported through podcasts, interactive web-based activities, and flexible workshops. 

Lectures: Lectures introduce new topics and guide students in further self-directed study. They also provide a platform to ask questions, receive feedback, and prepare for assessments. Most lectures are delivered in large class settings. 

Practical and Simulation Based Education: Students will have hands-on opportunities in our state-of-the-art clinical skills labs and simulation suites, bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world clinical scenarios. 

Self-directed study: A key element of university life, self-directed study includes independent reading, research, reflection, and use of online resources to support assignment and exam preparation. 

Seminars, Tutorials & Workshops: Small group sessions (typically 10–20 students) allow in-depth discussion with subject specialists, peer-to-peer learning, and development of presentation and critical thinking skills.  

Attendance: Attendance at all scheduled classes and clinical placements is mandatory. Students are expected to attend 100% of classes and placements in each module. 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Assessment methods are tailored to meet the learning outcomes of each module and include: 

• Written assignments
• Examinations
• Poster and oral presentations
• Project work
• Case studies
• Clinical skills assessments
• Dissertation  

You’ll receive detailed assessment criteria and guidelines at the beginning of each module. Continuous feedback is provided to support academic and clinical development. 

In accordance with Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland regulations, students must complete 144 weeks of clinical placement throughout the programme. 

Academic Advisor:  

Every student is assigned an academic advisor who monitors academic progress and provides one-on-one support related to coursework, clinical practice, or personal challenges. 

 

• Academic Writing Centre: Offers one-to-one tutorials and email consultations to help you academic writing skills. 

• Library: Access to a broad range of academic resources, workshops, and expert help through our world-class James Hardiman Library. 

• Academic Skills Hub: An online resource centre that supports the development of core academic and digital skills, with guidance on assignments, IT tools, and exam strategies. 

• Student Academic Advisors: Available for confidential advice on academic, personal, financial, or wellbeing-related matters. 

  

Health and wellbeing Supports  

• The Disability Support Service (DSS): Provides tailored supports and reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, ongoing physical or mental health conditions, or specific learning difficulties.   

• Student Counselling Offers free, confidential support including one-to-one counselling, online sessions, group workshops, and wellbeing resources. The counselling service support about 10% of the student population each year. 

• Student Health Unit Provides a wide variety of medical support services including GP services, sexual health support service and vaccination.

Undergraduate students at the University of Galway's School of Nursing and Midwifery consistently achieve national recognition for their academic and professional excellence. 

Dr Henry Hutchinson Stewart Medical Scholarships and Prizes 
Since 2007, our students have been honoured annually in these prestigious awards, securing numerous first-place prizes across disciplines such as General Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, and Midwifery. These accolades are based on final examination results and are among the oldest awards offered by the National University of Ireland. universityofgalway.ieuniversityofgalway.ie+2universityofgalway.ie+2nui.ie+2 

Tarpey Scholarship 
Established in memory of Hazel and Tanya Tarpey, this scholarship supports outstanding students committed to enhancing their professional skills through additional studies beyond the regular curriculum. In 2024, Mental Health Nursing student Meghan Murphy was among the recipients, exemplifying dedication to compassionate healthcare. universityofgalway.ie+2universityofgalway.ie+2universityofgalway.ie+2universityofgalway.ie+1universityofgalway.ie+1 

Gold Medal for Civic Engagement in Health Sciences 
This award recognizes exceptional contributions to community service and civic engagement. For instance, in 2020, Orlaith Lyons, a final-year Speech and Language Therapy student, received the inaugural medal for her extensive volunteer work with emergency services and community organizations. universityofgalway.ie 

These awards highlight the commitment of our students to academic excellence, professional development, and meaningful community engagement

The School of Nursing and Midwifery is a research-intensive school with a strong reputation for producing high-quality, internationally relevant research. Our work focuses on improving nursing and midwifery practice, enhancing patient outcomes, and informing national and international health policy. Our research, expertise and activities are centred on the following themes:  
 Healthy and Active Ageing 
 Maternity Care and Women's Health, 
Randomised Trials and Evidence Synthesis  

We are committed to collaborative research and have established partnerships with national and international universities, health services, and policy-making bodies. Our research collaborations include: 

• The statutory Health Services, Department of Health, and acute hospital services
• Voluntary agencies, other state bodies, and professional healthcare organisations
• Interdisciplinary collaborations with academics across the University of Galway 

