Tertiary degree · Level 8 · Health & Social Care

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

A five-year general nursing degree that starts with a Level 5 nursing studies year in Tralee and continues at MTU Kerry. It suits caring people who communicate well and want a nursing career.

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 MTU Kerry)
Award
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in General Nursing (MTU); embedded QQI Level 5 Certificate in Nursing Studies after Year 1
Where you study
  • Year 1: Kerry College, Denny Street Campus, Tralee (Kerry ETB) → Years 2–5: Munster Technological University, Kerry Campus, Tralee

Entry requirements

  • Leaving Cert with five subjects at O6 plus LCVP including maths, or a Leaving Cert Applied distinction
  • Or a QQI Level 4 award with at least a merit
  • Or mature applicant (23 or over on 1 January of the start year)
  • Or age 17+ with 2 years' relevant experience and priority-group access criteria (e.g. SUSI special rate)
  • GP-signed medical statement, personal statement and interview
  • Garda Vetting and MTU Fitness to Practise policy
  • B2 English for non-native speakers
  • To move to MTU: full QQI Level 5 award with at least 5 distinctions

How to apply

Apply directly to Kerry College, not through the CAO. All applicants go through a processing stage after applying.

Apply to Denny Street Campus, Tralee (fetchcourses.ie) ↗ Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Care skills, anatomy and physiology in Year 1
  • Principles of general nursing care
  • Skills for safe practice and pharmacology
  • Law, ethics, research and leadership
  • Clinical placements

Where it can lead

  • Registered general nurse
  • Hospital and community nursing
  • Further study: MSc Nursing or Advanced Practice Nursing

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.