The BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing at the University of Galway prepares you for a rewarding and meaningful career supporting the mental well-being of others. Over four years, you’ll build the knowledge, confidence, and clinical skills needed to become a highly skilled mental health nurse. You’ll learn in a supportive, dynamic environment—guided by expert lecturers and working alongside experienced mental health professionals across a wide range of settings.  

This internationally recognised degree leads to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), enabling you to practise as a Registered Mental Health Nurse. To be eligible for registration, you will complete the programme learning outcomes as set out by the NMBI (2023). 

Throughout the course, you’ll gain a strong foundation in mental health nursing—balancing academic learning with real-world experience: 

• Acquire the knowledge, professional values and discipline specific competences to fulfil the role of the Registered Nurse to deliver safe, high quality, compassionate, ethical, legal and accountable practices across the life spectrum and in diverse healthcare settings.
• Demonstrate knowledge, clinical skills and professional behaviours that are underpinned by the Nursing and Midwifery (NMBI) Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurse and Registered Midwives (NMBI 2025).
• Practice as a competent Registered Nurse to assess, plan, priorities, deliver and evaluate nursing care based on a comprehensive and systematic assessment of health and nursing needs in consultation with the person receiving such care, their representative and the multi-disciplinary team.
• Apply theoretical principles to the practice of nursing using professional judgement, critical reasoning, problem-solving and reflection derived from an evidence base of nursing and from the applied life, health and social sciences.
• Deliver person-centred, high quality and safe nursing care based on a collaborative relationship with a person receiving such care, that respects her/his dignity, autonomy, self-determination and rights to make health and life choices across the health spectrum.
• Demonstrate skills of effective communication, delegation, inter-professional liaison and team working to promote the quality and safety of the health care environment.
• Maintain competence to develop and enhance the capacity for self-awareness, reflective practice, leadership and professional scholarship.
• Apply evidence from an appraisal of research studies relevant to the division of nursing to the practice of nursing. 

The course helps you grow as a professional and as a person—building your confidence, leadership skills, and understanding of how to support people and families during difficult times. 

 

Modules and Learning Style 

 

Students will take 23 theory modules and 8 clinical modules during the four years of the programme. The table below outlines the modules taken each semester for each year of the programme. Modules are designated as either theory or clinical practice: 

• Theory modules: Give you the knowledge you need to understand mental health conditions, nursing approaches, and best practices in care.  

• Clinical modules: Give you hands-on experience working with real patients under expert supervision. 

• Modules are also identified as shared, profession-discipline specific or  shared/profession-discipline specific. 

• Shared modules refer to modules that are taken by all groups (General, Mental Health, and Midwifery students) 

• Profession-Discipline Specific is a specialist module, which focuses on the Discipline/Profession specialty. 

• Similarly, practice modules allow students to explore “new” knowledge in the reality of the practice setting, thus providing students with an opportunity to integrate theory and practice. 
   

• Internship provides students with an opportunity to consolidate their clinical skills and become confident in their abilities.  Modules in Year 4 Semester 2 concentrate on preparing students for the transition from student to qualified mental health nurse. 

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Global Health Exposure: As part of the Global Health - Nursing and Midwifery in the International Setting Elective Module for our Undergraduate General, Mental Health and Midwifery Programmes, students who sign up have the opportunity to undertake a service learning in Africa -Tanzania and Kenya.  

Research Driven Education: University of Galway's strong research foundation ensures that students are well-informed and evidence-based practitioners. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, enabling students to apply theoretical principles to nursing practice using professional judgment, critical reasoning, problem-solving, and self-reflection derived from an evidence base and applied life, health, and social sciences 

Clinical placement: Students complete a total of 144 weeks of clinical placement over the four-year programme. These placements are based within HSE West, primarily in partnership with Galway Roscommon Mental Health Services and the Saolta University Health Care Group. All placements are supervised by qualified mental health nurses, ensuring safe, supportive, and high-quality learning experiences. 

Clinical Internship: In Semester 2 of Year 4, students complete a 36-week paid clinical internship. During this time, they take on greater responsibility while remaining under supervision. The internship allows students to consolidate their clinical skills and confidently prepare for the transition from student to qualified mental health nurse. 