Our researchers work closely with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and service users to ensure our research has real-world impact and relevance. 

https://www.universityofgalway.ie/medicine-nursing-and-health-sciences/nursing-midwifery/research/

Course queries: 

Programme Director:  

Bernard McCarthy 
School of Nursing and Midwifery 
University of Galway  

E: Bernard.mccarthy@universityofgalway.ie 

T: 091 493817 

Web: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/medicine-nursing-and-health-sciences/nursing-midwifery/ 

 

Allocation Officer:  

Aedemar Hyland 
School of Nursing and Midwifery 
University of Galway  

E: aedemar.hyland@universityofgalway.ie 

T: 091495840 

For details regarding CAO Application and guide to nursing as a career please refer to the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland web pages – A Career in Nursing & Midwifery  

 

Guide for Mature applications to Nursing & Midwifery: https://www.nmbi.ie/NMBI/media/NMBI/Entry-Requirements-for-Mature-Applicants.pdf?ext=.pdf 

Minimum Entry Requirements 

The NMBI set out Leaving Certificate minimum requirements to become a nurse or midwife when applying to the Central Applications Office (CAO):  
 
Grade H5 in two papers and Grade O6/H7 in four papers in the following subjects: 

• Irish or English
• Mathematics
• A Laboratory Science Subject (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Physics and Chemistry or Agricultural Science, and
• Three other subjects

Additional Requirements

Health requirements  

Nursing and midwifery are physically and emotionally demanding professions that require resilience, good mental health, and physical fitness. Students must be capable of meeting the clinical and academic competencies required for professional practice.

As part of the programme requirements, all students must complete a Pre-Placement Health Assessment Form and, where necessary, undergo a medical assessment and/or health screening. This process ensures that students are fit to undertake clinical placements and meet the expectations outlined by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).

These requirements are in line with the NMBI framework as outlined in A Career in Nursing & Midwifery 

Vaccination and Screening  

All registered students must participate in the School of Nursing and Midwifery Vaccination and Screening Programme, delivered in collaboration with our clinical partners. This programme follows guidance from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), specifically the Immunisation and Health Information for Health Care Workers and Others in At-Risk Occupations. 

While vaccinations are not mandatory, students who either decline vaccination or have a confirmed medical contraindication may be unable to meet core clinical competencies. In such cases, and in agreement with clinical partners, students may be denied access to clinical placements. As clinical placements are an essential component of the programme, this would prevent continuation or completion of the degree. 

Statutory and Mandatory Training   

Statutory and mandatory training refers to the essential training and skills all nursing and midwifery students must complete and maintain to ensure safe clinical practice and meet national healthcare standards.  

Statutory Training: Statutory training is required by law or instructed by a statutory body based on specific legislation. It is mandatory for all students prior to and during clinical placements. 

Mandatory training: Mandatory training is defined by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Department of Health as training necessary for the safe and effective delivery of healthcare services. This includes both theoretical learning and practical skills. 

All undergraduate students in the School of Nursing and Midwifery must complete and maintain certification in the following areas: 

• Manual Handling & People Handling training is completed in year 1 and updated in year 3. 
• AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider Course (complete in year 1 and updated in year 3)  
• Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections to include:  
  • Hand hygiene (update at least once in each academic year) 
  • Exposure to blood and body fluids (Updated in year 3) 
  • Waste management (Updated in year 3) 
  • Personal Protective Equipment (Updated in year 3) 
  • Children First (Updated in year 3)  
  • Irish National Early Warning System (INEWS)  

Students must satisfactorily participate and obtain certification of completion/achieve competency in training and other health requirements to commence/continue with the programme. 

Provisional Registration 

• Students who have not yet received Garda Clearance will be provisionally registered.
• Full registration is conditional upon obtaining Garda Clearance.
• If a student does not meet the University’s vetting requirements, registration on the programme will be cancelled. 

Overseas Police Clearance 

If you have lived outside of the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland for six months or more since the age of 16, you are also required to provide: 

• A Police Clearance Certificate from each country of residence, confirming whether you have or have not had any convictions. 

Important: These documents can take up to three months to obtain, so please apply early through the relevant authorities in each country.

Admissions Office   

Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants  

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.   

Mature Applicants   

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.   

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants   

Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements, 

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee

Uniforms 
Uniforms and name badges for clinical placements are supplied by the Health Service Executive.  

Application Process  

Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for each the following September.    

Further InformationPlease visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.