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Nursing Studies - QQI level 5

Incorporation logo
Start Date 23rd September 2026
Learning Mode Blended Online | On Campus | On Demand
Modules 8
Code 5M4339
Level QQI level 5
ECTS Credit 120
Payment Options
Instalment plan available Humm_Logo

Are you ready to jump-start your career as a nurse? Our Pre Nursing Course is specifically designed to prepare learners for a nursing degree.

This comprehensive programme offers the ideal foundation for students aiming to pursue degrees in General Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Intellectual Disability Nursing, and Children’s Nursing.

Our Pre Nursing Course provides a direct progression route to nursing degree programmes through the CAO. Graduates of this course may also be eligible to work as healthcare assistants in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centres, and in-home care environments.

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Nursing Studies - QQI level 5
On Campus

Study in a classroom environment one evening a week.

  • Scheduled start date: 23rd September 2026
  • 40 Weeks Duration        
  • 5 weeks allocated for each module                      
  • 2 Evenings Per Week (1 Evening On-site and 1 live webinar)
  • Face-to Face interaction with tutor
  • Moodle Access
Course Locations & Pricing
Location Starting Price
Dublin 2 City Centre September 2026 1,535.00
Blended Online

Delivered through live online webinars, face to face classes and access to associated reading material.

  • Semi Self-Directed Learning
  • Scheduled Start date: 23rd September 2026
  • 40 Weeks duration
  • 5 weeks allocated per module
  • Mixture of recorded lectures and live webinars every 2 weeks, while the student is continuing the learning outside of the virtual classes
  • Virtual interaction with the tutor
  • Moodle Access
On Demand

A flexible online approach developed to allow you to learn at your own pace.

  • Fully Online
  • Fully Self Directed Learning
  • Start date: within 48 hours of enrolling
  • Maximum 40 weeks duration (depending on how many modules you are completing)
  • Flexibility in modules you wish to complete (between 1 to a maximum of 8 modules you can complete)
  • Recorded lectures and course notes to aid student
  • Moodle Access
  • Interaction with tutor via email
HOME / Further Education - Nursing Studies - QQI level 5

Course Details

You will need to following to get onto our pre nursing course:

A minimum Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate standard of education or equivalent education or experience.

An applicant whose first language is not English or who has not been educated wholly or mainly in the medium of English will be expected to reach, before commencing a programme, a suitable minimum level of competence in English in order to participate fully in the Programme.

Learners are required to demonstrate an English proficiency level equivalent to International English Language Testing Score (IELTS 5.5) and/or other recognised equivalent international English language test. Learners will be required to submit evidence of their English proficiency.

Learners may need to complete Patient Manual Handling Training & Cardiac/Basic First Aid Training before completing their work placement which is not provided by City College Dublin.

This is a sample of our pre nursing course structure looking at 5 weeks:

Week 1: Webinar over 2 hours of course material – including overview of the module, overview of how the blended programme works and assessment criteria.

Week 2: 1 Hour tutor support via email, or where necessary TEAMS. Tutors may also upload a forum question which students have to engage with.

Week 3: Recorded lecture. Learners will also be directed to read specific units in their course notes.

Week 4: Webinar over 2 hours of course material. The webinar can be a lecture, a guided discussion

Week 5: Study week for students & tutor support, 1 hour for Q&A, assessment questions, additional information etc. This can be via email or where necessary through TEAMS.

* Academic Admin/Tutor will load module course material & reading list on MOODLE

Our Pre Nursing Course is Continuous Assessment

Learners must complete 160 hours of work experience in a suitable healthcare setting which might be a nursing home, hospital or daycare centre.

Students may need to complete a patient moving and handling course and basic first aid responder course prior to starting their work placement.

QQI Level 5 Major Award in Nursing Studies (8 QQI Level 5 Component Certificates)

Garda Vetting is a legal requirement under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 for the vetting of persons carrying out work with children or vulnerable persons.

Students must complete the Garda Vetting process before commencing work placement.

Students who have spent more than 6 months living outside of Ireland will need to provide a copy of their Police Clearance Certification for all international addresses that they have lived at, before starting placement.

QQI supports learners at each stage of their learning journey, whether by issuing and replacing QQI Award certificates, verifying existing qualifications such as FETAC or HETAC awards, or advising on the move to higher education.

As the national awarding body for further education and training and most private higher education providers, QQI works in partnership with providers and stakeholders to develop and maintain award standards. Along with offering guidance on certifying awards and verifying qualifications, we maintain searchable databases of QQI-validated programmes and CAS awards and support the recognition of prior learning, and access, transfer and progression pathways.

Through this pre nursing course, students will be introduced to the caring role of the nurse, with a strong emphasis on developing essential interpersonal communication skills. You’ll gain practical competence in providing patient care within safe and hygienic environments, ensuring you are well-prepared for the workplace or further study. Our carefully selected modules are relevant, practical, and designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge required in today’s healthcare landscape.