After qualification, you’ll be fully equipped to work as a mental health nurse within the HSE and other healthcare settings. You may choose to specialise in areas such as Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Cognitive or Behavioural Therapy, Eating Disorders, Mental Health Nursing for Older Persons, or and Substance Misuse/Addiction Counselling. 

Career opportunities also exist in private healthcare, as well as the voluntary and independent sectors. In addition, graduates can pursue roles in teaching, research, or management, offering a wide range of career pathways both in Ireland and internationally. 

Graduate Opportunities   

Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for postgraduate education and professional development. The School of Nursing and Midwifery offers a range of options, including: 

• MSc in Advanced Practice (Mental Health)
• Other master's programmes in specialist or advanced nursing practice
• Opportunities for PhD research in mental health nursing 

This degree opens the door to a lifelong and evolving career in mental health care—both in Ireland and internationally. 

As part of the Global Health - Nursing and Midwifery in the International Setting Elective Module for our Undergraduate General, Mental Health and Midwifery Programmes, students who sign up have the opportunity to undertake a service learning in Africa -Tanzania and Kenya.  

As a Mental Health Nursing student at the University of Galway, you’ll gain hands-on experience through regular clinical placements across all four years of the course. These placements are designed to help you apply what you learn in the classroom to real-life care settings, giving you the confidence and skills to become a safe and competent nurse. 

Where You’ll Work 

During your placements, you’ll gain experience in a wide range of settings, including: 

• In-patient mental health services
• Community mental health teams
• Child and adolescent mental health services
• Voluntary and non-profit organisations
• Recovery and rehabilitation centres
• Services for older adults
• Addiction and substance misuse treatment
• Primary mental health care
• Mental health services for people experiencing homelessness
• Perinatal mental health services
• Self-selected placements that reflect your interests 

How It Works 

Practice placement is a vital part of the programme, ensuring you meet the requirements for professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI, 2023). You’ll develop your decision-making and care skills under expert supervision in a variety of settings provided by Galway Roscommon Mental Health Nursing Services. 

• Location: Placements in Mental Health Nursing can be anywhere in Galway Roscommon Mental Health Nursing Services. Students may need to travel to external sites and can apply for support with travel and accommodation costs.
• Support: Students are supervised by a Preceptor. This is a nurse who has been specially prepared to guide and direct student learning.  Students are also supported by 
  • Clinical Placement Coordinators (CPCs)
  • Nurse Practice Development Coordinators 

Students in the School of Nursing & Midwifery at University of Galway are also well supported through Link Lecturers who are attached to placement areas. The link lecturer support preceptors, students, nurse practice development coordinator, and clinical coordinators that work in partnership with the Galway Roscommon Mental Health Nursing Services.  

  

Clinical Internship 

In Semester 2 of Year 4, you’ll complete a 36-week paid clinical internship. This placement allows you to take on more responsibility and prepares you for the transition to a fully qualified mental health nurse. 

Your work placements are more than just training—they’re a chance to explore your interests, develop your professional identity, and make a real difference in people’s lives.

This four-year degree, delivered in partnership with HSE West, leads to the award of Bachelor of Nursing Science (Mental Health Nursing). Graduates are eligible to register in the Psychiatric Division of the Nurses’ Register, maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)—the regulatory body for the nursing profession in Ireland. 

Academic staff teaches the course from School of Nursing and Midwifery in collaboration with specialist mental health nurses from clinical practice. 

The Mental Health Lecturers include: 

• Clare Kiely
• Ellie Lynch
• Dr Siobhán Smyth
• Dr Andrew Hunter
• Margaret Maguire 

 

At the School of Nursing and Midwifery, we’re committed to creating a learning environment that is engaging, supportive, and innovative. We use the latest teaching methods and technologies to help you become a confident, knowledgeable, and compassionate mental health nurse. 

Our goal is to support you in reaching your full academic and professional potential—developing the skills, curiosity, and confidence to succeed in a constantly evolving healthcare world. 

