Nursing Studies Level 5

For those aiming to build a career in healthcare, securing a place on a Level 8 nursing degree can be highly competitive. The Nursing Studies (General, Paediatrics and Midwifery) programme with Dublin College Ballyfermot offers an alternative, structured route.

Awarding a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Nursing Studies (5M4349), this one-year, full-time course provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills required for further study or immediate entry into the healthcare sector.

Designed for Leaving Certificate students exploring PLC options and adult learners changing careers, the programme adopts a Universal Design approach to teaching and assessment. This ensures that learning is accessible and effectively prepares students for work experience placements and future academic challenges.

Core Modules and Clinical Instruction

A distinct advantage of this specific Level 5 programme is its broad focus, encompassing not just general nursing, but also paediatrics and midwifery. To ensure high academic and practical standards, key modules such as Nursing Theory and Practice, Maternity Care Support, and Caring for Children in Hospital are taught directly by a clinical nurse/midwife practitioner.

Throughout the academic year, students complete a comprehensive suite of QQI modules, including:

• Nursing Theory and Practice (5N4325)
• Anatomy and Physiology (5N0749)
• Care Provision and Practice (5N2705)
• Maternity Care (5N3746) & Caring for Children in Hospital (5N3737)
• Human Growth and Development (5N1279) & Social Studies (5N1370)
• Communications (5N0690) & Work Experience (5N1356)

Practical Training and Industry Integration

Beyond the standard QQI curriculum, the course integrates essential industry training. Students receive formal certification in First-Aid and Patient Handling and Lifting, delivered by external consultancy experts. This mandatory certification is crucial for safely completing the Work Experience module and is highly valued by healthcare employers.

Furthermore, the curriculum is enriched by guest speakers from across the healthcare field, providing real-world insights into various medical professions. Students are also encouraged to attend key industry events, such as the All-Ireland Integrated Nursing Care Festival and the Maternity and Midwifery Festival, fostering a holistic understanding of the sector.

Progression Opportunities and Higher Education Pathways

This Nursing Studies course is strategically designed to facilitate progression into higher education. Graduates who achieve a merit profile have several distinct pathways available to them:

Internal Level 6 Progression

Students can automatically progress within the college to the Advanced Certificate in Social Care Studies (Level 6), specifically focusing on Social and Vocational Integration (Course Code: SVC).

Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS)

Through the HELS, graduates can use their QQI Level 5 award to apply for Health and Social Care-related courses at QQI Levels 7 and 8. This includes degree programmes at traditional Universities and Technological Universities across Ireland (subject to specific institutional linked awards and eligibility requirements).

National Tertiary Office Alignment

Importantly, this course aims to align with the new National Tertiary Office’s alternative pathways into Higher Education. This alignment supports students aiming for all specialized areas of nursing, including General, Paediatrics, Mental Health, Intellectual Disabilities, and Midwifery.