Upon completing this pre nursing course, graduates will be well-prepared to work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, residential centres, and daycare centres. Additionally, a significant number of our graduates successfully progress to degree programmes in Nursing and Midwifery at leading Irish universities, including TCD, DCU, and UCD.

Achieving this award not only opens doors to immediate employment opportunities but also provides a stepping stone to further educational pathways. It enables learners to advance to higher levels of the National Framework of Qualifications, positioning them for continued success in the field of healthcare and nursing.

*Course content is subject to review after each intake and may be updated in line with industry standards.

CLASSROOM & BLENDED - The following 8 modules are madatory.
Care Skills [ 5N2770 ]
Care Support [ 5N0758 ]
Safety & Health at Work [ 5N1794 ]
Communications [ 5N0690 ]
Work Experience [ 5N1356 ]
Anatomy & Physiology [ 5N0749 ]
Human Growth & Development [ 5N1279 ]
Nursing Theory & Practice [ 5N4325 ]
ONLINE - For online only study, the 8 modules are made up from mandatory and elective.
MANDATORY
Care Skills [ 5N2770 ]
Communications [ 5N0690 ]
Work Experience [ 5N1356 ]
Anatomy & Physiology [ 5N0749 ]
Human Growth & Development [ 5N1279 ]
Nursing Theory & Practice [ 5N4325 ]
ELECTIVE
Care Support [ 5N0758 ]
Safety & Health at Work [ 5N1794 ]
Care of the Older Person [ 5N2706 ]
Infection Prevention and Control [ 5N3734 ]
Pallative Care Support [ 5N3769 ]
Social Studies [ 5N1370 ]

Nursing Studies - QQI level 5

Clare Ane Lalor

Clare Ane Lalor

BSc General Nursing MEd Adult and Further Education

Clare Ane Lalor graduated from Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), with a BSc in General Nursing in 2014, and after graduation from worked as a nurse and nurse assessor in the community. During this time, Clare also gained qualifications in complementary therapies and worked part time as a self employed complementary therapist.

In 2020, Clare graduated from Mary Immaculate College (MIC), with a M.Ed in Adult and Further Education; however, due to COVID 19, she returned to community nursing for a few years before embarking on her teaching career.

Clare is currently working as an online tutor with City College Dublin, and thoroughly enjoys assisting learners working towards attaining QQI level 5 qualifications in Health Care Support and Nursing Studies.

Related minor awards

Students can avail of an option to study minor awards, as these awards can be purchased individually or collectively at a discounted rate. The following Minor awards are delivered online only.

Choose to pay in full, or sign up with a Humm finance instalment plan.

Bundle Discounts

2 modules

20% 0ff

3 modules

35% 0ff

4 modules

40% 0ff

5+ modules

50% 0ff

Available On Demand

The aim of this module is to provide the learner with the knowledge, skills and competency to care for clients in a hygienic and professional manner.

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to work effectively in a care setting, as well as to promote good practice and respect for diversity in lifestyle, religion and culture in care work

To provide an introduction to the practical application of Health & Safety Practice in the workplace.

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the relevant knowledge, skill and competence to communicate verbally and non-verbally in standard everyday tasks and in work-related tasks, operating independently while under general direction.

The aim of this module is to equip the learner with the relevant knowledge, skill and competence to participate in the workplace for a limited time, carrying out work-related tasks independently while under general direction.

The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to understand the structure and function of the human body and the interrelationship between its systems.

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence in the theory, principles and practice underpinning the nursing process and nursing profession to enable the learner to perform a range of basic nursing skills.

The aim is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to work effectively in a variety of community/social care settings, where frequent demand is made on the individual to relate to people at various levels of personal development. The module introduces the learner to human growth and development from infancy to old age in order that the learner will be equipped to relate to people at a level appropriate to their needs.

The aim is to provide the knowledge, skills and competency to provide the full range of needs i.e. holistic care for older people in a variety of care settings working under the direction and supervision of nursing staff.

Provides learners with the knowledge needed to prevent and control infections in healthcare settings. By completing this infection prevention & control course module, you’ll gain the essential skills necessary to apply infection control best practices, ensuring a safer environment for both patients and staff.

The aim is to provide the learner with the knowledge, skills and competency to deliver care to a person who is dying or has a life limiting diagnosis and their family in a holistic way ensuring dignity and privacy.

The aim of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence required for employment in a Social Care Setting. It will introduce learners to the area of sociology and social studies and to develop their understanding and awareness of social issues in their own lives and society in general. Learners will develop basic research skills and learn to recognise the complexity of social issues.

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If you have any questions about this course, you can speak directly with a member of our admissions team.

Please get in touch. We’re happy to help.

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Nursing Studies - QQI level 5