Tertiary degree · Level 8 · Health & Social Care

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Mental Health Nursing starting in Tullamore

A five-year route into mental health nursing. You complete a Level 5 Nursing Studies year with your local ETB, then a four-year degree at TUS Athlone. It suits patient, empathetic people who stay calm under pressure.

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 (Year 1 at an ETB college, Years 2-5 at TUS Athlone)
Award
BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing (TUS)
Where you study
  • Year 1: LOETB Tullamore FET Centre, Tullamore, Co. Offaly → Years 2–5: TUS Athlone Campus

Entry requirements

  • At least an NFQ Level 4 Major Award or equivalent
  • Mature applicants (23 or over on 1 January) may be assessed on their merits
  • English: B2 (CEFR) if not educated through English
  • Online English language assessment, then a short interview
  • Garda vetting required, repeated during the programme
  • To progress to TUS: QQI 5M4349 with Distinctions in five modules, 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 Laois and Offaly ETB (Tullamore FET Centre), not through the CAO. Contact the centre for details.

Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Anatomy, physiology and nursing theory
  • Understanding mental health and recovery
  • Extra training such as patient moving and handling, cardiac first responder and safeguarding
  • Clinical placements in each year of the degree
  • Final-year internship

Where it can lead

  • Registered psychiatric nurse (after joining the NMBI register)
  • Work in hospitals and community mental health services
  • Postgraduate study (MSc or PhD) for strong honours graduates

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.