Nursing Studies Level 5
Securing a CAO place for a nursing or midwifery degree in Ireland is notoriously competitive. However, direct entry is not the only route. The Nursing Studies (General, Paediatrics and Midwifery) PLC course (QQI Code: 5M4349) offers a highly effective alternative pathway, equipping students with essential clinical knowledge before they step foot in a university lecture hall.
While many pre-nursing courses focus solely on general healthcare, this specific one-year programme stands out by integrating specialized modules in maternity and paediatric care.
Learn Directly from Clinical Practitioners
One of the most valuable aspects of this course is the quality of instruction. Students do not just learn from textbooks; modules such as Maternity Care (5N3746), Caring for Children in Hospital (5N3737), and Nursing Theory and Practice (5N4325) are taught by a qualified clinical nurse/midwife practitioner.
This ensures that the information is current, practical, and directly applicable to real-world ward environments. Additionally, the course includes built-in, expert-led certification in First-Aid and Patient Handling—mandatory requirements for any future healthcare worker.
Alternative Pathways to a Level 8 Degree
The primary goal for many students taking this course is academic progression. The programme is specifically structured to prepare graduates for Level 8 honours nursing degrees across all disciplines: General, Paediatric, Mental Health, Intellectual Disability, and Midwifery.
Graduates can utilize the Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS) to apply for university places using their QQI results instead of Leaving Cert points. Furthermore, the course aligns with the National Tertiary Office’s new alternative pathways into Higher Education, broadening the options available to dedicated students.
For those who prefer to continue their studies within the Further Education sector first, there is also an automatic progression route (for students with a merit profile) to a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Social Care Studies.
By combining specialized clinical modules, expert instruction, and clear progression routes, this Level 5 Nursing Studies course provides a robust foundation for a lifelong career in healthcare.
- Course Type : QQI Level 5
- Duration : 1 year