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Nursing is one of the most respected, in-demand, and internationally transferable professions in the world. Ireland's health system continues to grow, its population is ageing, and the demand for qualified nurses across general, mental health, intellectual disability, children's, and maternity settings shows no sign of slowing. The QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies Major Award is the nationally recognised foundation qualification that opens the door to nursing degree programmes through both the CAO and UCAS, as well as immediate employment as a qualified healthcare assistant.
A dedicated Career Guidance Counsellor supports students through the full CAO or UCAS application process. Please note that a Grade O6 in Ordinary Level Maths is mandatory for entry to nursing degree programmes in Ireland, and a Grade O5 for entry in the UK. Graduates progress into nursing degree programmes across Ireland and the UK, or move directly into employment as qualified healthcare assistants while preparing their degree applications.
WHERE THIS COURSE TAKES YOU
This Major Award is the direct pathway into nursing degree programmes in Ireland and the UK, and ultimately to full professional registration.
STEP 1
QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies Major Award, Dorset College Dublin
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STEP 2
BSc in Nursing, General, Mental Health, Intellectual Disability or Children's Nursing (via CAO or UCAS)
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STEP 3
Registered Nurse, Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)
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STEP 4
Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) or MSc in Nursing
Key skills covered in this programme
A practical, employer-focused curriculum covering the essential knowledge and skills for nursing degree entry and healthcare employment.
✓ Advance your nursing career — Gain the skills and accreditation to excel in healthcare.
✓ Comprehensive training — Develop core nursing competencies for an academic and practical foundation.
✓ Boost job opportunities — Increase your employability across hospitals, clinics, and care facilities.
✓ Enhance career progression — Prepare for higher qualifications and leadership roles in healthcare.
✓ Make a meaningful impact — Contribute to patient care and community wellbeing.
✓ Flexible & practical learning — A one-year programme designed to balance with work and life.
✓ Industry-recognised qualification — Stand out in a growing healthcare sector with a QQI Major Award.
✓ Improve earning potential — Access strong job prospects and salary opportunities in healthcare.
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The staff and lecturers at Dorset College exceeded every expectation – understanding, helpful, and genuinely invested in every student. I would highly encourage anyone considering healthcare or nursing to choose Dorset College Dublin.
Gale Whelan – Dorset College Dublin
✓ Outline the composition of bone
Understand the structure and material makeup of the skeletal system.
✓ Outline the structure & function of blood and the heart
Explore how the cardiovascular system circulates blood throughout the body.
✓ Describe the respiratory system
Understand how the lungs and airways facilitate breathing and gas exchange.
✓ Explain the functions of the brain
Explore the roles of different brain regions in controlling body functions and behaviour.
✓ Identify the main muscles in the body
Locate and name the major muscle groups and understand their roles in movement.
Assignment: 40% | Theory exam: 60% | Credit value: 15 ECTS
✓ Carry out basic observations & nursing skills
Perform fundamental clinical observations and apply core nursing skills in practice.
✓ Explain the importance of precision in administering drugs
Understand the critical standards and accuracy required in safe medication administration.
✓ Implement correct reporting & recording procedures
Apply accurate documentation standards essential to patient safety and professional accountability.
✓ Create & practise a safe working environment
Apply infection control and health and safety protocols to protect patients and colleagues.
Skills: 50% | Examination: 50% | Credit value: 15 ECTS
✓ Explain normative patterns of development from infancy to old age
Understand key developmental milestones across each stage of the human lifespan.
✓ Identify childhood, adolescent & adult needs and strategies to meet them
Recognise the developmental needs at each life stage and apply appropriate support strategies.
✓ Discuss common issues that arise in adolescence
Explore the physical, psychological, and social challenges typical of the teenage years.
Assignment: 60% | Examination: 40% | Credit value: 15 ECTS
✓ Perform basic skills in understanding client care
Apply foundational care skills to support clients in a safe and hygienic environment.
✓ Promote dignity, choice & empowerment of residents
Uphold person-centred values that respect the rights and autonomy of every client.
✓ Respond effectively to the changing needs of clients
Adapt care approaches as client needs evolve to ensure consistent quality of support.
Assignment: 40% | Skills: 60% | Credit value: 15 ECTS
✓ Develop a career plan & skills audit for the healthcare sector
Identify your strengths, plan your career direction, and address skill gaps for the workplace.
✓ Participate effectively in work experience
Demonstrate punctuality, independent working, and professional conduct during placement.
✓ Explore future education, training & employment options
Use insights from work experience to plan your next steps in nursing or healthcare.
Portfolio: 60% | Skills: 40% | Credit value: 15 ECTS
✓ Use appropriate non-verbal & visual communication
Understand how body language, tone, and visual tools support effective communication in healthcare.
✓ Develop research, verbal, listening & reading skills
Build and apply core communication competencies throughout the course and in the workplace.
✓ Create awareness of legislation in a personal & work context
Understand the key legal frameworks that apply to communication in healthcare settings.