How You'll Learn 

You’ll take part in a wide variety of learning experiences, including: 

Lectures 

Introduce information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers) 

Practical and Simulation Based Education 

You’ll gain hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art clinical skills labs and simulation suites, where you’ll learn to apply theory in real-life scenarios. You’ll also take part in interprofessional education activities (IEA), working with students from other healthcare disciplines. 

E-Learning technologies 

We use Canvas, our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), to share lecture materials, updates, and assignments. You’ll also use online tools like podcasts, interactive learning activities, and group workshops in our flexible learning spaces. 

Self-directed study: A key element of university life, self-directed study includes independent reading, research, reflection, and use of online resources to support assignment and exam preparation. 

Seminars/tutorials/workshops: Small group sessions (typically 10–20 students) allow in-depth discussion with subject specialists, peer-to-peer learning, and development of presentation and critical thinking skills.   

Attendance:  100% attendance is expected across all modules and placements, in line with the professional standards of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). 

 

How Will I Be Assessed?  

You’ll be assessed in a variety of ways to reflect the diverse skills needed in mental health nursing, including: 

• Written assignments and exams
• Clinical skills assessments
• Poster and oral presentations
• Research projects and case studies
• Dissertation in your final year 

Each module has its own assessment format based on its learning outcomes. Full details will be provided at the beginning of each module. 

In accordance with Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland regulations, students must complete 144 weeks of clinical placement throughout the programme. 

Academic supports  

We’re committed to supporting your academic and personal success throughout your journey at the School of Nursing & Midwifery. Key supports include: 

Academic Advisor:  

Every student is assigned an academic advisor who monitors academic progress and provides one-on-one support related to coursework, clinical practice, or personal challenges. 

• Academic Writing Centre: Offers one-to-one tutorials and email consultations to help you academic writing skills. 

• Library: Access to a broad range of academic resources, workshops, and expert help through our world-class James Hardiman Library. 

• Academic Skills Hub: An online resource centre that supports the development of core academic and digital skills, with guidance on assignments, IT tools, and exam strategies. 

• Student Academic Advisors: Available for confidential advice on academic, personal, financial, or wellbeing-related matters. 

  

Health and wellbeing Supports  

• The Disability Support Service (DSS): Provides tailored supports and reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, ongoing physical or mental health conditions, or specific learning difficulties.   

• Student Counselling Offers free, confidential support including one-to-one counselling, online sessions, group workshops, and wellbeing resources. The counselling service support about 10% of the student population each year. 

• Student Health Unit Provides a wide variety of medical support services including GP services, sexual health support service and vaccination.

Our undergraduate students have a remarkable record of success, and are recognised each year in the Dr Henry Hutchinson Stewart Medical Scholarships and Prizes.  

The Community Engagement Award recognises outstanding community engagement. 

Tarpey Scholarship 
Established in memory of Hazel and Tanya Tarpey, this scholarship supports outstanding students committed to enhancing their professional skills through additional studies beyond the regular curriculum. In 2024, Mental Health Nursing student Meghan Murphy was among the recipients, exemplifying dedication to compassionate healthcare. universityofgalway.ie+2universityofgalway.ie+2universityofgalway.ie+2universityofgalway.ie+1universityofgalway.ie+1 

The School of Nursing and Midwifery is a research-intensive school with a strong reputation for producing high-quality, internationally relevant research. Our work focuses on improving nursing and midwifery practice, enhancing patient outcomes, and informing national and international health policy. Our research, expertise and activities are centred on the following themes:  
 Healthy and Active Ageing 
 Maternity Care and Women's Health, 
Randomised Trials and Evidence Synthesis  

We are committed to collaborative research and have established partnerships with national and international universities, health services, and policy-making bodies. Our research collaborations include: 

• The statutory Health Services, Department of Health, and acute hospital services
• Voluntary agencies, other state bodies, and professional healthcare organisations
• Interdisciplinary collaborations with academics across the University of Galway 

Our researchers work closely with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and service users to ensure our research has real-world impact and relevance. 

https://www.universityofgalway.ie/medicine-nursing-and-health-sciences/nursing-midwifery/research/ 

Course queries: 

  

Programme Director:  

Dr Siobhan Smyth 
School of Nursing and Midwifery 
University of Galway  

E: siobhan.smyth@universityofgalway.ie  

T: 091 492832 

Web: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/medicine-nursing-and-health-sciences/nursing-midwifery/ 

Minimum Entry Requirements 

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e., Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science), and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes. 

