Tertiary degree · Level 8 · Health & Social Care

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing starting in Cork

A five-year mental health nursing degree that starts with a Level 5 nursing studies year in Cork and moves to MTU Kerry. It suits caring people who are good communicators and interested in mental health and recovery.

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 Mental Health Nursing (MTU); embedded QQI Level 5 Certificate in Nursing Studies after Year 1
Where you study
  • Year 1: Cork College of FET, Morrison's Island Campus (Cork City, Macroom, Skibbereen or Kinsale) → 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 Cork College of FET (Morrison's Island Campus), not through the CAO. All applicants go through a processing stage after applying.

Apply to Cork College of FET – Morrison’s Island Campus (fetchcourses.ie) ↗ Apply to Cork College of FET - Macroom Campus (fetchcourses.ie) ↗ Apply to Cork College of FET - West Cork Campus, Skibbereen (fetchcourses.ie) ↗ Apply to Cork College of FET - Kinsale Campus (fetchcourses.ie) ↗ Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Care skills, anatomy and physiology in Year 1
  • Principles of mental health nursing care
  • Therapeutic relationships and interventions
  • Pharmacology, law and ethics for practice
  • Nursing research and clinical placements

Where it can lead

  • Mental health nurse in hospitals
  • Community and home-based care
  • 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?

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