Portfolio: 60% | Skills: 40% | Credit value: 15 ECTS
✓ Understand the necessity for safe codes of practice
Learn why standardised safety codes are essential in protecting staff and clients in healthcare.
✓ Develop risk identification, prevention & reporting skills
Apply self-accountability and systematic reporting to promote a culture of safety at work.
✓ Create awareness of risks associated with the workplace
Identify common hazards in healthcare environments and understand how to manage them.
Assignment: 60% | Examination: 40% | Credit value: 15 ECTS
✓ Apply a person-centred approach in the last days of life
Deliver holistic, supportive care that promotes safety, dignity, comfort, and respect at end of life.
✓ Work sensitively with the dying person & their family
Support both the patient and their significant others with empathy, compassion, and professionalism.
✓ Promote quality of life, self-esteem, respect, privacy & dignity
Uphold the key values that underpin dignified, person-centred care.
Learner record: 70% | Assignment: 30% | Credit value: 15 ECTS
Protection of enrolled learners
Dorset College Dublin has arrangements in place to ensure the Protection of Enrolled Learners (PEL) in the event of a cessation of programmes by the college.
• Submit the online application in 3 minutes
• Photo ID not required to begin your application
• Our team will guide you through the next steps
• Start even if your documents aren't ready yet
• Admissions support at every stage
• Contact us at [email protected]
• Assessment via assignments, examinations, projects & practical skills demonstration
• Full Award: QQI Nursing Studies Level 5 Major Award (Code: 5M4349)
• Students also complete a Certificate in Manual Handling
• Pass: 50%–64%
• Merit: 65%–79%
• Distinction: 80%–100%
• Graduates are highly sought after by employers in the public and private sectors
• Career opportunities in nursing homes, hospitals and agencies
• Roles available in community care settings
• Strong pathways for further education at higher education institutions and universities
• Non-refundable deposit of €150 to secure your place
• Balance paid in full before the course starts or split into 4 instalments
• Deposit: €150.00 — secures your place
• 1st Instalment: €462.50 — 19/11/2026
• 2nd Instalment: €462.50 — 19/12/2026
• 3rd Instalment: €462.50 — 25/01/2027
• 4th Instalment: €462.50 — 22/02/2027
Q1
Do I need any prior experience to enrol?
None at all. This course is designed for complete beginners and builds the academic knowledge and practical skills needed to progress into a nursing degree or work in healthcare.
Q2
What certification will I receive?
A QQI Level 5 Major Award in Nursing Studies (Code: 5M4349), awarded by QQI. Students also receive a Certificate in Manual Handling upon completion.
Q3
How is the course delivered?
Face-to-face on campus at Dorset College in Dublin city centre, two evenings per week — Tuesday and Thursday, 6:00pm to 9:00pm — combining classroom-based learning with practical skills development and supervised work experience.
Q4
How long is the course and when does it start?
One academic year, commencing 16th November 2026 and concluding 18th August 2027. Classes run two evenings per week, designed to fit around work and other commitments.
Q5
What does it cost and are there payment options?
€2,000 — a saving of €500 on the full fee. A €150 non-refundable deposit secures your place, with the balance payable in full before the course starts or split across four instalments of €462.50. No hidden fees.
Q6
What topics will I cover?
Anatomy and physiology, nursing theory and practice, human growth and development, care skills, communication, health and safety at work, care of the older person, and supervised work experience.
Q7
How is the course assessed?
Through a combination of assignments, examinations, projects, portfolios, learner records, and practical skills demonstrations. Grading: Pass (50%–64%), Merit (65%–79%), Distinction (80%–100%).
Q8
Can this course lead to a nursing degree?
Yes. This Major Award is a recognised foundation for applying to nursing degree programmes through the CAO in Ireland and UCAS in the UK, and a dedicated Career Guidance Counsellor supports you through the full application process. Please note that a Grade O6 in Ordinary Level Maths is required for entry to nursing degrees in Ireland, and a Grade O5 for the UK. Places are awarded by the receiving institution and subject to its own entry requirements.
Q9
What careers does this course lead to?
Many graduates move directly into employment as qualified healthcare assistants in hospitals, nursing homes, community care settings, and agencies, while others progress straight to a nursing degree. Graduates are sought after by employers across both the public and private sectors.
Q10
Will I have direct access to tutors?
Yes. Every module is delivered by a professional currently active in nursing or healthcare, and deliberately small class sizes mean you will have direct access to tutors throughout the programme for guidance, feedback, and support.
Q11
What makes this course stand out?
A nationally recognised QQI Major Award, tuition from practising nursing and healthcare professionals, dedicated CAO and UCAS guidance, supervised work experience, and a Certificate in Manual Handling — all delivered in a supportive, small-class environment in Dublin city centre.
Q12
How do I apply?
Complete the online application form in under three minutes. A €150 deposit secures your place, with flexible payment options available for the remainder of the course fee.
