Tertiary degree · Level 8 · Health & Social Care

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in General Nursing starting in Letterkenny

A widening-access route into general nursing for the North West. You do a Level 5 nursing studies year locally with extra maths, ICT and study skills support, then move to ATU Letterkenny. It suits people who may not have thought of third level.

How tertiary degrees work: you apply directly to the further education college, not through the CAO, and you don't need CAO points. You start in the further education college and then move on to the university or technological university to finish the full degree. Applications usually open early in the year; 2026 closing dates ranged from March to May.

Key facts

How long
5 years full-time (Year 1 in further education, Years 2-5 at ATU)
Award
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in General Nursing (ATU); embedded QQI Level 5 Major Award in Nursing Studies after Year 1
Where you study
  • Year 1: FET Centre (The Business Hub), Letterkenny, Co. Donegal → Years 2–5: Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Donegal Campus, Letterkenny

Entry requirements

  • Leaving Cert/LCVP, a Merit in Leaving Cert Applied, or a relevant QQI Level 4 award (UK and international equivalents considered)
  • Or mature applicant (23 or over on 1 January of the start year)
  • Or age 17+ with 2 years' relevant experience after Junior Cert
  • If oversubscribed, priority goes to SUSI special-rate grant holders, long-term social welfare recipients and other access priority groups
  • Applicants must show they can cope with the programme
  • To move to ATU: full QQI Level 5 award with at least 5 distinctions, including Anatomy and Physiology and Nursing Theory and Practice (or Care Support)

How to apply

2027 application link not yet published – check the NTO page. Apply directly to the college, not through the CAO. Apply directly to the Donegal ETB further education centre in Letterkenny, not through the CAO. Donegal ETB's guidance service can help.

Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Anatomy, physiology and nursing theory in Year 1
  • Care of the older person and infection control
  • Clinical skills and medical-surgical nursing
  • Paediatrics, mental health and community nursing
  • Supervised clinical placements

Where it can lead

  • Registered General Nurse (via NMBI)
  • Medical/surgical nurse
  • Clinical nurse specialist (e.g. renal, oncology)
  • Public health or general practice nurse

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Biology, Home Economics

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

This degree is also offered starting in

Apprenticeships in Health

Not sure which route suits you?

Our CAO Interest Test matches you to course areas, and now shows apprenticeships and tertiary degrees in your strongest areas too.

Take the CAO Interest Test → Try the free 3-minute test

Information from the National Tertiary Office (nto.ie), checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.