If you enjoy "making a difference to people’s lives" why not make a career out of it? Pre-Nursing studies can give you a head start in a career that is meaningful and filled with many opportunities, challenges and rewards.
The Nursing Studies Major Award will provide you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to apply for a Nursing Degree Programme through the CAO and UCAS in General Nursing, Maternity Nurse, Mental Health, Intellectual Disability, Children’s or Social Care in Ireland and UK or work as a Qualified Healthcare Assistant.
You will gain an understanding and awareness of the roles and responsibilities carried out by a Professional Nurse and the importance of interpersonal communication.
The Nursing Studies course is structured to provide you with specialist knowledge, skills and competence for those who intend to enter the Nursing profession or related area and you will have the opportunity to discuss your career options with a Career Guidance Counsellor who will support you in your application through the CAO/UCAS.
You will study core areas of nursing and will put theory into practice through participation in work experience. Timetable
Gain the knowledge, skill, and competence to understand the structure and function of the human body and the interrelationship between its systems.
At the end of the module learners will be able to:
Module Assessment
Assignment: 40% | Examination Theory: 60% | Credit Value: 15 ECTS |
Course Code: 5N0749
Gain knowledge, skill and competence in the theory, principles, and practice underpinning the nursing process and nursing profession to enable the learner to perform a range of basic nursing skills.
At the end of the module learners will be able to:
Module Assessment
Skills: 50% | Examination: 50% | Credit Value: 15 ECTS |
Code: 5N4325
Understand the process of human growth and development from infancy to old age. It will equip you with the skills to relate to people at a level appropriate to their needs.
At the end of the module learners will be able to:
Module Assessment
Assignment: 60% | Examination: 40% | Credit Value: 15 ECTS |
Code: 5N1279
Gain the knowledge, skill, and competence to care for clients in a safe and hygienic environment.
At the end of the module learners will be able to:
Module Assessment
Assignment: 40% | Skills: 60% | Credit Value: 15 ECTS |
Code: 5N2770
Gain the relevant knowledge, skill, and competence to participate in the workplace for a limited time, carrying out work-related tasks independently while under general direction.
At the end of the module learners will be able to:
Module Assessment
Portfolio: 60% | Skills: 40% | Credit Value: 15 ECTS |
Code: 5N1356
Gain the competence to communicate verbally and non-verbally in standard everyday tasks and in work-related tasks, operating independently while under general direction.
At the end of the module learners will be able to:
Module Assessment
Portfolio: 60% | Skills: 40% | Credit Value: 15 ECTS |
Code: 5N0690
This module will equip you with the knowledge, skill, and competence to promote and maintain safety and health in a work environment.
At the end of the module learners will be able to:
Module Assessment
Assignment: 60% | Examination: 40% | Credit Value: 15 |
Code: 5N1794
Gain the knowledge, skill, and competence required for employment in a Social Care Setting. Learn about sociology and social studies and develop your understanding and awareness of social issues both personal and society in general.
At the end of the module learners will be able to:
Module Assessment
Project: 50% | Examination: 50% | Credit Value: 15 ECTS |
Code: 5N1370
Gain the knowledge, skills, and competence that will enable you to care for and address the needs of a person and their family after the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness, in a dignified, inclusive and holistic manner.
At the end of this unit learners will be able to:
Module Assessment
Learner Record: 70% | Assignment: 30% | Credit Value: 15 ECTS |
Course Code: 5N3769
Dorset College has arrangements in place to ensure the Protection of Enrolled Learners (PEL) in the event of a cessation of programmes by the college.
You will be in a bubble:
Hybrid Learning September 2020
Dorset College continues to adhere to the government’s guidelines on protective measures required to be in place in order to combat the COVID-19. These protective measures mean that our classes will now be delivered through a Hybrid model as outlined above.
Entry to this course is by direct application to Dorset College with interview held thereafter through our online facility.
The Application Steps
Complete the online application form
We will contact you and arrange a mutually agreeable time for interview. The purpose of the interview is to establish your suitability for the programme. We will provide you with details of what is involved in terms of study and commitment and answer any questions you may have, so that you can make an informed decision.
Requirements include:
Work Experience
If you need a letter from the college we can provide you with same to assist you with getting Work Experience.
If you have previous relevant work experience in this field, you may be exempt from the Work Experience Module. Make a list of all your experience and submit to the college, we will then contact you and arrange a meeting.
Note: Grade O6 in ordinary level Maths is mandatory for entry to Nursing Degree programmes in Ireland and Grade O5 in Ordinary level Maths for entry to UK Degree programmes.
Assessment Method
A combination of module appropriate assessment methods will facilitate the assessment of learning outcomes on the course. These methods will include a combination of final written examinations and continuous processes such as assignments, collection of work, learner records, projects and skills demonstrations.
Full Award (Code: 5M4349)
QQI Nursing Studies Level 5 Major Award
Awarded by: QQI Quality and Qualifications Ireland
NOTE: A learner will only achieve their full award once all components are completed including the 100 hour work experience. If the work experience element is impossible we will then put you forward for component certification.
Certificate in Manual Handling
Final Grading: (Individual Modules)
Pass 50%- 64% / Merit 65%-79% / Distinction 80%-100%
Graduates of this course are eligible for consideration for academic progression routes in Nursing and related Health Studies in Universities and Institutes of Technology in Ireland. The following options include:
Calculator for Level 5 and 6 Awards: Points Calculator
The quota of places reserved for FET/QQI applicants on nursing courses in 2020 can be found at: FET/QQI Quota for Nursing
Garda Vetting
Dorset College is registered with the Garda vetting unit and is in a position to offer students a Garda vetting service.
To secure a place on this course a deposit of €150.00 applies and the remainder paid in instalments. You have the flexibility of using our online payment facility to manage your course payments at any time, from the comfort of your own home. Pay Online
Payment Plan for Part-Time Nursing & Healthcare Support
Deposit: €150.00 | Secures your Place on the Course |
1st Instalment: €465.00 | 12/04/21 |
2nd Instalment: €465.00 | 19/05/21 |
3rd Instalment €465.00 | 19/06/21 |
4th Instalment €455.00 | 19/07/21 |
Exam Fee: €125.00 | included in Instalments above |
Payment Plan for Full-Time Nursing Studies
Deposit: €150.00 | Secures you Place on the Course |
1st Instalment: €600.00 | 01/10/21 |
2nd Instalment: €600.00 | 05/11/21 |
3rd Instalment: €600.00 | 05/12/21 |
4th Instalment: €600.00 | 19/01/22 |
5th Instalment: €550.00 | 19/02/22 |
Exam Fees €125 | Included in instalments above |