Nursing (Mental Health)

Programme Short Name:	BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Load (FT vs PT):	Full Time
Levels (UG, G, etc):	Undergraduate studies
Course Information:	CAO Code: DN453 CAO Points Range 2015: 430 - 490 Length of Course: 4 Years Places: 15 CAO Code: DN463 (Mature Entry) Min Nursing Board Assessment Score 2015: 160* Length of Course: 4 Years Places: 6 Leaving Certificate: Passes in six subjects including English, Irish, Mathematics, one laboratory science subject & two other recognised subjects. Two of the six subjects must be minimum HC3. Healthcare Screening & Garda/Police Vetting: Candidates are required to undergo a mandatory healthcare screening process & Garda/Police vetting. For further information click here. Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for: A-Level/GCSE Other EU Applicants Level 5/6 FETAC Entry Routes
Why is this course for me?	If you want to care for the psychological, social, physical and spiritual well-being of others, becoming a mental health nurse is the first step towards a highly rewarding career. This exciting degree prepares you to meet the mental health needs of adults and their families in the 21st century. You’ll learn to engage with those suffering mental distress or illness, as well as their families, in a positive and collaborative way, empowering them to cope and recover. You will learn from lecturers and Registered Psychiatric Nurses who practise predominantly within Saint John of God Hospitaller Services.
What will I study?	You’ll experience a variety of teaching methods as you establish a strong foundation in mental health nursing practice. These include role-play, small group discussions, workshop simulations and lectures. You’ll undertake clinical and theory modules, including: First Year Transition to University Foundations of Mental Health Nursing Biosciences Psychology Nursing practice experience in a hospital setting for 10 weeks Second & Third Year Specialist Care Groups Community Care Therapeutic Interventions in Mental Healthcare Specialty clinical placements include substance misuse and child and adolescent psychiatry Fourth Year Promoting Health Serious and Enduring Mental Illness Extremes of Age in Mental Health Management & Quality Improvement Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare Clinical placement/internship Assessment is through a combination of end-of-semester exams and continuous assessment, including assessment of performance on clinical placements. For detailed information on subject content click here.
Professional Work Experience	Clinical placements help you to apply theory to practice and to develop the required competencies for your degree.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities	Qualifying is the beginning of an exciting and rewarding career, as it opens up opportunities for travel and work abroad. Career prospects in Ireland are also increasing. Due to the evolving role of mental health nursing in modern healthcare systems, many nurses now choose to specialise in areas such as addiction, forensics and child mental health. You can also pursue further specialist qualifications through graduate diplomas, and master’s and PhD degrees.
International Study Opportunity:	In second year you can study in Europe for approximately 12 weeks. See www.nmhs.ucd.ie/study-with-us/erasmus.
Graduate Profile	"I am in third year, training to complete a Psychiatric Nursing degree which I hope to complete in 2015. UCD is excellent to be taught in as it provides great support to students." "The clinical placement co-ordinators, personal tutors and module co-ordinators are all so helpful and you feel you could approach them any time." Caroline Carroll
Related Programs:	Medicine Midwifery Nursing (Children's & General) Nursing (General)
Pathway
Contact Information:	UCD Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems Programme Office Health Sciences Centre Belfield, Dublin 4 Tel: +353 1 716 6407/6569 Email: nursing@ucd.ie