Additional Requirements  

Health requirements  

Nursing and midwifery are physically and emotionally demanding professions that require resilience, good mental health, and physical fitness. Students must be capable of meeting the clinical and academic competencies required for professional practice. 
 

As part of the programme requirements, all students must complete a Pre-Placement Health Assessment Form and, where necessary, undergo a medical assessment and/or health screening. This process ensures that students are fit to undertake clinical placements and meet the expectations outlined by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). 
 

These requirements are in line with the NMBI framework as outlined in A Career in Nursing & Midwifery 

 

Vaccination and Screening  

All registered students must participate in the School of Nursing and Midwifery Vaccination and Screening Programme, delivered in collaboration with our clinical partners. This programme follows guidance from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), specifically the Immunisation and Health Information for Health Care Workers and Others in At-Risk Occupations. 

While vaccinations are not mandatory, students who either decline vaccination or have a confirmed medical contraindication may be unable to meet core clinical competencies. In such cases, and in agreement with clinical partners, students may be denied access to clinical placements. As clinical placements are an essential component of the programme, this would prevent continuation or completion of the degree. 

 

 

  

Statutory and Mandatory Training   

Statutory and mandatory training refers to the essential training and skills all nursing and midwifery students must complete and maintain to ensure safe clinical practice and meet national healthcare standards.  

Statutory Training: Statutory training is required by law or instructed by a statutory body based on specific legislation. It is mandatory for all students prior to and during clinical placements. 

Mandatory training: Mandatory training is defined by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Department of Health as training necessary for the safe and effective delivery of healthcare services. This includes both theoretical learning and practical skills. 

All undergraduate students in the School of Nursing and Midwifery must complete and maintain certification in the following areas: 

 

- Manual Handling & People Handling training is completed in year 1 and updated in year 3.  

- AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider Course (complete in year 1 and updated in year 3)  

- Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections to include:  

• Hand hygiene (update at least once in each academic year)  

• Exposure to blood and body fluids (Updated in year 3)  

• Waste management (Updated in year 3)  

• Personal Protective Equipment (Updated in year 3)  

• Children First (Updated in year 3)   

• Irish National Early Warning System (INEWS)  

Students must satisfactorily participate and obtain certification of completion/achieve competency in training and other health requirements to commence/continue with the programme. 

 

Garda Vetting  

 

In line with programme requirements, all Nursing and Midwifery students at the University of Galway must undergo Garda Vetting before fully registering for their degree. 

As students will undertake clinical placements in healthcare settings and assume positions of trust with members of the public, Garda Vetting is essential to: 

• Protect vulnerable individuals, 

• Maintain public trust, and 

• Ensure only suitable candidates enter the profession. 

The University of Galway conducts vetting through the Garda National Vetting Bureau (GNVB). In some cases, the University may also consult other relevant vetting services to assess student suitability. 

Provisional Registration 

• Students who have not yet received Garda Clearance will be provisionally registered. 

• Full registration is conditional upon obtaining Garda Clearance. 

• If a student does not meet the University’s vetting requirements, registration on the programme will be cancelled. 

 

Overseas Police Clearance 

If you have lived outside of the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland for six months or more since the age of 16, you are also required to provide: 

• A Police Clearance Certificate from each country of residence, confirming whether you have or have not had any convictions. 

Important: These documents can take up to three months to obtain, so please apply early through the relevant authorities in each country. 

Admissions Office   

Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants 

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.  

Mature Applicants  

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.  

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants  

Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements, 

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
	All	€4,106	€3,000	€27,500	€140	€3,140	€7,246	€27,640

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to EU fees and non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

Uniforms  

Uniforms and name badges for clinical placements are supplied by the Health Service Executive.  

Application Process 

Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for each the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.